Shopsmith Forums

Since getting my used SS 510 I quickly found myself with boxes of unorganized attachments. Searching the forums I saw the discontinued SS solution and some very nice shop built solutions. As much as I'd like to build custom storage, I don't have the time right now.

The quick fix for me was a large Craftsman top box 40" long, 20" high, and 16" deep. I added a HTC-2000 adjustable mobile base with a 3/4" plywood bottom. Now I have room for most SS parts and for my wood turning tools. I have a Jet 1221VS lathe and all the SS lathe parts and tools as well.

Not perfect because the lid has to be up to open the drawers, and it only fits underneath when the SS is on it's wheels and the toolbox is off it's wheels. To roll the box out I have to swing one end of the SS out, raise the toolbox, and then move it out. Not too bad, but there's room for improvement.

The toolbox is sturdy with good paint. Drawers slide well and the lid has gas shocks. A couple of deeper (taller) drawers would be nice. The toolbox was $280, mobile base $55, drawer liner $20, and plywood $10. The drawer liner is a poor value, not enough for the whole box and over priced.

Why not disable the drawer lock so you can open them without opening the lid?

Mauka,

If your Craftsman box has the same locking latch system like mine does, Raise the lid to full open and pull all of the drawers out approx. 1" and close the lid.

The drawers won't fully close afterwards however, You wouldn't need to move anything or raise anything just to gain drawer access...

Another idea would be if you can remove the piano hinge holding the lid on, you can remove the lid and mount the box to the base tubes... The top of the box would essentially be a large tray along with all of the drawers...

Neat idea you have there!!!

Mike

Thanks for the ideas. My "shop" is half of an open garage so I need to lock the drawers. I wrongly expected the key would unlock everything.

Oldiron - I'll give that a try, could be helpful.

We're planning to move in a couple of years and I will hold out for a three car enclosed garage. A big stand alone shop would be wonderful - but asking too much.

I like the way you think as you attack a problem. Nice and secure.

Everett