Shopsmith Forums

I'm thinking of doing something similar.



In reading other posts, I've read that Bill M. has attached / modified a main table to fit the SPT holes replacing the auxiliary table with a main table. I see the slot and the tilt of the main table to be an additional advantage in this sanding station. I think it would be a slick compact sanding station, eliminating the need to leave space for the carriage.

Any ideas on how to accomplish this? Or other similar ideas or pictures?

Thanks...

That is exactly how I have my 500 set up and it is an awesome configuration. Mine is full size and I plan on keeping it that way (for a lot of reasons). If you are going to cut it, I would just keep the way tubes long enough to maintain the main table carriage/table combo intact. I realize it won't be as short as your picture, but still functional. If you have room, keep it full size. You have 5 more tools available that way

JMHO

Options:

Consider NOT making the coupler permanent to the belt sander. That provides a few inches more 'leeway' for 'other setups'.

Do not make the way tubes so short. Allows room for the carriage.

Realize the table can be mounted OVER the sanding disc(disc through the slot). PITA to change discs, but allows shortness. V 5xx only.




Random scatter brain storming - Can an 'adapter' be made to mount in the spt mount that provides a mount for the main table? Away from shop so has not been sanity checked.

rjent wrote:That is exactly how I have my 500 set up and it is an awesome configuration. Mine is full size and I plan on keeping it that way (for a lot of reasons). If you are going to cut it, I would just keep the way tubes long enough to maintain the main table carriage/table combo intact. I realize it won't be as short as your picture, but still functional. If you have room, keep it full size. You have 5 more tools available that way

JMHO

In this case size doesn't matter Lol. I've got two full size units (MK VII, and a 510) so I won't mind a shorty.

JPG wrote:
Consider NOT making the coupler permanent to the belt sander. That provides a few inches more 'leeway' for 'other setups'.

Do not make the way tubes so short. Allows room for the carriage.

Realize the table can be mounted OVER the sanding disc(disc through the slot). PITA to change discs, but allows shortness. V 5xx only.

Good idea on it not being to short. In my over engeering I was trying to figure out a way to attach a main table (without the carriage) to the SPT, or somehow use the carriage in the SPT holes. Space is a premium, and I love "adapting" these to be the most versatile and allow as many functions as possible in the process.

Thanks for the ideas so far.....

Steve

cooch366 wrote:

rjent wrote:That is exactly how I have my 500 set up and it is an awesome configuration. Mine is full size and I plan on keeping it that way (for a lot of reasons). If you are going to cut it, I would just keep the way tubes long enough to maintain the main table carriage/table combo intact. I realize it won't be as short as your picture, but still functional. If you have room, keep it full size. You have 5 more tools available that way

JMHO

In this case size doesn't matter Lol. I've got two full size units (MK VII, and a 510) so I won't mind a shorty.

JPG wrote:
Consider NOT making the coupler permanent to the belt sander. That provides a few inches more 'leeway' for 'other setups'.

Do not make the way tubes so short. Allows room for the carriage.

Realize the table can be mounted OVER the sanding disc(disc through the slot). PITA to change discs, but allows shortness. V 5xx only.

Good idea on it not being to short. In my over engeering I was trying to figure out a way to attach a main table (without the carriage) to the SPT, or somehow use the carriage in the SPT holes. Space is a premium, and I love "adapting" these to be the most versatile and allow as many functions as possible in the process.

Thanks for the ideas so far.....

Steve

I am not sure how you would adapt a main table to the SPT mount on the end casting and still have it tilt. Also the slot would not be available since it would be over the end casting.

The shorty is the best way to go if you have the space. I cut 18" off mine but you could make it shorter just not too much. I use mine primarily for sanding but it still retains all the other functions.

cooch366 wrote:I'm thinking of doing something similar.



In reading other posts, I've read that Bill M. has attached / modified a main table to fit the SPT holes replacing the auxiliary table with a main table. I see the slot and the tilt of the main table to be an additional advantage in this sanding station. I think it would be a slick compact sanding station, eliminating the need to leave space for the carriage.

Any ideas on how to accomplish this? Or other similar ideas or pictures?

Thanks...

Yes, I still have the jig for cutting and welding the 500 main table legs to fit the SPT holes at either end. Since I am still recovering from the open hear surgery, it will be after the first of the year before I get around to doing a couple of these tables. These tables was originally done so I could add the sawing function to the MINI Shopsmith. I added set screws in the base arm for additional hold for the table legs. I have been using one of these tables on my Mark V Power Station so I can adjust the angle of the table to grind on the leading edge of joiner or planer knives. I am currently converting my Mark V Power Station to a MINI Shopsmith Power Station where I can power a different SPT or attachment at either end of the reversible Mark V headstock. Pictures will be posted when done.

jsburger wrote:
I am not sure how you would adapt a main table to the SPT mount on the end casting and still have it tilt. Also the slot would not be available since it would be over the end casting.

The shorty is the best way to go if you have the space. I cut 18" off mine but you could make it shorter just not too much. I use mine primarily for sanding but it still retains all the other functions.

Thanks for the picture John. Nicely done. That's what I'm looking to do and it will work.

And in engineering it further, Bill has fabricated a main table in the holes for the SPT. My thinking is that if I can do that I can further reduce the length of the way tubes by the width of the carriage. And if the trunion is part of the fabrication there should be some up/down and tilt movement, be it limited.

Bill will be working on one when he returns to the shop and it just so happens I'll be in Florida in February and may have a chance to swing by his place to see him again and what he fabricated.

I like your point and your unit because it gives the "full" use on a shorty. So I have to decide, more functionality like yours or smaller footprint by SPT mounting a table. I'll have to think about that one.

I'm going to look at another 510 on Tuesday to have it become the sacrifice for this engineering challenge.

Many thanks.... Steve

Not to hijack, at home with mom, shop 87 miles a way, and setting up my nephews stuff, SS, can I put a jointer on the right side of the power head??
Want to do a BS and a jointer on the same greenie dedicated, can I??

ERLover wrote:Not to hijack, at home with mom, shop 87 miles a way, and setting up my nephews stuff, SS, can I put a jointer on the right side of the power head??
Want to do a BS and a jointer on the same greenie dedicated, can I??

Gonna mount the blades backwards?

Gonna add height to the 'infeed table'(which will change to the 'outfeed table').

At least the fence will work the same(sorta! ).

so JPG ant going to work?