Shopsmith Casters

[FlGatorwood]

Here is a helpful thread. http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=21327&p=248076&hilit=casters+location#p248076

 

Go the Shopsmith forums and do a search on the section of Maintenance and Repair.  

 

I am wondering if you can determine the difference in the circumference of the two size wheels, move the lifter device up the leg that far.  From all that I have read, no one has been happy with the operation with the new wheels.  I am planning to get them as I want the better control as you said.  Also, be sure to put a good coat of paste wax on those stems before inserting them.  No need to buff.  The washer may also help.  I have hesitated to venture this far as I have read the posts and no one seems satisfied.  If it gets too high off the ground, you could add pads to the bottoms of the legs.  Just thinking aloud here.  Yep, flying by the seat of my pants.   

[Grandpadave52]

While doing some searches for those AWOL templates, I ran across this too. Just something else to add to the mix.

 

 

[John Morris]

You know really, I don't know why I can't just set the old casters in the low position, remove the entire assembly, install the new casters on the assembly, then clamp them up to the SS frame with minimal clearance then drill the new holes. Then after all is in place, I should be able to kick it up and the clearance should be there.

 

@Artie, thanks for the forum suggestion, I am a member there, I logged in a few months back when I first got my SS. I am really hesitant on jumping in though as I have my hands full here. To even think about another forum is mind boggling for me! I can most certainly read though and the links you all have provide here are really helpful, thanks so much guys.

[Grandpadave52]

Watch the first half or so of the video John. I think if you basically follow what he did and use his process for creating a template, it would work with what you have. The main difference this guy bought casters from H-F versus the actual SS kit.

Edited February 17, 2019 by Grandpadave52

[John Morris]

6 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Watch the first half or so of the video John. I think if you basically follow what he did and use his process for creating a template, it would work with what you have. The main difference this guy bought casters from H-F versus the actual SS kit.

I was watching that Dave, that's exactly how I am going to do it, easy peasy really. What makes it really easy is the new holes are inline with the old ones, just moved up the frame a bit. This'll do the trick for sure, thanks Dave, and thanks again all, I'll do this tomorrow and report back.

[Stick486]

14 hours ago, John Morris said:

they didn't send me the paper template to drill the new holes.

Back in the box they go! Till I get a template.

is this what you are looking for???

 

 

[John Morris]

The top one is what was supposed to come with the wheels, and bottom one I already have from the previous posts here in this topic, but ya, that top one was the ticket. Thanks Stick.

[John Morris]

Ok, that twernt too bad. About 20 minutes on the first axle.

[FlGatorwood]

Thanks, Dave.  That made the most sense that I have seen yet.  Measuring from the shoulder of the caster of each wheel, getting the difference and must the truck up that distance from the previous mount is exactly what the doctor ordered.  I have read several threads on the forums and folks were not happy.  Even calls to Shopsmith customer service did not render desired results.  Also, I do visit their forum but I no longer post there as I got burned too many times.  

 

John, thank you for showing us your success.  Now you have given me the courage to get those wheels and try this.  

Edited February 18, 2019 by FlGatorwood
comment

[Grandpadave52]

1 hour ago, John Morris said:

Ok, that twernt too bad. About 20 minutes on the first axle.

 You rebel you! Looks great...glad it's working out.

[Grandpadave52]

1 hour ago, FlGatorwood said:

Thanks, Dave.  That made the most sense that I have seen yet. 

Glad to help. I enjoy researching challenges and learning new things along the way. Amazing what you can find on You-tube...a lot of great ideas and success stories. Of course there are some real scary folks out there too.

Edited February 18, 2019 by Grandpadave52
typo

[Artie]

I bought a brand new SS and still had to use the templates, drill and mount. Still not sure how that happens. I mean what’s the cost of 8 extra holes, if someone buying a new unit doesn’t also get the upgraded casters? How many don’t get the upgraded casters? Let us know how you're rolling after all this.

[John Morris]

@FlGatorwood    So, I got the second axel back on with the new set of casters in half the time as the first set. It really is very easy. 

I used the dimensions that were on the modified template provided by Gramps and Stick. 

I simply connected the center of the existing holes for my line. Then measured the 1 23/32" up from each existing hole along the established line, then measured the overall as a check for the 4 5/32" and it was very close, within a couple 32nds. Drilled my pilot holes. 

 

Then stepped up the bits a couple to the final hole size. 

 

Jimmied the axle assembly back in, and the holes aligned good. Secured it in place with the new bolts provided.

I used an old ruler as a shim under each wheel as I bolted in place to ensure I had clearance in stationary position. You can use anything you want for a shim. No one told me to do the shim trick, it just made sense to do it.

 

 

This was a very easy process. Much simpler in fact than if I followed the instructions with the casters. The SS instructions want you to remove parts from the machine and turn the SS upsidedown and work out from that point. 

I think it much easier to simply leave the SS upright and just get on the floor yourself and do the work from there. 

 

The casters? My goodness!!!!! What a difference!!! You were right Artie, I can move my Smith with one finger, in all directions! As a matter of fact, I had no idea our garage floor had fall to it till I cranked the Smith up on the new casters, I ain't kidding, it started rolling all by itself! 

 

This is probably the most necessary upgrade anyone could do for their Smith. I highly recommend it.

[Artie]

Now you’re rolling! (I just crack myself up sometimes) John when I mentioned the SS forum, I wasn’t trying to get you involved there, just that since you are now one of the guild, it’s a great info source.

[Gene Howe]

Lookin' good, John. I guess there really are uses for those ruler thingies.

[Grandpadave52]

Now wasn't this fun? Man I love this site when we all work together.

As my grandsons' would say "No job too big, no 'pup' too small...of course I think that line is from Paw Patrol_R

Anyways what once was a dilemma is now a great success story. WELL DONE TEAM!!

[John Morris]

13 hours ago, Artie said:

I bought a brand new SS and still had to use the templates, drill and mount. Still not sure how that happens. I mean what’s the cost of 8 extra holes, if someone buying a new unit doesn’t also get the upgraded casters? How many don’t get the upgraded casters? Let us know how you're rolling after all this.

Artie, I am under the impression that the Mark7 comes with the upgraded casters. I think.

[John Morris]

5 hours ago, Artie said:

Now you’re rolling! (I just crack myself up sometimes) John when I mentioned the SS forum, I wasn’t trying to get you involved there, just that since you are now one of the guild, it’s a great info source. 

You are completely right! I have perused the forums as a lurker quite often, I found a great suggestion for aligning my table saw fence over there among other tips and tricks. Thanks Artie!

[John Morris]

4 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Lookin' good, John. I guess there really are uses for those ruler thingies.

Gene, I have a Starrett try square that has the 32nds and 64ths on it, it worked beautifully. Ya sometimes, you gotta get wild and break out the numbered contraptions.

[John Morris]

2 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Now wasn't this fun? Man I love this site when we all work together.

As my grandsons' would say "No job too big, no 'pup' too small...of course I think that line is from Paw Patrol_R

Anyways what once was a dilemma is now a great success story. WELL DONE TEAM!!

Most definitely, thanks all for the help and quick suggestions I got in real time as I was crawling around this thing. I really appreciate it much.