Project planning: A CAD drawing

[Kansas_Farmer]

Hi all, this is my first real attempt at using a CAD program. All other projects on hold until I can get this done, I"m tired of working on the floor.. :P

What do you think?

[charlie coghill]

I don't know a thing about CAD but I think that I could build the bench from your drawing.

[BillH]

That'll do, That'll do.

[Kansas_Farmer]

Excellent! Thanks!!

Think she's heavy enough to hold up a 230lb or 350lb Lathemaster? (8"x 14" or 9"x30")

I want to mount the lathe, when I get it, to this. Also thrown my bench grinder on it and a few other things.

The only thing I can't decide on is the top. Asking around here, some say 3/4" plywood other say 1/8th" steel inlaid. I like the idea of in-laid steel.

Thoughts on the top surface?

[BillH]

Kansas, As what Evan has told me to do before, Get a chunk of channel iron to bolt your lathe to. Should make it much more rigid, without that, I'd say a thicker top on your workbench.
Hell some guys pour a concrete bench for their lathes. Put some supports on those legs, you want rigidity. Like a 2x12 running across the back of the legs.
For my South Bend, I bought a used steel office desk for 50$. Has a steel top on it that is rubber coated. No good for a machine tool, metal is too thin on the top. Im going to have to go with a piece of channel iron. I havent swung anything big on it. After I graduate, find a career, I may just buy a Maximat 11. Hmm, It would be cheaper if I just bought a used live steam locomotive... Bah no fun in that.

[This message has been edited by BillH (edited 12-20-2005).]

[Kansas_Farmer]

2x12, roger that.

"bolt the lathe to channel iron."
Ok, is the suggestion to not use the bench then, or to add some channel to the bench then attach the lathe to that?

I can't pour a concrete stand for any lathe I get with shop I'm currently in.

Thanks!

[BillH]

Just bolt the lathe to the top of the channel iron, then secure the channel iron to the top of the bench so it doesnt move around. You know, 3/4" plywood your probably safe but if you want ridigity, use a chunk of channel iron.

[Kansas_Farmer]

Cool!
Thank you sir!

New revision up..

[SHOPA$$]

I would through bolt the legs to cross supports. Have some way to level the top. A little cross bracing to get the wiggle out. When in doubt make it stronger. Try not to build in any twist or sag. New framing lumber will move as it dries out.

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Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there no sweeter words than "I told you so."

[darryl]

Not to be critical, but it appears that your legs don't carry the weight of the perimeter frame directly, but through screws or bolts that would go through them horizontally. From your drawing, it appears that the center legs do act as studs directly, because I don't see the ends of them in the top view. The corners should have at least one 2x4 that is a stud, in other words, carries the weight directly on it's end.

Just trying to help you make that a stronger structure.