I was wondering, if I could expand the turning capacity of my Shopsmith, by installing longer way tubes, if I had way tubes say a foot longer, or even 6 inches, I wonderful if there would be a negative by doing this, will the rest of the machine work well? As long as I have the ceiling height for Drill Press mode? Will the longer way tubes sag?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

John, here's a thread on the SS forum that might answer your questions. 

Longer tubes

This video handles it pretty well.  I would also add another mount/leg give it the extra support.  An adjustable leg would be necessary for a roll around unit.

 

 

1 hour ago, HandyDan said:

This video handles it pretty well.  I would also add another mount/leg give it the extra support.  An adjustable leg would be necessary for a roll around unit.

Dan, that is flippin awesome, I really like that, this way you could leave the set up factory standard, and just add the extension when I need it. I was originally thinking of a permanent alteration, like replacing all the tubes with long ones, but to just slide that extension on like that, well that's even better IMO, I think it's best to leave factory fit alone when possible, and a temp bolt on alteration like this is the ticket.

Thanks

1 hour ago, Gene Howe said:

John, here's a thread on the SS forum that might answer your questions. 

Longer tubes

Gene, appreciate it much, reading now!

@HandyDan, upon closer examination, the extension in that video won't work. My 520 doesn't have the open ends at the tubes like the 10e's do.

@John Morris,

Check this guys approach.

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=964

Edited February 14, 20206 yr by Larry Buskirk

25 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

@John Morris,

Check this guys approach.

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=964

Larry, I'm failing to see the extension on his 10er. 

Can you help please? Again it may not help me anyway, as I own a 520.

Easiest to see in the bottom photo.

@John Morris,

PM sent.