I have a customer that needs to find a cheaper/easier alternative for removing the tailstock from a Powermatic 3520, so they can use my hollowing system. Any ideas?
Recalling my process.I like the cart idea. I am wondering how easy it is to build so that the bed extension (whether cutting board or plywood) lines up with the bed correctly. If the extension is a millimeter high or low the tailstock isn't going slide past the junction easily. I'm sure it can be done, but I'm wondering how people have dealt with the issue?
I just heard Pat Carroll say that he's made a rolling table the height of the lathe bed. Roll it up to the end of the bed, and slide the tailstock on to it. I just noticed that Dennis suggested the same thing.I have a customer that needs to find a cheaper/easier alternative for removing the tailstock from a Powermatic 3520, so they can use my hollowing system. Any ideas?
Hi John, My question revolves around the tailstock tilt away or removal not a steady rest.....Yes mine is 5/8 steel and has 8 wheels. I have only use 4 wheels and only used it once. I use my wooden steady most of the time. Not any where near as solid but probably only weighs 5lbs.
Hi Reed, agree with the Robust comment but I am looking for a cheaper solution for this customer.Okay, got a good chuckle from your comment John. That is efficiency for a frugal solution. I have seen a number of roll up carts that you slide the tailstock on to. Best tilt away solution is the one from Robust. Not affordable for every one.
robo hippy
Hi Dennis, Thanks for the photos, I passed them on to my customer...I think it will workThere are some shapes that I hollow standing where the swing-away tailstock would be in my way. My solution which is totally functional and economic was to build a small cart that doubled as a storage bin.
Although I repurposed some small casters, you can use a small $8 HFT dolly with a cut up polyethylene cutting board lathe bed top. Very economical and multifunctional.
View attachment 46797
View attachment 46798