Bench Tube Construction

[DavidMcM]

I confirmed with Shopsmith today that they changed manufacturers and that the design has changed. I wonder if the new way tube walls are as thin wall as the new bench tubes because the bench tubes are definitely lighter and more flexible than the old ones.

[JPG]

Wonder it they will hold up a Buick?

[jsburger]

Wonder it they will hold up a Buick?

[dusty]

Without knowing specifications it is impossible to know whether these tubes will stand up to the test of time. I have doubts but thankfully I have no intention of ever needing to know for sure. The unsuspecting buyers of the future will pay the price if the tubes are not rigid enough.

I would be willing to bet that the decision to alter the design was purely economic. Anything to increase the profit margin without negatively impacting sales.

[chapmanruss]

With the Mark 5 now closing in on 68 years since their introduction and Mark 5's that old still being used today in like new or able to be made like new again it is sad to think any change would be made that would turn this time-tested tool into a "throw away" tool.

[DLB]

With the Mark 5 now closing in on 68 years since their introduction and Mark 5's that old still being used today in like new or able to be made like new again it is sad to think any change would be made that would turn this time-tested tool into a "throw away" tool.

As long as this redesign only applies to bench tubes their are multiple alternatives including buying used. I assembled a 'mini' a couple of weeks ago and used 2", 0.120" wall, square tubing for the bench tubes. Welded short SS cutoffs in the ends to mate with the Headrests. It's basically proof of concept doing it for a mini, but I like the results. I was originally considering it for my shorty. The flat sides and tops were the primary attraction, but the mini base is also heavier than it would be with standard SS tubes. Round tubing is readily available, and IIRC one of our members (sehast?) used round solids with positive review comments (other than price).

My Greenie bench tubes were painted when I acquired it. I'm not sure if that is original, it was about 25 years old at the time. I have no objection to that look. The painted alternatives, which include my square tubes, are considerably less expensive than plated or stainless.

- David

[SteveMaryland]

Looks like they are putting in those "rollpin" inserts to add bearing strength where needed (on the ends where the setscrews bear). Cheaper and saves shipping weight...

I wonder if these new tubes could be packed with something like sand or plaster when installed to give them rigidity. Shopsmith of course wouldn't do that, but owner could.

Come to think of it, that might be a good idea to do to any tubes - plug one end with wood, then fill with say lightweight drywall mud. Or mortar mix. Heavier and heavier...

[chapmanruss]

David,

The early bench tubes were painted.

[DavidMcM]

I received a very interesting email from Shopsmith customer service. They say that both the new bench tubes and way tubes are .050 thk but that they are made out of stainless steel. I can tell you that the bench tubes I received are magnetic but not as magnetic as my original tubes. Maybe they are made from a 400 series stainless like might be used in engine exhaust systems. I am still concerned about the thinner walls and increased deflection although this is my first Shopsmith so I'm not sure how much the thinner wall tubing might affect the machine in actual operation. I know there are folks on this forum with many years of Shopsmith experience so I would be interested in your opinion on the deflection issue.

[bainin]

Wonder it they will hold up a Buick?

Certainly but only the new upgraded bench tube buicks...not the old ones-they were heavier