Making a "Shorty"

[dgreen810]

I know this has been discussed before, but I would like a suggestion or two.
I have the remnants of a Mark VII, the base with the lower tubes, a set of upper tubes and a power head from a Mark V and a set of legs with heads and casters from a Mark V that I just purchased. My thoughts are to cut one of the Upper tubes from the Mark V in half, and use the lower tubes from the Mark VII. Does anyone see any problems before I start cutting. My biggest concern is using the lower tubes from the Mark VII?? and also would the half of the Mark V upper be long enough to make a typical "Shorty" for a jointer, band saw, and belt sander??

Another thought, can the upper and lower tubes be inter-changed, if so I could cut both upper tubes from the Mark V in half.

Don G

[reible]

Since there is no official definition of a "shory" just about anything shorter then a standard length machine qualifies.

When I did mine I went with cutting 16" off the tubes, this means it is 2/3 the length of a standard machine. Since this was a 500 vintage machine it still has all the functions abet a bit shorter. So it can still be used just like the full size machine for the standard functions. Some people have cut off 18" which I believe still retains all the standard functions.

Some have gone to shorter, I'm not sure what the minimum is to allow SPT to mount on the non quill side where the headstock needs to slide to connect them but if you don't want or need that then I guess the minimum would be the width of the headstock plus inserting lengh, its use would then be very limited that way.

BTW the tubes are different lengths, way and bench so cutting a pair of tubes in half will not work. Now I should say I have no idea on the old Mark VII tubes they might be different????

So as a starting point you need to figure what functions you want the shorty to retain and go from there.

Ed

[dgreen810]

Thanks ED

I have no intention to use the "Shorty" for anything but as a work stand for jointer, Belt Sander, and Band Saw. In other words the carriage would not be installed. I am aware the Way tubes and bench tubes are different lengths, but was wondering if a Way tube could be used for a bench tube? As long as they are the same O.D., I don't see why not.

Don G

[JPG]

Well I have done it again!!!

Created a lengthy reply and previewed it and failed to sumbit!

So to answer ED's length question, the MVII tubes are all 52". They however have holes and dimples in them. Also I would not cut them(same as Mod 10 tubes - they ain't makin em any more).

For the shorty, I would use either the MV way or the MV bench tubes although I think the way tubes are preferred for the upper pair.

Now as for length. If you are considering cutting them in half, consider this. The lower shorty tubes need to be 3/4" longer than the upper shorty tubes. So rather than cutting 'in half' move the cut over 3/8" and create two tubes varying in length by 3/4".

I think you do not have 'extra' MV bench tubes. The MV upper(WAY) tubes are 52" and cutting them to 25 5/8 : 26 3/8 will give you both an upper and a lower shorty tube set. Ditto the second MV tube. Two cuts and yer done!!!

Ed has said much re the length. I believe it will be long enough for your intended SPT mix. (I hope so since I have already done this,but used bench tubes and have not yet mounted the headstock)

FWIW I hope to also include the carriage and reversed headstock for a really weird setup under table rout/shape setup. The hardware has not yet had it's say as to whether it will work.

[dgreen810]

James

I am aware they don't make VII bench tubes anymore, however, i don't recall seeing anyone looking for a pair either. I had a VII Base that I walked around for a couple of years and finally included it with a bunch of other junk that went to the scrap yard for maybe a dollar. I am now in the same boat with another one that more than likely will see the same fate.

Also, you are correct, I do not have a set of Mark V Bench tubes.

Your suggestion to cut the Mark V Way tubes to 26 3/8 sounds like the answer I was looking for. I think I will go to Lowe's and buy some conduit for a trial run when I get the legs.

Don G

[JPG]

James

I am aware they don't make VII bench tubes anymore, however, i don't recall seeing anyone looking for a pair either. I had a VII Base that I walked around for a couple of years and finally included it with a bunch of other junk that went to the scrap yard for maybe a dollar. I am now in the same boat with another one that more than likely will see the same fate.

Also, you are correct, I do not have a set of Mark V Bench tubes.

Your suggestion to cut the Mark V Way tubes to 26 3/8 sounds like the answer I was looking for. I think I will go to Lowe's and buy some conduit
for a trial run when I get the legs.

Don G

Apparently you did not see me buy a set on E-Bay(or somewhere DB5??).

You might just like the conduit and not cut the way tubes.

[dgreen810]

James

Too bad I didn't see you search. I would have given you the tubes. By the way I just checked Lowes and Home Depot looking for conduit but neither shows that 1 3/4" is available???

Don G

[dusty]

James

I am aware they don't make VII bench tubes anymore, however, i don't recall seeing anyone looking for a pair either. I had a VII Base that I walked around for a couple of years and finally included it with a bunch of other junk that went to the scrap yard for maybe a dollar. I am now in the same boat with another one that more than likely will see the same fate.

Also, you are correct, I do not have a set of Mark V Bench tubes.

Your suggestion to cut the Mark V Way tubes to 26 3/8 sounds like the answer I was looking for. I think I will go to Lowe's and buy some conduit for a trial run when I get the legs.

Don G

I bought 1 3/4" galvanized rigid conduit (cut to length) at ACE Hardware.

[rpd]

James

Too bad I didn't see you search. I would have given you the tubes. By the way I just checked Lowes and Home Depot looking for conduit but neither shows that 1 3/4" is available???

Don G

An alternative to conduit is a metal fence post.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7G1bYLxD8g[/youtube]

[dgreen810]

Seems like I remember seeing a mock-up jsburger did setting up a drill press shorty. Wonder where he got his?

Dusty, thanks I will check-out ACE

Don G