Blair Swing
02-11-2015, 2:11 PM
Probably like most of you all, I am a collector of interesting objects, that I feel someday may be able to be used differently than there current shape or use, from a chunk of aluminum I found working highway maintenance in the early 80's to sample handrails from one of my many construction projects I have been part of over the past 26 years, or flat plate aluminum from a curtain wall project used for years as a straight edge, an extra 1946 Sears Craftsman Table Saw that I had for parts for the 1946 Craftsman table saw I currently use in my segmenting work, lots of old bolts, an old small vise, and a pipe clamp round out the mix for today's repurposing project.
All of these parts, came together in a most unusual fashion over the last several weeks to be combined into an outrigger for my Nova lathe.
Now first I want to state, I would not suggest this type of project for just anyone, I do have an engineering background, and over 30 years of common sense experience, starting as an Army engineer that ran a combat heavy equipment platoon, to multiple building projects, and this project, if not done correctly could seriously injure myself, or someone around me, and that I do not take lightly. Far easier to spend the $250-$300 to purchase an already engineered piece of equipment that someone else has put through stress testing!
However, what would the fun in that be?
I see things differently, (as those of you that have seen some of my work can attest) and when I set my mind to it, and I take my time to think things through, fun things can emerge from the effort, and cost savings may be a result, (but only if I don't count my time to develop it in the equation!)
So here is my repurposed, homemade, solid as a rock "Swing Outrigger", that actually gives me one more knuckle than the store bought version, and more flexibility I hope. I plan on being very careful when I start to test it, not starting on some huge out of balance piece, but probably just flipping over from my standard tool rest for a while till I am sure the stand will do what I want. Unlike the original, this one can be revised to fit different projects, but in its current set-up actually allows me around 31" diameter turnings a bit more than the 29 1/2" Nova (although I have no idea if I will ever event try to approach that size).
Anyway, I still have one more plate to add to the part holding the tool rest, and will probably paint the whole thing to give a uniform appearance, but wanted to pass along some pics of the project, and try to stir up the imagination of those woodworkers out there, that anything is possible, if you put your mind to something, and open up your eyes to see things as they might be, not as they currently are!
I imagine this one may go to a different forum, but wanted it to start here for those with a Nova to see.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!306676306675306674306673306672
All of these parts, came together in a most unusual fashion over the last several weeks to be combined into an outrigger for my Nova lathe.
Now first I want to state, I would not suggest this type of project for just anyone, I do have an engineering background, and over 30 years of common sense experience, starting as an Army engineer that ran a combat heavy equipment platoon, to multiple building projects, and this project, if not done correctly could seriously injure myself, or someone around me, and that I do not take lightly. Far easier to spend the $250-$300 to purchase an already engineered piece of equipment that someone else has put through stress testing!
However, what would the fun in that be?
I see things differently, (as those of you that have seen some of my work can attest) and when I set my mind to it, and I take my time to think things through, fun things can emerge from the effort, and cost savings may be a result, (but only if I don't count my time to develop it in the equation!)
So here is my repurposed, homemade, solid as a rock "Swing Outrigger", that actually gives me one more knuckle than the store bought version, and more flexibility I hope. I plan on being very careful when I start to test it, not starting on some huge out of balance piece, but probably just flipping over from my standard tool rest for a while till I am sure the stand will do what I want. Unlike the original, this one can be revised to fit different projects, but in its current set-up actually allows me around 31" diameter turnings a bit more than the 29 1/2" Nova (although I have no idea if I will ever event try to approach that size).
Anyway, I still have one more plate to add to the part holding the tool rest, and will probably paint the whole thing to give a uniform appearance, but wanted to pass along some pics of the project, and try to stir up the imagination of those woodworkers out there, that anything is possible, if you put your mind to something, and open up your eyes to see things as they might be, not as they currently are!
I imagine this one may go to a different forum, but wanted it to start here for those with a Nova to see.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!306676306675306674306673306672