Shopsmith Forums

I have decided to do a "shorty" of my MK5 500 after more than 25 years of owning it. I intend to only cut-off about 14". The issue I am having so far is trying to figure out how to remove the upper way tubes. I can see some set screws on the tail end; however, getting to them is another question due to a bar blocking access.

Help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Not a 'new' problem.

If the hinge pin is 'in the way', simply remove it.(not a difficult task)

https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/view ... #post41466

JPG wrote:Not a 'new' problem.

If the hinge pin is 'in the way', simply remove it.(not a difficult task)

https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/view ... #post41466

Will a ball end hex driver work or can you still not get enough purchase on the hex screw because of the pivot rod.

Great, JPG. That was very helpful. Might try to do it tomorrow.

Well, I went and started planning the tube cutting, and something dawned on me. Wouldn't be easier to just cut the tubes at the other end from the hinge pin (will call that the "top end" when it is in drill press mode)? The upper tube brace on the "top end" comes off very easily. I could just leave the headstock and carriage on the upper tubes (properly supported and braced of course) and then just cut off the 14", and then do the same on the lower tubes.
Anyone see any issues with this approach?

Dansmith wrote:Well, I went and started planning the tube cutting, and something dawned on me. Wouldn't be easier to just cut the tubes at the other end from the hinge pin (will call that the "top end" when it is in drill press mode)? The upper tube brace on the "top end" comes off very easily. I could just leave the headstock and carriage on the upper tubes (properly supported and braced of course) and then just cut off the 14", and then do the same on the lower tubes.
Anyone see any issues with this approach?

If you are cutting them yourself and have the proper tool to do it that way I see no problem. However, to cut the bench tubes you have to take off the left leg assembly. So, you will have to support the bench tubes off the floor and the way tubes above the bench tubes.

jsburger wrote:

Dansmith wrote:Well, I went and started planning the tube cutting, and something dawned on me. Wouldn't be easier to just cut the tubes at the other end from the hinge pin (will call that the "top end" when it is in drill press mode)? The upper tube brace on the "top end" comes off very easily. I could just leave the headstock and carriage on the upper tubes (properly supported and braced of course) and then just cut off the 14", and then do the same on the lower tubes.
Anyone see any issues with this approach?

If you are cutting them yourself and have the proper tool to do it that way I see no problem. However, to cut the bench tubes you have to take off the left leg assembly. So, you will have to support the bench tubes off the floor and the way tubes above the bench tubes.

Thank's, John.

I assume the "bench tubes" you reference are the same as what I labeled the "lower tubes". And when you say the "left leg assembly", I assume that you are looking at the speed dial side of the power head. So the cutting of both the lower and the upper tubes would be on the same end (the"top end"), correct??

Yes, I will support everything properly to do the cutting. I am thinking I will use a hack saw or possibly a reciprocating saw.

Dansmith wrote:

jsburger wrote:

Dansmith wrote:Well, I went and started planning the tube cutting, and something dawned on me. Wouldn't be easier to just cut the tubes at the other end from the hinge pin (will call that the "top end" when it is in drill press mode)? The upper tube brace on the "top end" comes off very easily. I could just leave the headstock and carriage on the upper tubes (properly supported and braced of course) and then just cut off the 14", and then do the same on the lower tubes.
Anyone see any issues with this approach?

If you are cutting them yourself and have the proper tool to do it that way I see no problem. However, to cut the bench tubes you have to take off the left leg assembly. So, you will have to support the bench tubes off the floor and the way tubes above the bench tubes.

Thank's, John.

I assume the "bench tubes" you reference are the same as what I labeled the "lower tubes". And when you say the "left leg assembly", I assume that you are looking at the speed dial side of the power head. So the cutting of both the lower and the upper tubes would be on the same end (the"top end"), correct??

Yes, I will support everything properly to do the cutting. I am thinking I will use a hack saw or possibly a reciprocating saw.

Yes, all of that is correct. Just slide the table carriage with out the table and the head stock all the way to the right.

Hack saw??? You might be there for days. Those tubes are not soft conduit. Petty tough stuff with a 1/16" thick wall. Reciprocating saw as a minimum with a NEW good quality blade.

Thank's again, John. I will go with the reciprocating saw, unless you have better ideas. Maybe a cutoff wheel grinder?

Dansmith wrote:Thank's again, John. I will go with the reciprocating saw, unless you have better ideas. Maybe a cutoff wheel grinder?

A GOOD pipe cutter works.