New casters

[MikeG]

I installed the new SS casters on my 1980 500. After reading the discussion about them, I did not use the templates. I found it very easy to use the holes in the housing to locate the new holes with a transfer punch.

I rolled the unit upside down on the saw horses as others have shown. Then I placed a board on top of the legs from front to back, simulating the floor. I then took measurements of the existing casters to the "floor" edge of the board in the retracted cam position. Replaced the old casters with the new 3" ones, unbolted the housing assembly, and moved the housing down the legs until I had the same caster to "floor" edge dimension. Used a c-clamp to hold the housings in that position and with the transfer punch located the new holes. After drilling the new holes I again used the board to check the position as I tightened the bolts as there is some clearance between the bolts and the holes.

The only problem I had was that one of the actuator arms, the part you step on to turn the cams, hit the top of the caster on each assembly. My solution was to file off the end of the arms that hit.

I am very happy with the new casters. I hope this helps anyone who is hesitant about the templates, as I think you can do it easily without them.

Mike

[fgrule]

Very well stated Kelly, I am planning to add two more sets to my shop. Although I have no interest in picking on those who are intent on buying the cheapest solution available, I enjoy spending wisely. the Shopsmith version meets that goal. Jim

I assume this is pointed toward me, which is no problem. However, I was NOT "intent on buying the cheapest solution available", but saving a few dollars in hard economical times. The casters I bought may not be as overbuilt as the SS ones, but I am certain that they are perfectly adequate in build to outlast me and my SS.....and they work extremely well.Plus they were a piece of cake to install....no washers.....just an easy measurement and drilling four holes.

I don't know why spending money wisely is an issue. It seems we have both done that to our respective situations. Others have bought various priced casters, as well.

I hope you enjoy yours....I certainly am enjoying mine!!!:)

Fred

[JPG]

At the risk of being accused of harping, I feel a need to say again that if the legs are not 1/4" off the floor and 1/2" off the floor in the two raised positions respectively, they are not operating 'properly'.

Acceptance of on the floor and off the floor without stating those conditions is IMHO short sighted and is maybe the reason for differing opinions of the accuracy of the 'instructions/template'.

The action should be identical to the original casters.

The older casters that have the foot pedal closer to the end of the camshaft will likely hit the casters in some rotated positions of the caster.

[fgrule]

At the risk of being accused of harping, I feel a need to say again that if the legs are not 1/4" off the floor and 1/2" off the floor in the two raised positions respectively, they are not operating 'properly'.

Acceptance of on the floor and off the floor without stating those conditions is IMHO short sighted and is maybe the reason for differing opinions of the accuracy of the 'instructions/template'.

The action should be identical to the original casters.

The older casters that have the foot pedal closer to the end of the camshaft will likely hit the casters in some rotated positions of the caster.

I don't think you are "harping" at all! Correct is correct and it is not difficult to achieve. After reading the posts in this long thread, I had plenty of good information on the "do's and don'ts" to do the installation quickly and easily.

Your clamping recommendation insures correct positioning.

Thanks!

Fred

[dusty]

I think it is harping. We are adults here and if we chose to disregard information/instructions then there may be consequences. Those consequences are appropriate.

To say more would be superfluous.

BTW Using the original casters, if I get the legs up off the floor 1/2", they roll just fine on the garage floor.

[JPG]

I think it is harping. We are adults here and if we chose to disregard information/instructions then there may be consequences. Those consequences are appropriate.

To say more would be superfluous.

BTW Using the original casters, if I get the legs up off the floor 1/2", they roll just fine on the garage floor.

One can lead a horse to water . . . .

None so blind . . .

If the shoe fits . . .

Plink Plink Plink;)

[dusty]

[quote="JPG40504"]One can lead a horse to water . . . .

None so blind . . .

If the shoe fits . . .

Plink Plink Plink]

I don't know what you are trying to say, JPG. Speak out straight so that there is no confusion.

[fjimp]

I assume this is pointed toward me, which is no problem. However, I was NOT "intent on buying the cheapest solution available", but saving a few dollars in hard economical times. The casters I bought may not be as overbuilt as the SS ones, but I am certain that they are perfectly adequate in build to outlast me and my SS.....and they work extremely well.Plus they were a piece of cake to install....no washers.....just an easy measurement and drilling four holes.

I don't know why spending money wisely is an issue. It seems we have both done that to our respective situations. Others have bought various priced casters, as well.

I hope you enjoy yours....I certainly am enjoying mine!!!:)

Fred

Fred,

My comments were not intended to be negative toward you or anyone else. Simply to state that for "ME" the best course of action is using appropriately designed and tested solutions. I pray that your solution serves you well, every time I have attempted to save dollars in that way the practice has bitten me in the wallet. I should explain that a few years ago I needed new wheels for a rolling cart. I found a set made from some sort of grey rubberized material. The price was a lot less than the fine red wheels. I purchased and installed them. Within two years I noted two wheels had flat sides. Thus I purchased twice. The RED wheels have worked well and are now a standard in my shop. I do apologize if I have offended in any way. Jim

[fgrule]

Fred,

My comments were not intended to be negative toward you or anyone else. Simply to state that for "ME" the best course of action is using appropriately designed and tested solutions. I pray that your solution serves you well, every time I have attempted to save dollars in that way the practice has bitten me in the wallet. I should explain that a few years ago I needed new wheels for a rolling cart. I found a set made from some sort of grey rubberized material. The price was a lot less than the fine red wheels. I purchased and installed them. Within two years I noted two wheels had flat sides. Thus I purchased twice. The RED wheels have worked well and are now a standard in my shop. I do apologize if I have offended in any way. Jim

No problem.

FWIW,the "gray" casters I purchased are NOT the soft rubber, but a hard plastic. I did my homework before I purchased them.

[keakap]

[quote="JPG40504"]One can lead a horse to water . . . .

None so blind . . .

If the shoe fits . . .

Plink Plink Plink]

Now, now, let's be inclusive, fair and balanced, and add:
yada yada yada.


;-)