Replacement base for Mk V?

dkerfoot · Post by **dkerfoot** » Tue Jul 07, 2009 8:22 pm

I am considering replacing the base of my Mk V with a rolling cabinet.

I have the mobile casters, but would really like to add more mass and stability for lathe work, plus larger urethane casters for better mobility/smoother rolling. I have seen the cabinets that hang off the way tubes, but would like to completely replace the sheet-metal legs.

While I am at it, I'd make the whole thing a bit taller since I never use the table saw and use the Lathe a lot.

Does anyone have any good plans or images as a jumping off point?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:13 am

dkerfoot wrote:I am considering replacing the base of my Mk V with a rolling cabinet.

I have the mobile casters, but would really like to add more mass and stability for lathe work, plus larger urethane casters for better mobility/smoother rolling. I have seen the cabinets that hang off the way tubes, but would like to completely replace the sheet-metal legs.

While I am at it, I'd make the whole thing a bit taller since I never use the table saw and use the Lathe a lot.

Does anyone have any good plans or images as a jumping off point?

No plans here but I am anxious to see what you come up with. I have often thought about doing this same thing but have never gotten around to it.

I would do it a slight bit different than you describe. I would go lower because I am short and feel that the table saw is a bit too high. I would like to look down on my table saw.

Larger, retractable wheels would be mandatory.

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:29 am

You guys need to get together and come up with an adjustable bench. Preferably just push a button for up and another for down. I personally would go ahead and order one for the new electronic model!:D

tdubnik · Post by **tdubnik** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 7:42 am

mbcabinetmaker wrote:You guys need to get together and come up with an adjustable bench. Preferably just push a button for up and another for down. I personally would go ahead and order one for the new electronic model!:D

Just get a TV lift and it would just hide in a decorative cabinet when not in use.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 8:25 am

If seriously considering an cabinet for under the Mark V, remember that some functions of the Mark V require space beneath the tubes. Lower the main table, as an example, or the lift assist.

These are not show stoppers but are design considerations.

dkerfoot · Post by **dkerfoot** » Wed Jul 08, 2009 10:51 am

Excellent point. I don't see a lift-assist in the near future, but the legs of the table will need to be accommodated.

As for the new electronic model - it just figures they would announce it the day AFTER I won the bidding on a speed reducer on eBay! Of course, it all depends on where the come in on price.

dusty wrote:If seriously considering an cabinet for under the Mark V, remember that some functions of the Mark V require space beneath the tubes. Lower the main table, as an example, or the lift assist.

These are not show stoppers but are design considerations.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 1:58 am

I would just as soon leave well enough alone. I wouldn't mess with the design. It would be easier to either build cabinets to fit or to order the cabinets that Shopsmith has available (that is, if they still have them).

BPR

dkerfoot · Post by **dkerfoot** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:46 am

Thanks, but I don't feel it is "well enough." This is surely a less drastic change than guys who cut them down to make a shorty.

Hanging a cabinet from the way tubes would add mass, but not improve mobility or put it at a better height for lathe work. Rolling cabinets underneath would be of no help at all.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:19 am

ryanbp01 wrote:I would just as soon leave well enough alone. I wouldn't mess with the design. It would be easier to either build cabinets to fit or to order the cabinets that Shopsmith has available (that is, if they still have them).

BPR

My recollection is that SS had a 'clearance' sale recently. I assume they have 'discontinued' them.

The table 'tubes' only extend about 1" below the bottom of the end castings(on a Goldie). A small pedestal at each end will allow clearance. I assume the 510/20 would be similar.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jul 10, 2009 2:57 pm

JPG40504 wrote:My recollection is that SS had a 'clearance' sale recently. I assume they have 'discontinued' them.

The table 'tubes' only extend about 1" below the bottom of the end castings(on a Goldie). A small pedestal at each end will allow clearance. I assume the 510/20 would be similar.

I believe you are correct - the tool cabinets were subject of a big clearance special. One of the Folkerths also sold a number of the cabinets on eBay. That, however, does not necessarily mean that Shopsmith will no longer offer these items for sale as part of their catalog.

I believe I have seen them run clearance specials on items that they still sell.