Mark V: Can the Bases Be Swapped During Assembly?

[jsburger]

You beat me to it Ron. That is what I was going to say but I ran out to the shop to check something else and you were on it when I got back.

[JazzLuthier]

Ron makes an excellent point. I'll have to take a closer look at the table I have. These statements have helped me make better sense of one of the original replies above related to the reverse direction.

I'll have to reevaluate. It seems I may need another table, otherwise, the table adjustments will be on the opposite side of the work. I remember being able to pull the table out and put it in the opposite way, but it means the angle adjustment would be on the opposite side.

I appreciate the feedback. I'll conduct some more research tonight regarding the feasibility and functionality. Like all things, the seemingly simple things can be complicated if you don't take into consideration all variables.

[JPG]

Regardless of what is moved/swapped, the table posts must be changed or the carriage reversed. The controls on the carriage can be moved to the opposite side on a Mark 5 / 500.

However that makes all the other functions that require the table impossible(table upside down).

The bases are irrelevant as all that mount to them(headstock/carriage) are relocatable and reorientable on the way tubes.

If other functions except drill press are desired, I would get a second table with trunion/post and reverse the posts for under table operations.

Bear in mind that swapping it all end for end is the same as you started but moves the 'operator side'. Regardless, headstock and carriage need to be relocated on the way tubes. I believe the tool rack holes have to be on both sides(the legs are not a left/right pair).

So relocating/reorienting the headstock and carriage are the only things that need to be moved.

I cannot think of a possible way to place all the controls so that all functions are adjusted 'normally' for all functions.



How about dual opposing headstocks?

[JazzLuthier]

(laughing) Opposing headstock's is not a bad idea!

I believe I have a 510 table. I'll take a look tonight and see what changes in normal function will occur.

[JPG]

I believe the tilt controls are movable to the back side of a 510 table.

Actually reverse mounting the table might work.(brain storm-not well checked).

[jsburger]

Ron makes an excellent point. I'll have to take a closer look at the table I have. These statements have helped me make better sense of one of the original replies above related to the reverse direction.

I'll have to reevaluate. It seems I may need another table, otherwise, the table adjustments will be on the opposite side of the work. I remember being able to pull the table out and put it in the opposite way, but it means the angle adjustment would be on the opposite side.

I appreciate the feedback. I'll conduct some more research tonight regarding the feasibility and functionality. Like all things, the seemingly simple things can be complicated if you don't take into consideration all variables.

I am confused. You can't put a standard MK V table in the opposite way. There is only one set of pinion gear teeth on the legs. That is why the double tilt upgrade comes with new legs with teeth on both sides.

The issue is that the table only tilts 90* in one direction. You could get a second table and turn the legs 180* in the table but you still have to rotate the whole table 180* when you tilt left which puts the tilt lock on the back side of the machine. I have not checked on the price of a set of double tooth table legs from SS but I would think it would be cheaper than a complete table from eBay. Either way you have to turn the table 180* and the tilt lock is on the back side.

[JPG]

Reversing the carriage is the same as reversing the rack teeth. Not sure if the controls are movable on a 510.

My comments above were relative to a Mark 5, 500.

The MS has not been willing to sell a set of M7 table tubes only in the past.

The tilt lock is relocatable to the other end of the trunion on a 510.

[jsburger]

Reversing the carriage is the same as reversing the rack teeth. Not sure if the controls are movable on a 510.

My comments above were relative to a Mark 5, 500.

The MS has not been willing to sell a set of M7 table tubes only in the past.

The tilt lock is relocatable to the other end of the trunion on a 510.

But then you loose functionality in the horizontal mode. Maybe not important since you can't tilt right.

If you can't buy MK 7 table tubes then the answer is get a second MK V table, reverse the tubes and the tilt lock and that solves all the problems.

That would be way cool to do with a shorty. I don't use my shorty in drill press mode. It is a little light on the left side and almost needs telescopic legs on the table to be sure it doesn't tilt if you lean too hard on the table. Besides I have two dedicated drill presses. So make the shorty left tilt and have an under table shaper/drum sander option. I still might have to use the telescoping legs on the table but maybe not since the head stock is all the way down on top of the leg. I just have to wait for a nice 520 main table on eBay at the right price.

[JPG]

Reversing the carriage is the same as reversing the rack teeth. Not sure if the controls are movable on a 510.

My comments above were relative to a Mark 5, 500.

The MS has not been willing to sell a set of M7 table tubes only in the past.

The tilt lock is relocatable to the other end of the trunion on a 510.

But then you loose functionality in the horizontal mode. Maybe not important since you can't tilt right.

If you can't buy MK 7 table tubes then the answer is get a second MK V table, reverse the tubes and the tilt lock and that solves all the problems.

That would be way cool to do with a shorty. I don't use my shorty in drill press mode. It is a little light on the left side and almost needs telescopic legs on the table to be sure it doesn't tilt if you lean too hard on the table. Besides I have two dedicated drill presses. So make the shorty left tilt and have an under table shaper/drum sander option. I still might have to use the telescoping legs on the table but maybe not since the head stock is all the way down on top of the leg. I just have to wait for a nice 520 main table on eBay at the right price.

I think that loss of functionality is inescapable(at least some of it).

FWIW I have been considering this with a M5 mini.

[jsburger]

Reversing the carriage is the same as reversing the rack teeth. Not sure if the controls are movable on a 510.

My comments above were relative to a Mark 5, 500.

The MS has not been willing to sell a set of M7 table tubes only in the past.

The tilt lock is relocatable to the other end of the trunion on a 510.

But then you loose functionality in the horizontal mode. Maybe not important since you can't tilt right.

If you can't buy MK 7 table tubes then the answer is get a second MK V table, reverse the tubes and the tilt lock and that solves all the problems.

That would be way cool to do with a shorty. I don't use my shorty in drill press mode. It is a little light on the left side and almost needs telescopic legs on the table to be sure it doesn't tilt if you lean too hard on the table. Besides I have two dedicated drill presses. So make the shorty left tilt and have an under table shaper/drum sander option. I still might have to use the telescoping legs on the table but maybe not since the head stock is all the way down on top of the leg. I just have to wait for a nice 520 main table on eBay at the right price.

I think that loss of functionality is inescapable(at least some of it).

FWIW I have been considering this with a M5 mini.

Not that I really need it but that would be a fun mod. I am going to keep my eye out for a nice 520 table. I do have a speed increaser but...