I don't know of any.
December 2024 Contest
- Thread starter Dee2
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So let me restate the requirements, to see if I have them correct.
- Portable lather stand, with non-tip stability during movement, and compact (nestable) storage for multiples. I think that much is clear.
- spindle heights? I believe existing stand heights have been reported, and target STANDING heights are also included in the thread.
What I am un unclear on is the tiltable aspect - to enable use for a seated user. Current stand have this feature as I understand, and I am assuming this is a preference (requirement?) for the new ones as well. So is tiltability a preference or requirement? Does this not also affect any leg room requirements below the lathe and the ability to have a apron or cross beam?
- Portable lather stand, with non-tip stability during movement, and compact (nestable) storage for multiples. I think that much is clear.
- spindle heights? I believe existing stand heights have been reported, and target STANDING heights are also included in the thread.
What I am un unclear on is the tiltable aspect - to enable use for a seated user. Current stand have this feature as I understand, and I am assuming this is a preference (requirement?) for the new ones as well. So is tiltability a preference or requirement? Does this not also affect any leg room requirements below the lathe and the ability to have a apron or cross beam?
Tiltabilty is not a design criteria for this contest. The current capability for tilt would be quite modest and obviously would greatly increase tilt/fall risks during movement due to the high center of gravity.
In my times doing the demos on the lathes, I've seen that as something desirable on one occasion. The current design requires a bit of time and two people to effect a tilted lathe. While we want very much to be accommodating, the objective of this contest is a design for mobility with minimal tip-ability.
In my times doing the demos on the lathes, I've seen that as something desirable on one occasion. The current design requires a bit of time and two people to effect a tilted lathe. While we want very much to be accommodating, the objective of this contest is a design for mobility with minimal tip-ability.
I can add some insight to this as I created this problem.
Initially those lathe stands were built for our first mini lathes, a Nova Comet.
They were light enough to be removed from the stand and stored on shelves in the trailer. The stands were knockdown and stored as pieces to save space in the trailer.
The height adjustability and tilt feature were designed for use by wheelchair users and children - adjustability was easy with the light lathes
The light lathes were not durable enough and were replaced by a slightly larger lathe which also failed quickly
Next up were the current Rikon lathes that were too heavy for knockdown stands so I permanently assembled the stand and attempted to create a mobility system for movement in and out of the trailer. The system I threw together works but is way too tippy and needs improvement - I am glad to see this being addressed.
If the stands themselves get bigger they will not stack in the trailer - permanent casters would be great but would not allow the stands to stack/nest as they are now stored in the trailer.
The current contraption that I built uses a set of casters that clamp to one end of the stand and a modified boat trailer dolly for the other end.
Wider wheelbase is required for stability. The clamp on casters stance could be easily widened as could the dolly
BUT great care will always be needed when moving as the lathe/stand combination is just too top heavy.
I am reminded of my younger days when I helped install a large, very heavy V8 engine in a MG Midget only to discover the steering became so bad the car was unsafe - But it surely went straight quickly
Initially those lathe stands were built for our first mini lathes, a Nova Comet.
They were light enough to be removed from the stand and stored on shelves in the trailer. The stands were knockdown and stored as pieces to save space in the trailer.
The height adjustability and tilt feature were designed for use by wheelchair users and children - adjustability was easy with the light lathes
The light lathes were not durable enough and were replaced by a slightly larger lathe which also failed quickly
Next up were the current Rikon lathes that were too heavy for knockdown stands so I permanently assembled the stand and attempted to create a mobility system for movement in and out of the trailer. The system I threw together works but is way too tippy and needs improvement - I am glad to see this being addressed.
If the stands themselves get bigger they will not stack in the trailer - permanent casters would be great but would not allow the stands to stack/nest as they are now stored in the trailer.
The current contraption that I built uses a set of casters that clamp to one end of the stand and a modified boat trailer dolly for the other end.
Wider wheelbase is required for stability. The clamp on casters stance could be easily widened as could the dolly
BUT great care will always be needed when moving as the lathe/stand combination is just too top heavy.
I am reminded of my younger days when I helped install a large, very heavy V8 engine in a MG Midget only to discover the steering became so bad the car was unsafe - But it surely went straight quickly
Bump! End of the year is closing in. Take a moment and capture your ideas. Maybe you have a winner.
For example: add a 2 wheel fixture similar to the existing one only use casters in lieu of the steering trolly used currently. Under the lathe mount, add a sleeve that will accept some 1" - 1-1/2" dia pipe. When moving insert the pipe and two people can roll the lathe stand to the desired location. Get creative and make two pipe sections rolled to form a half loop. Slip a hoop into the sleeve from each side and each end and move the lathe. With a little bit of additional design/engineering, the lathe is protected during a fall. Hoops come off, wheels removed for storage and nesting. Not very elegant, but should be effective in controlling the tipping.
What's your thoughts?
For example: add a 2 wheel fixture similar to the existing one only use casters in lieu of the steering trolly used currently. Under the lathe mount, add a sleeve that will accept some 1" - 1-1/2" dia pipe. When moving insert the pipe and two people can roll the lathe stand to the desired location. Get creative and make two pipe sections rolled to form a half loop. Slip a hoop into the sleeve from each side and each end and move the lathe. With a little bit of additional design/engineering, the lathe is protected during a fall. Hoops come off, wheels removed for storage and nesting. Not very elegant, but should be effective in controlling the tipping.
What's your thoughts?
That will not work. With that system you have to remove the lathe after it’s loaded on the trailer. The lathes we have are too heavy to do that operation regularly.
Would it be possible for them to stay permanently attached to the stands and then store them vertically, with 1 facing opposite direction of the other 2, against the side wall?
Here is my idea:
This is a lift table that uses a lead screw to raise and lower the table. At one end of the leadscrew a nut or crank handle is attached to the leadscrew. The other end has a captured nut in the crossbar to change the table height. This works in my head, but I may be mistaken.
The table height is 13" (or so) fully retracted, up to 44" raised.
The outriggers are removable for storage. They also have adjustable vibration damping feet.
The connector arms are locked in place with wing nuts.
All hardware part numbers are from McMaster Carr. (They have CAD models of hardware)
Shoulder screws are shown at pivot points, but regular bolts would be cheaper. (I hope my drawings attach)
Merry Christmas everyone!
And they did. Thank you
Couple more days left on this. More ideas solicited. Send me a place holder if you need an extension to provide details. At this point conceptual plans are acceptable but we'll need enough "concept" to evaluate.
There are a lot of creative people in this network. Let's see some creative ideas.
There are a lot of creative people in this network. Let's see some creative ideas.
First, I want to say, I like the scissor lift idea from @Mountain City Bill. I don't know if there is either money or enough space, but if there is, I think it would be great. If not, here's an idea that I think could fit in the space available. Perhaps these concepts could be combined?
To explain my concept: It used the exising lathe stand. The existing legs would be removed and replaced with a set that could hinge out of the way for storage. We may also need to remove a couple inches off the bottom of the vertical members. The new legs would have swivel/locking castors for transportation mode. The legs could be secured with something like a hand knob that would tighen against a threaded pin. Curretly, I only show a pin on the concept drawings (no hand knobs). In the trailer a front docking station could be permantly attached to the floor of the trailer. It would have locating pins as well and could be secured with the same type of hand knobs used to securing the legs. A rear docking station would have to be removable to accomodate the docking process. All three stands would be put in place before installing it, (probably with some threaded inserts in the trailer floor).
I've attached .pdf drawings to show the concept.
- First .pdf shows how the current stand would be modified.
- Second .pdf shows how the concept works.
To explain my concept: It used the exising lathe stand. The existing legs would be removed and replaced with a set that could hinge out of the way for storage. We may also need to remove a couple inches off the bottom of the vertical members. The new legs would have swivel/locking castors for transportation mode. The legs could be secured with something like a hand knob that would tighen against a threaded pin. Curretly, I only show a pin on the concept drawings (no hand knobs). In the trailer a front docking station could be permantly attached to the floor of the trailer. It would have locating pins as well and could be secured with the same type of hand knobs used to securing the legs. A rear docking station would have to be removable to accomodate the docking process. All three stands would be put in place before installing it, (probably with some threaded inserts in the trailer floor).
I've attached .pdf drawings to show the concept.
- First .pdf shows how the current stand would be modified.
- Second .pdf shows how the concept works.
Here's one more prefab option:
Supports 300lbs. In workbench mode, it's 33.5" tall. Drill some holes in it to have a place to store the EasyWood tools when at an event. Permanently mount lathes to each platform. $200 each.
RYOBI SPEED BENCH Mobile Workstation STM202 - The Home Depot
Effortlessly make your work easy with your tools handy at any time on your job with this RYOBI 10-SPEED BENCH Mobile Workstation.
www.homedepot.com
Supports 300lbs. In workbench mode, it's 33.5" tall. Drill some holes in it to have a place to store the EasyWood tools when at an event. Permanently mount lathes to each platform. $200 each.
Neil solution: The Ryobi Speed Bench solution worked good for moving the lathe but when in use the lathe would move just a little all the time and not feel stable. The only solution maybe is to add legs in a crossing fashion on all 4 sides that would just support the top a 1/2 inch or so higher than the metal legs.
Wilsoncb solution: The stands would need some type of retractable feet to get the casters off the floor even locking wheels move all the time. Next if we staggered the front lock downs could we leave the rear wheels locked open?
Wilsoncb solution: The stands would need some type of retractable feet to get the casters off the floor even locking wheels move all the time. Next if we staggered the front lock downs could we leave the rear wheels locked open?
Would it be acceptable to mount the lathe on a rotating platform such that, in transport and storage, the center of gravity was significantly lower? Similar to carts providing multiple tool storage and use - flipping tools mounted 180. The weight would remain constant, but the lifting much eased as it would be pivoted on the axis. Still a likely two-person effort.
Also, in a linked thread I read "I did get rid of several extension cords that had repaired ends and deemed not safe for use in public."
When the female end of a cord is damaged while the molded on male plug survives intact that plug and conductor can nicely serve as a replacement for a power tool in need of a new cord. As well, HFT offers some sturdy, reasonably priced, female receptacles (on sale today) that should suit. When I need a new cord for my (whatever), I have been known to purchase a hefty extension cord with a factory molded plug to simultaneously replace, repair and re-color (I like Orange) the tool's ac cord. I also shop the Habitat ReStores as they often have new plugs and sockets languishing about on 'Discount Days' for senile sittizens and vents.
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