Making a new Stand

[Stu in Tokyo]

Lathe Stand MkII

The first stand for my lathe I made out of some I-beam, I thought it would be good and strong, it was, but it was also remarkably flexible!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/bolted_in_place.jpg
This is the stand I built in the beginning.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/sandbox_done.jpg
(Stand with old C-man lathe in place)
I did add some braces to the stand, and a box full of 80 kg of sand, but, due to inherent side to side twisting of the I-beam, the stand was not good and solid.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/weak_i_beam.jpg
I also bolted the stand to the concrete floor, which transmitted any sounds and vibrations to the whole building,
which was not good if I was trying to rough out a bowl at 2 AM......:rolleyes:

I needed a new stand I first temporarily tacked a longer brace to the stand

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/no_brace1.jpg
Here you can see the stand with the New DVR 3000 lathe mounted.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/one_brace_tacked_left.jpg
I tacked a piece of angle iron in place to see how it would stiffen up the stand.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/one_brace_tacked_right.jpg
And another view. I found that the whole stand was much stiffer, which was good,
but I did not want to just do a "fix" I wanted it done for good.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/leg_extention.jpg
I also want to make the stand wider, and stand alone, not bolted down to the floor.
This is my idea to make it a lot wider.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/new_stand_idea.jpg
Excuse the crude drawing, but this is the kind of thing I have in mind.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/outside_rail_end.jpg
I'm going to box in the I-beam with some of this rectangular tubing, I used this same stuff to make a stand for the jointer......

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/gm_base2.jpg
This stuff makes good stands

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/gm_under_bench2.jpg
Good and solid.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/stand_on_bench_start.jpg
I got this sucker up on the bench, boy it is heavy, but I'm going to add to it....

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/back_to_basic_stand.jpg
OK, I've gotten down to the basic stand, I removed the braces,
and now I'm going to box in the I-beam on on top, as well as make some feet that are wider

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/stand_mockup1.jpg
Here is a mock-up of what I want to do

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/stand_mockup2.jpg
With a bit of Photoshop added. I moved the sandbox support down lower, and I made everything wider etc,
but the thing is I'm stuck for space, if I make the stand this size, I'll be hitting the walls etc.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/space_idea1a.jpg
The space I'm using, I'll have to put the lathe on an angle to get it in there and use the space best.
This pic has the tailstock and headstock ends with the feet the same length.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/space_idea2.jpg
Here is a diagram with the tailstock end shorter. This should work.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/vl300_lathe.jpg
This is a Vicmarc VL300, and it has a stand that is narrower on the tailstock end.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/headstock_test_fit.jpg
OK, this is the headstock end, of the stand, I'm just test fitting here, preparing for welding.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/headstock_tacked_in_place.jpg
I've tacked the pieces in place, time to burn some wire!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/headstock_almost_done.jpg
Yep, spent time standing in front of the artificial sun for a while, but it is just about there, on this end!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/tail_end_right.jpg
On to the tailstock end

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/tail_end_left.jpg
Just test fitting here, but I think you can see how it will be.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/not_bolted_overview.jpg
The stand is in place, and the lathe is on for a test fit.
I'll drill and tap holes into the mounting plates, to bolt it down.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/bolted_down_blank_chucked.jpg
OK all bolted down, I also put the tool rest holder and the tailstock in place.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/bolted_down_blank_chucked2.jpg
I chucked up a bowl, that came out of the DNA bath, it is out of round and wobbled badly, the stand was rock solid!

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/bed_extention_space.jpg
I set this up so I can add one bed extension, when I get one.

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand/acoustic_foam_pads.jpg
To further isolate the stand from the floor, I made up these isolation pads, they seem to work.
Now I want to build an outboard tool rest, so when I turn the headstock 90 degrees,
I'll be able to have a 21" swing over the stand, boy, that is some big bowl!!

Maybe I'll even paint it...........? :D

Well, I put the sandbox back on, and loaded it with five 20 Kg bags of sand, plus at least 50 Kg of nails, and one 25 Kg bag of cement.........

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/stand_ballast.jpg

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/lathe/new_tool_rest.jpg
I was able to make nice smooth fine cuts, with only my lack of skill holding me back! :o

While I had the shop all messed up doing iron work, I also made that new round tool rest on the lathe, I sure like it, but I need to make a 6" one as well.

Sorry to carpet bomb you guys like this, but I'm stuck in my L shop, my wife is out, and the MILFH is sick, so I'm it in the shop, sitting behind the counter selling smokes and cans of beer..........:rolleyes:

Thanks goodness for the net!

Cheers!

[Terry B]

I just love over engineered work! I hope you never plan on moving it out.
Great job :):)

[Doughboy]

Stu

I am in awe and yes i am sorry but i have already poached your idea. Hope you dont mind me using it as a blueprint.

Well done, I am sure you will get many a turn out of that set up..

Pete

[Auzzie turner]

what an inspiration! I'm thinking of doing that to my lathe. I now know where to come back toi. Thanks for sharing this with us,

Regards......Joash


P.S Is this (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/) your website?

[Stu in Tokyo]

I just love over engineered work! I hope you never plan on moving it out.
Great job :):)

Thanks, I too love over engineering, in out day and age of just enough to last past the warranty date, I like to make stuff that lasts!! :D

Move out, are you nuts? I figure they will bury me in the Dungeon, just put me down there when dead, and lock the hatche :D


Stu

I am in awe and yes i am sorry but i have already poached your idea. Hope you dont mind me using it as a blueprint.

Well done, I am sure you will get many a turn out of that set up..

Pete

Poach away, it is not an original idea, but one bodged together from various ideas from here and there........if you do poach it, you got to post pics of the poach!

Cheers!

[Stu in Tokyo]

what an inspiration! I'm thinking of doing that to my lathe. I now know where to come back toi. Thanks for sharing this with us,

Regards......Joash

P.S Is this (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/) your website?

Joash, yes, that is my humble little site (WAY too many pics) check out my "Logging in Tokyo" pages if you want a laugh :D

PS if you do follow my design, lose the I-beam, it is just in the way! I wish it was not there, in the middle under the ways, as it makes clearing chips a pain, but at least it adds weight to the whole deal!

Cheers!

[Wood Butcher]

Stu,
Words fail me!!

Awesome Reading!

[Stu in Tokyo]

Stu,
Words fail me!!

Awesome Reading!

Domo dude, I have to say, a few times I had words, with that stand, not good words either... :rolleyes:

Like when I had to get the completed stand off the worktable..... :eek:

My two buddies, Mr. Lever and Mr. Fulcrum were of great help, but good old Mr. Strongback was not too happy just the same....

Oh well, it is done now! :D

[graemet]

Stu,
Geez mate, the steel in that stand would probably cost as much as your new Nova! My earlier Technatool is sitting on a wooden bench only slightly modified from the Technatool website. Still, you shouldn't have any trouble turning tree stumps into salad bowls, well done.
Cheers
Graeme

[Stu in Tokyo]

Stu,
Geez mate, the steel in that stand would probably cost as much as your new Nova! My earlier Technatool is sitting on a wooden bench only slightly modified from the Technatool website. Still, you shouldn't have any trouble turning tree stumps into salad bowls, well done.
Cheers
Graeme

Not quite :rolleyes: (shhh, don't tell my wife! :eek: )

Actually, the original I-beam was about $60 US, and the other rectangular stuff was about $40 US, now there is a bit of wire melted into that sucker, not to mention grinding discs..... :p

Cheers!

[Stuart]

Mate, you are a ####ing legend. I have admired all the stuff you do in the dungeon - great to actually provide some direct feedback. Read the chainsaw mill stuff earlier today. You are definitely wasted selling smokes and beer, but if it means you can do what you do, and share it with the rest of us......

[Stu in Tokyo]

Mate, you are a ####ing legend. I have admired all the stuff you do in the dungeon - great to actually provide some direct feedback. Read the chainsaw mill stuff earlier today. You are definitely wasted selling smokes and beer, but if it means you can do what you do, and share it with the rest of us......

Care to tell my wife or the MILFH that.......... ;) :D

Cheers!

[Stuart]

Be happy to. :D

On another topic - check out the thread on Ubeaut BB video started by Gumby - getting some footage of how your workshop works would be awesome to see.

[Cliff Rogers]

I have a Vicmarc VL300SBEVS & it has a grey stand.
The stand is the same width at each end.

(wish I could weld like that. :rolleyes: )

[hughie]

Not quite :rolleyes: (shhh, don't tell my wife! :eek: )
Actually, the original I-beam was about $60 US, and the other rectangular stuff was about $40 US, now there is a bit of wire melted into that sucker, not to mention grinding discs..... :p



Hi Stu, Sometimes a little info for SHMBO is sufficent ;)

Good design, heavy 'n rigid. I like the pads to the floor .Your design? From looking at it the lathe just sits on the pads? Not bolted to the floor? But still I would say it'll hold the DVR rock solid for many years to come.

I am impressed, theres a heap of welding and grinding in that one. You gonna paint the master piece?

[GC]

AWESOME!!!!!!!

and i thought i over engineer stuff. :D


GC

[Andy Mac]

Nice work Stu!
What have you got down in that dungeon to cut steel like that? I must say I would be nervous welding down there, surrounded by so much flammable stuff, but you obviously disproved my concerns!!:eek::D

Cheers,

[Stuart]

The cuts are too clean for Oxy or plasma - more like a metal bandsaw. Close?

[Stu in Tokyo]

Hi Stu, Sometimes a little info for SHMBO is sufficient ;)

Good design, heavy 'n rigid. I like the pads to the floor .Your design? From looking at it the lathe just sits on the pads? Not bolted to the floor? But still I would say it'll hold the DVR rock solid for many years to come.

I am impressed, there's a heap of welding and grinding in that one. You gonna paint the master piece?

Well, I looked at a bunch of things, and I found that most sensitive machines, MRIs etc. have this kind of pad, so I figured it might work ;)

The whole deal is freestanding, and it is ROCK solid, I put an out of balance big chunk of wood on there, on a faceplate, I cranked the DVR up, went to 2500 RPM, and while there was some vibes, the whole deal was rock solid, and there was no noise transmitted, I asked my wife to beep me if she heard anything......... no beep! :D

After I shut the lathe down, I took my 8lb sledge and banged the floor a few times, she beeped then :D.

I'll paint it when it is done, I need to put a few tool holder kind of racks on it, and I'm going to build an outboard turning tool rest as well, no sense in burning up good paint until I get that done.

Yep, I could not be happier.

I turned the biggest bowl blank yet, I'll post pics of it later!

Cheers! :D

[Auld Bassoon]

Amazing piece of work Stu. You're obviously a bit of an artist when it comes to metal work, and especially welding :)

[Stu in Tokyo]

Nice work Stu!
What have you got down in that dungeon to cut steel like that? I must say I would be nervous welding down there, surrounded by so much flammable stuff, but you obviously disproved my concerns!!:eek::D

Cheers,
Andy, don't worry, I am aware of the potential for fire, and I take a lot of precautions.

First, I clean, and I mean CLEAN the whole place before I start. We are talking broom, and then shop vac. I have a very good built in exhaust system, clean air in, dirty air out, and I use it. I have two fire extinguishers on hand, as well. I also have a rule, if I weld, grind, or cut steel (lots of sparks) in the Dungeon, I stay in the Dungeon for at least an hour after I finish, that way, I hope, nothing will start while I'm away.

You know, I used to work in a steel fabrication shop, the main welding room had a wooden floor, it must have been Oak or something, as it was rock solid and it was over 40 years old, it was also soaked in creosote or something. Never a fire!

Now to cut the steel, I have a steel cut off or chop saw, it had an abrasive blade on it, this makes a ton of sparks, smoke and a real mess, I hate the darn thing. I finally bought one of them tungsten tipped cut off saws, sure it was not cheap, but boy does it cut steel!! :D

http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/beer_shelves/cutoff_saw1.jpg

Here is a crappy little vid of this saw with the super blade cutting though half inch plate steel....

Half Inch Plate Cut (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/half_inch_plate_cut.mpg)

Here is another one of me welding up some beer shelves.....

Beer Shelf Welding (http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/beer_shelves/welding_wmv.wmv)

(both right click and "Save As")

Cheers!

[Terry B]

Stu
Having looked at you website and the amount of timber you seem to have put down that hatch, you are going to have an amazing amount of shavings to take back up those stairs.
Best wishes

[Terry B]

After posting the previous post I read the rest of the list and find the one with the big pile of shavings. Very nice!!!

[Stu in Tokyo]

Hi Terry!

Most of the wood, is on the roof, drying............. :D


http://www.ablett.jp/workshop/images/jackpot/rooftop/roof_stacked_overview2.jpg

The stuff in the Dungeon is just a bit of what I have, most of this will be used for flatwork, and I'll sell some of the better pieces. All of the stacks have a mini roof like the one on the right does.

Cheers!

[Pat]

Stu, did you end up making an outboard tool rest? I am looking at making one after braking my banjo (http://www.woodworkforums.com/showthread.php?t=73471) . . . If you did, any photo's?

[Stu in Tokyo]

Hi Pat, no, I've not made any outboard turning stand, honestly, turning 16" max is enough for right now :D