Shoptask   

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• After ten years of retirement and away from the tools, I have a project I want to build for our tandem. The device is name "independent pedaling". Similar ones that are sold, for more that I think they should be, I plan to uses a BMX freewheeler on the bottom bracket spindle. thread the crank arm to fit the ID and machine a spider to fit the OD of the unit. The Shoptask  was delivered  2/14/98. 
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May 19, 2005, I replaced the lathe motor with a Sears' Lifestyler 1400 treadmill direct current motor and controls. I  previously install the low speed idle pulley set on my Shoptask. I was able to use one of the pulleys on the DC motor. The pulleys with the bronze bushing removed, has a 5/8 inch bore and key way, the same sizes as the DC motor. I only needed to buy a set screw for the pulley. Two of the treadmill motor mount holes line up with the AC lathe motor mounting plate. A DPDT toggle switch is added to the control panel to reverse the spindle. The order below, left to right: Overview, motor, pulley and front of motor and modifies control panel. The speed indicator reads in tenth of mile. and controlled by a magnet pickup. I am looking into a conversion formula and mounting the magnet someplace on the spindle for RPM readout.

Click on above thumbnail for picture.

• My kind of craftsmen I've only subscribe to this news group for about a month. After I decided that I rather make than buy a device for our tandem bicycle that allows for independent pedaling. This became my reason to buy a Shoptask 3 in 1 lathe/milling machine. I was introduced to it when I help my friend install his.While reading this group, the posts about lathe benches caught my attention; two 55 gallon drums and a top; an old stove; and cement blocks. Another person posted the issue date of Home Shop Machinist, My friend happen to have that copy. However, I've since discovered a laboratory bench in my basement shop that I walk by most every day that I will use for now. I am a retired machinist, that what I apprentice at, however, I progress up the ladder to all of the other titles in the metalworking trade. Innovation is my forte. My last position before retirement was Production General Foreman. To record production I was ask to program in Lotus spread sheets. I was bitten and forgot the tool for these 11 years that I have been retired.So yesterday the, 700+ shipping weight, Shoptask came; A 10 wheeler, no lift gate, bed about 4 feet above ground. The driver would not come down my driveway. He suggested a pickup truck and he could slide it on to it. I decide to use my 12 foot boat with a old door across the boat. He and I worked the crate to the rear of the truck, slid the heavy end over the edge and tilted the crate. Piece of cake he said. Drove up the driveway and backed the boat into my garage.My friend asked how will I get the machine off the boat, same way I use to pull engines out of cars in my one car garage.

• Shoptask with both Motors, mill head, cross slide and tail stock removed. Component are below

Day Three, installing my Shoptask. I started at 8: AM I remove the wiring cover from both motors, The wires are marked, so I made a diagram of the wiring pad. Each has six screws , four holds the connecting wires has to be removed. The mill motor has hand screws to adjust the belt tension, I loosen both, push the motor in , removed the belt and slid the motor off. To remove the lathe motor, I loosen the motor mount bracket and the idler pulley. I removed the belts. The motor mount pivot on a pin that has a cotter pin on both end. I raise the machine and remover the shipping crate bottom from the base of the machine. while it was in the air I remove the cotter pin from the motor mount control panel side. I pulled the pin out supporting the motor with one hand. I pulled the boat out and lowered the machine to the floor. I made lose both mill head lock screws. I balance, lifted and turn gently and remove the mill head .I raise the machine and lowered it onto my hand truck.12 noon and enough machine work for one day. I grabbed some camcorder shots of the separated parts and place a few on my web page. 

I use my bathroom scale to get an idea how much weight I have to get to the workbench top. Considering The boat winch lag bolted to the basement rafter. it has the least hang distance. This thread started about 2/13, the day that my Shoptask arrived. It have been an enjoyable adventure. To me getting it to the bench top will end the adventure. reassembling is like putting socks on. Then to the reason for the Shoptask. My wife and I ride a tandem bicycle. Two company has devices for independent coasting by each rider, (captain and stoker). I saw their and decided I wanted mine made different, they want $500 for the unit. other than a gap lathe, not many small lathe has the swing to turn a bicycle pedal crank arm. Most 3 in 1 does. 

Shipping weight was 745 pounds I removed 545 Pounds Lathe motor 37 Pounds Mill motor 37 Pounds Tail stock 32 Pounds Cross side 70 Pounds Mill head 90 Pounds Tooling 61 Pounds Main frame 200 Pounds

Good use for shipping crate

Being the metal. worker that I am, I made my deck from metal fence post and shelving angle steel. The pressure treated wood is held on with carriage bolts. I removed the boards over the storm door and used the angles to hold the hosts to lower the unit down four steps.

Using the shipping crate to cushion incase of the unexpected. Tie down hooks are use to lift the machine, with the rachet I was able to make the heavy end shorter to balance the unit.

Shoptask in place and ready for my first project

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