I mentioned in another thread that I wanted to design and build a permanent OPR station. I purchased base castings, way tubes and a tie bar. I already had a carriage and main table. I decided to go with the castings so that I could work both vertical and horizontal.
I have started the design process and will gladly welcome comments and suggestions.
I have decided to shorten the way tubes by 20" which will put the overall length at about 44". I decided to make the cabinet 50" wide, 24" deep and 22" tall. The casters will add about 4 1/8" to the height making the top 26 1/8" above the floor. In vertical mode it will be 11 1/2" from the top of the cabinet to the top of the main work table. This will make the lowest working height in vertical mode about 37 5/8". In horizontal mode the working height will be higher by about 10".
I plan to use MDF for the cabinet with pocket screw and glue joinery. The top will be 2 layers of MDF to make it 1 1/2" thick. I will build drawers with full extension slides for storage.
I am sure I probably overlooked something so feel free to contribute to the design.
My "shorty" Mk. V OPR station had 19" removed from all the 4 tubes. The main thing I had to address was to keep a 3rd Leg on the machine in Vertical mode. I use the Shopsmith 500-style extension leg under the 500-table for that purpose. In my case this helps both stability and balance.
In your case it may not be so important for balance, due to the counterweight of your bench, but stability of the 500 table against deflections could be something to consider.
My "shorty" Mk. V OPR station had 19" removed from all the 4 tubes. The main thing I had to address was to keep a 3rd Leg on the machine in Vertical mode. I use the Shopsmith 500-style extension leg under the 500-table for that purpose. In my case this helps both stability and balance.
In your case it may not be so important for balance, due to the counterweight of your bench, but stability of the 500 table against deflections could be something to consider.
Good points; especially the leg. I tried to take into account the balance in two ways. The MDF stand should help a lot and; if you notice my drawing, I set the right end casting back about 6" from the right end of the cabinet. This should shift the center of gravity a little more to the left.
