Rotating Workbench

[Cal]

Checking out the local auctions yesterday I came across this old Craftsman rotating workbench:

 

 

I remember them being available many years ago, but I never had one nor do I know anyone that had one.  It looks to be in good shape and might make a good addition to my son's shop who is just getting set up.

Have any of you had/have one?  Like it?  Pluses or minuses?

 

I did a small amount of research into it last night.  Not a lot of info available. 

Anyone have any info to share about this?

[HandyDan]

Looks well built.  How solid in the moving top?

[Gene Howe]

Unique...wonder if the mdf is easily replaceable. Looks like it could be handy for a small shop.

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Something I've never seen. So it's a 3 sided top that flips?

[Gunny]

1 minute ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Something I've never seen. So it's a 3 sided top that flips?

I remember seeing this soon after I bought my house in 1993, made one for myself to fit the area I had.  It works but can be a hassle if you happen to need two tools to go back and forth too at the same time.  The heavier the tools on it the harder it is to rotate.  Minor issues, it still works and allows 3 tools in a single footprint.  After I sold mine the guy asked me if I could come up with a way to make turning easier.  I solved this for him by installing a gearbox affair on the one side so you can turn with a handle 7:1 ratio and it stayed put if you let go.  Don't have any pictures and the guy is long since moved away.  

[FlGatorwood]

Never seen or heard of one, but Gunny has a point.  What happens to the tools that I have on it when I try to turn it over?  Very interesting concept.  

[Cal]

So no one, yet, has owned up to having one... maybe that's why it's no longer available!

 

@HandyDan - I will not be able to inspect it until later in the month to determine the true condition of it.  From the other pics on the site, it does appear either seldom used or very well cared for.

@Gene Howe - TBD

@Fred W. Hargis Jr & @FlGatorwood - Three tools are bolted to the center mdf panels.  From what I have seen on line, the two outboard panels slide away to unlock the center panel and allow you to rotate to the desired tool, then the outboard panels are slid back into place to lock it back down.  Sort of a poor boys Shopsmith maybe?

 

My first question when I seen the bench was could a 10" bandsaw (3 wheeler) be mounted, or would it be too tall to go around.  Not a deal breaker, but it would be inconvenient if the bandsaw couldn't complete the loop.  Now, having answered a couple questions from you, how convenient would it be to have to clean the side panels off or keep them cleaned off while working?  It may not be an issue at all.  I don't use the belt/disc sander much - but it sure is nice to have when I do use it.  Ditto with the band saw, and same with mini lathe and bench grinder set up to sharpen lathe tools.

 

As I am typing this, I am sorta talking myself out of it!  I have a good solid portable welding table that folds up when not in use and has wheels to roll around that has been super handy with the miter saw lately.  That might be a better and more convenient option.  In addition to the miter saw I have also used it with the bandsaw and have a bench grinder mounted to a board that clamps to the top surface.  Yep, I think I will go look at the bench, but I think the welding table is a much better option.  This is the HF version of what I have:

 

 

Thanks fellas!  I think with y'alls help I just talked myself out of the auction bench

[Gunny]

For me I would design a bench / table to work with the tools I have and just fit it in. Lots of tricks. Pull out drawers like my mini router table drawer project. 

[FlGatorwood]

Cal, I think with a few sticks of lumber and a couple of pegs to make the table stay in position, you could make one like those featured in many woodworking magazines over the years.  You could put a grinder and bandsaw on one and make a second table for a couple more tools that you use intermittently.  Just a thought.  I look forward to see what you come up with.  

[Cal]

Thanks Steve.  I seriously doubt that I will tackle anything like this.  The initial thought was a purchase for my son, and I may yet show him the auction to see if he has any interest.  But in reality I prefer the welding table setup; it is heavy duty, folds up, rolls around, large enough to handle any bench top tools, all metal construction for welding use.  The metal part is the only down side while using it as a saw horse but I have been very careful when using it that way.  Like most all of us, space in my son's shop is at a premium and will be even more so if we can get his car up there for him.

[HandyDan]

A friend of mine has some the same welding tables in his machine shop.  They are well built and sturdy.