Shopsmith Forums

I set out, yesterday, to accumulate the measurements that I thought I would need to build a 'custom' Accessory Shelf for under my Shorty.

I was going to make the ends contoured so that the ends of the shelf would hug the insides of the legs.

I was also going to make the shelf deeper so that there would be more storage space on that shelf. The shelf was intended to be about 20" deep with the back edge even with the legs on the outfeed side. That would give me about a 5" shelf on the front as there is with the Shopsmith version.

I may have bitten off much more than I can chew.

Has anyone else attempted a shelf that would fit the inside curvature of the Shopsmith legs?

dusty wrote:I set out, yesterday, to accumulate the measurements that I thought I would need to build a 'custom' Accessory Shelf for under my Shorty.

I was going to make the ends contoured so that the ends of the shelf would hug the insides of the legs.

I was also going to make the shelf deeper so that there would be more storage space on that shelf. The shelf was intended to be about 20" deep with the back edge even with the legs on the outfeed side. That would give me about a 5" shelf on the front as there is with the Shopsmith version.

I may have bitten off much more than I can chew.

Has anyone else attempted a shelf that would fit the inside curvature of the Shopsmith legs?

Not I! But I would probably start with a small piece of scrap and create a pattern. The taper will be a challenge. Perhaps creating the pattern at the intended center line of the shelf and increasing the bottom while decreasing the top.

Not well thought out, just brain storming!;)

You may want to check out this little idea on Woodsmith about making a drawer for under the legs.
http://www.woodsmithtips.com/2012/06/21 ... -anywhere/

JPG40504 wrote:start with a small piece of scrap and create a pattern.

Use cardboard to make the template, it's way easier to cut and adjust.

terrydowning wrote:Use cardboard to make the template, it's way easier to cut and adjust.

Bingo!:)

I always save the cardboard back of the office work calenders as it is stiff and makes good template material. At the end of the year I'm on a scavenger hunt around the office collecting them.

My first shelf came from shopsmith. My second one fashioned from one of those steel wire shelves from a big box store. I purchaed it long enough to allow me to cut it to fit the contour of the steel legs. I actually allowed the bare ends to stick thru holes I drilled in the legs and placed rubberized caps to eliminate damage to ones legs when rubbing against. Under the rear of the shelf I cut a length of angle iron and welded ends so as to allow a nut and bolt to secure the under shelf support to the legs of shopsmith. I love how the sawdust falls thru to the floor and it is sufficiently strong enough to hold everything I have ever stored on it. Gosh I wish I hadn't thought about this, when I install the double lift I will need to remove and replace that shelf. Jim