Looking for inspiration

[wurlitzerwilly]

Hi again all.

I'm looking for some inspiration to help me out with handling Shopsmith accessories.

As I grow older, I seem to be losing some strength in my back and arms. I also had a serious operation on my neck which makes it unwise to lift heavy objects.

The Jointer in particular is too heavy for me and removing/replacing the bandsaw is not at all easy. Even removing the main table is difficult.

I bought an electric winch a while back and had it mounted on an engine hoist, but it was far too cumbersome, due to the massive legs that got in the way of almost everything.

I'm looking for ideas or plans to construct a 2 dimensional gantry, which would be supported from the floor. I think I'd be asking for trouble if I try to use the existing steel roof supports.

I've seen some swinging arm supports, but to be able to support the end of a long arm with a cable, I don't have sufficient height clearance.

The shop is about 20' x 13' and the max clearance height is around 8 feet.

Please remember that I'm in the UK, so suppliers of components from other countries is not desirable, but description of parts in general terms would be most welcome.

Regards,
Alan

[garys]

I don't have a solution for you. I have similar issues as I age. Just this winter I moved my accessory storage shelf down from a position 4' up on the wall to a location 2' from the floor. This way I don't have to lift things so high to move them. Even at 2' it can be difficult for me so I have my Wife help move things off the shelf and back. She often works in the shop with me, so she is there to help.

[wurlitzerwilly]

I don't have a solution for you. I have similar issues as I age. Just this winter I moved my accessory storage shelf down from a position 4' up on the wall to a location 2' from the floor. This way I don't have to lift things so high to move them. Even at 2' it can be difficult for me so I have my Wife help move things off the shelf and back. She often works in the shop with me, so she is there to help.

I wish I could get my wife interested enough to make some sawdust, but she refuses.

I'm sure she will help if I have urgent issues, but she also has health issues, so I wouldn't want to prevail on her too much.

I'm re-organising my shop to make everything more accessible and give me more space, but the issue with weight still needs addressing.

I'm even having to install an electric winch on my Ham Radio mast, as the hand-cranked boat winch is also getting to be too much for me.

[edma194]

A simplistic version of an engine hoist would work for Shopsmith needs. It doesn't need to reach very far, perhaps no more than a foot, so the legs only need to be slightly longer than that. They just have to be able to straddle the end of a Shopsmith.

The heaviest thing you have to lift will be a headstock, not an engine.

I have seen some commercial lifting platforms that are like small forklifts. If the platform could be replaced with a fork they might be useful for this purpose. Or if the platform raises up high enough you can just hang stuff from it.

[HopefulSSer]

I've seen people repurpose patient lifting hoists as are used in hospitals. They're like engine hoists but much less robust (obviously). Perhaps something like that might suit?

[bainin]

The interchangeability of the base SS assumes some physical strength. I know for me the accessories are getting heavier as well.

Do you have the option/space to mount some of the most used SPTs on power station bases? That way theyd always be mounted and available for use.

b

[wurlitzerwilly]

I only have one power station base which is for the ProPlaner and no room for more, but I'm trying to free up some space by removing or modifying an old router cabinet that now doubles as a cupboard.
I have a wood base to hold lathe accessories, but of course they're not heavy. I also have two Shopsmith cast accessory bases, which I'm hoping to be able to hold the bandsaw and jointer. That would at least get them to the same height as the Mk7, which would eliminate what I see as the worst part of moving them - raising them from the floor. If that works out, maybe I won't need the winch, but I'm keeping it mind for the time being.