December 15, 20187 yr I found the Achilles heel of my Shopsmith, the casters, they are horrible! They are a beast to roll around. Any Shopsmith folks with any advise, I'd sure appreciate it.
December 16, 20187 yr John, do those casters have a single center post bolt mount to go through those aluminum aprons?
December 16, 20187 yr Author 9 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said: John, do those casters have a single center post bolt mount to go through those aluminum aprons? I think so?
December 16, 20187 yr Is that a spring on top? At first I thought the design was similar to my old Craftsman RAS cabinet, but seeing it closer, quite different. If you can't change out the caster wheels for larger diameter, I think I'd remove that set-up and install a set of these... https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-retracting-casters or these... https://www.woodcraft.com/products/woodriver-workbench-caster-set-4-piece
December 16, 20187 yr Go to Granger or a caster supply store. You can get better wheels with the same size spindle or get caster with a thru hole to mount. Then use whatever length bolt you need to secure this wheel. You can also do online search. I did this search last month for lathe wheels and found this: https://www.surpluscenter.com/shop.axd/Search?keywords=thru+hole+wheels Have not purchased here but that is a great price.
December 16, 20187 yr Popular Post Is it possible to use a base plate with the wheels Grandpadave52 mentioned? If so get some 3/16 ths angle weld it up and attached them to it. I used this method on my twin tablesaw build. Installed 550 lb casters. Over 2000 lbs of combined weight. More than enough for this build. Edited December 16, 20187 yr by Woodbutcherbynight wrong picture
December 16, 20187 yr 5 hours ago, John Morris said: They are a beast to roll around. go to a way better caster... https://www.woodcraft.com/search?q=casters&button=search
December 16, 20187 yr Author Popular Post Well folks, after all the wonderful advice I was given here, I actually found the OEM upgrade for this machine! The upgrade comes with template to re-drill the bolt holes to accommodate the larger dia casters. Thanks for all your help gents! http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/premium_casters.htm
December 16, 20187 yr 1 minute ago, John Morris said: I actually found the OEM upgrade for this machine! those are the same casters Woodcraft carries...
December 16, 20187 yr Author 2 minutes ago, Stick486 said: those are the same casters Woodcraft carries... Looking for em Stick, but don't see em at Woodcraft.
December 16, 20187 yr I know come w/o locks or threaded spindles... 300# rated.. https://www.woodcraft.com/products/3-caster-double-locking-swiveling-with-1-2-threaded-spindle
December 16, 20187 yr Author 2 minutes ago, Stick486 said: I know come w/o locks or threaded spindles... 300# rated.. https://www.woodcraft.com/products/3-caster-double-locking-swiveling-with-1-2-threaded-spindle The ones from Shopsmith are about the same price, and I know they'll work. The ones from Woodcraft have that threaded spindle, the ones from Shopsmith have that specialty spindle, the spindle attaches to a spring mechanism, I think that is what that special bulb catch or whatever you call it on the Shopsmith spindle is. Thanks Stick, I think I'll get the SS ones, and thanks all!
December 16, 20187 yr Those old wheels aren't too bad on a smooth surface but on concrete with expansion joints, they are a bear. Even a small sliver of wood will stop you in your tracks.
December 16, 20187 yr Author 48 minutes ago, Gene Howe said: Those old wheels aren't too bad on a smooth surface but on concrete with expansion joints, they are a bear. Even a small sliver of wood will stop you in your tracks. Gene, my wheels don't seem to want to turn on demand, I have to persuade the machine with nudges at strategical push points on the machine to get the Smith to go in the direction I want it too, frustrating. I hope these new wheels will make the difference.
December 16, 20187 yr Author 49 minutes ago, Cal said: Please come back with a users report after you have made the change John. No doubt I will!
December 16, 20187 yr Popular Post 30 minutes ago, John Morris said: Gene, my wheels don't seem to want to turn on demand, I have to persuade the machine with nudges at strategical push points on the machine to get the Smith to go in the direction I want it too, frustrating. I hope these new wheels will make the difference. A steering wheel and tie rods would be nice.
December 16, 20187 yr 3 minutes ago, Gene Howe said: A steering wheel and tie rods would be nice. Probably have to pay tax for that accessory on the"left coast" since the FCC ruled against the "Text Tax."
December 16, 20187 yr Popular Post 4 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said: Probably have to pay tax for that accessory on the"left coast" since the FCC ruled against the "Text Tax." I about fell off my chair when I read about that tax. Will they never stop? Next will be a breathing tax. Hey you Kalifornians, there's a whole real world a bit east of ya. C'mon over.
.thumb.jpg.573d1497d0675219908c85aabefd797a.jpg)
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.