Help Request From Shoptask Owners.

[Tall Shadow]

Hi All!,
I am an owner of one of the older shoptasks, before they came with the table. I have a wooden bench (Heavy) that it's resting on now, but would like to replace it with one like the new machines come with. Hopefully with it being moved indoors soon!

Could one of You, that is able to, post/send me a drawing with the measurements of the metal used to construct it?

I'd be grateful!

Thank You!

-Tall Shadow
(Freezing in Michigan!)

[dahui]

Hi,

I'm pretty sure you can find dimensions for building a table if you download the parts manual from the Shoptask website.

Let me know if this works. I know my paper manual has a dimensional drawing for the bolt holes at least. However, who knows what machine the drawing is for. What model Shoptask to you have?

[Tall Shadow]

Originally Posted by dahui Hi, I'm pretty sure you can find dimensions for building a table if you download the parts manual from the Shoptask website. Let me know if this works. I know my paper manual has a dimensional drawing for the bolt holes at least. However, who knows what machine the drawing is for. What model Shoptask to you have?

I'm running one of the 17-20 GOLD SERIES Machines. I say running, but haven't had much chance to really use it, as I've been too busy working (Automotive Electronics/Instrument Supplier In the metro Detroit area), raising My kids, and just trying to make it to the next paycheck!

Now that my kids are older (High school) and things are a little bit slower around here, I'm trying to get the shop task out and more easily available/usable.

I've built one of Shumatech's DROs for it and bought the quill scales for X,Y, and Z. Now I'm looking to build a better work bench for it, and move it inside(Basement workshop=Warm in winter!!). It'll have to be taken apart to do this, and re-assembled on the new bench down here in the basement.

I'm D/L'ing the parts manual & Shop guide right now and hope it has what I need in it.

Thanks for the info!!!!

I'll post how it goes!!

-Tall Shadow

[Tall Shadow]

Well, I'm back........

The information in the parts manual is for building a bench kinda' like what I'm using now. Wood, with a wood top. It's just a heavy duty (Wood) bench.....

I'm really looking for information/plans on/for a bench done in metal. One that I can use with/without a flood cooling system.

I thought that Shoptask was shipping the new units on them these days, and I was hoping that someone with one would measure it for me, or if there were specifications on it, send those too/instead.

What I really needed was the size & thickness of the steel tubing it's made from. I have the tools to build one and sources for the raw stock, but don't know what size/gage I should be using to construct it from, in order to handle the loads/stresses of running the machine.

Anyone think that they might be able to help?????

Thanks!

Tall Shadow

[Bloy2004]

The tubing used is metric, but is around 2" and is about 1/8" wall thickness.
The angle for the tray perimeter is also around 2"x1/4"thick. The benches are made to the dimensions so they will fit best for the shipping process.
A redesign would be the way to go unless you want to ship the bench in a compact package with the machine.

If I were to remake the bench, I would use thicker sheet metal for the "tray", and the outer perimeter would be a bit larger to better fit splash guards and such.

It would probably be best to list your needs and make the bench to best suit those.
I wish mine was a little bit lower, as I'm not quite as tall for total comfort.

[dahui]

Hi again,

I would also suggest specing a stand to your own dimensions. As far as materials, I think mine is made of angle iron. I can take some measurments tonight.

The table seems okay for stability. I've got mine up on a mobile base, which is actually a bit wobbly, and unfortunately my floor isn't that flat. If I was going to make my own I'd definitely consider beefing it up just for maximum stability. Keep the weight in mind though if you plan on having to lift both the bench and machine. I have to run my shop crane all the way out to the 1/2 ton bolt to get a good lift.

cheers,
DaHui

[Tall Shadow]

Originally Posted by Bloy2004 The tubing used is metric, but is around 2" and is about 1/8" wall thickness. The angle for the tray perimeter is also around 2"x1/4"thick. The benches are made to the dimensions so they will fit best for the shipping process. A redesign would be the way to go unless you want to ship the bench in a compact package with the machine.

Great!, Thanks! That is just the type of info I've been looking for.

I'm definitely going to redesign the bench, as you've said, the one that they ship it with looks like it was a compromise to make it fit, shippable, Etc.

If I were to remake the bench, I would use thicker sheet metal for the "tray", and the outer perimeter would be a bit larger to better fit splash guards and such.

Any guesses on the gage of the sheet metal used on the tray??

It would probably be best to list your needs and make the bench to best suit those. I wish mine was a little bit lower, as I'm not quite as tall for total comfort.

I have/had just the opposite trouble! I'm 6'5" and find most benches >WAY< too short to be comfortable to use.

The bench I have now is one I built hastily when I first got the machine. It's all wood, and actually a little too tall... Doh!

Thank You for all of the help/information!

I have a much better idea of what I need to use now!

Tall Shadow

[Tall Shadow]

Originally Posted by dahui Hi again, I would also suggest specing a stand to your own dimensions. As far as materials, I think mine is made of angle iron. I can take some measurments tonight.

That would be great!
I'd hate to design mine and just remake the factory one!
It would defeat the whole purpose.

The table seems okay for stability. I've got mine up on a mobile base, which is actually a bit wobbly, and unfortunately my floor isn't that flat. If I was going to make my own I'd definitely consider beefing it up just for maximum stability. Keep the weight in mind though if you plan on having to lift both the bench and machine. I have to run my shop crane all the way out to the 1/2 ton bolt to get a good lift. cheers, DaHui

Well, Mine is going to go through a complete tear-down/cleaning and transport down into my basement shop(It's out in the garage now..COLD!). So... I plan on moving it in pieces (I Hope!) down there and onto the "New" stand.

I do like the idea of having it on a mobile base though.... I've seen/been told that access to the back of the machine for work & cleaning is a "good thing"!

I'll have to make the wheels a little wider apart or something to make it more stable. Then set it up on machine feet/pads while it's "in use".

Thanks for the info/feedback!!!

Tall Shadow

[dahui]

Hi,

Well I took some measurements but now I can't find them so I'll do my best from memory.

Legs: 2" square tube 1/8" wall

Horizontal braces: 2" angle 1/8"

Tray: .2 thickness (don't know what gauge this is) and the lip on the tray is 1.5 inches.

Skids: 2x3 rectangular tube 1/8" wall

hope that helps,

DaHui

[Tall Shadow]

Originally Posted by dahui Hi, Well I took some measurements but now I can't find them so I'll do my best from memory. Legs: 2" square tube 1/8" wall Horizontal braces: 2" angle 1/8" Tray: .2 thickness (don't know what gauge this is) and the lip on the tray is 1.5 inches. Skids: 2x3 rectangular tube 1/8" wall hope that helps, DaHui

It helps allot!!!!

Looks like I've got some designing to do now........

Thanks Everyone!!!! for all of the help & Info!!!

I will post a pic (If I can slip the camera away from the kids!) as/after I get this thing going. It might make a good "How To" article.

Thanks Again!
Tall Shadow
(Mark)
In Michigan (Burrr!)

[Bloy2004]

If you haven't already, check out my rebuild of the shoptask I got several years ago:
shoptask 3/1 lathe/mill assembly and mods

I didn't do much with the stand from the original other than adding castors(pictured) and shelving into it(no pics of this).

[kenlambert]

I went to harbor freight and purchased thier transmision tear down stand,89.00rated for 1000# then put 4 casters on it , it comes with a fluid tray that angles down to a drain. It has a smithy siting on it but this is about the stand so here is a pic.