Flip-top Stand Question

[Joe O'Leary]

I am building a stand for my spindle sander and planer. For the shaft that goes through the top I, I ordered 5/8" steel rod and 5/8" id bushings. The rod doesn't quite fit into the bushing.


It's close enough for me to suspect it is a tight press fit, but not sure.

Any ideas how to proceed?

[Matt Day]

I just used threaded rod on mine, 3/4” I think. In your case if you’re trying to loosen the fit, some sandpaper should do it. Sand, test the fit, sand, etc.

[Dan Cameron]

You might try freezing the rod and heating the bearings.

[Lee Schierer]

You might try freezing the rod and heating the bearings.

Not if he wants it to rotate after they are put together.....He doesn't want a press fit.

[Matt Day]

Having said that, does the OP really mean bushings, or do you mean bearings? Two very different things.

[Joe O'Leary]

Having said that, does the OP really mean bushings, or do you mean bearings? Two very different things.

, although the number of times thing will rotate would allow rotation I suppose.

Maybe I should just forget the bushings and use only the shaft?

[Doug Garson]

I think you are over designing it. You don't need the bushing, just drill a slightly oversized hole in a piece of hardwood or even plywood for the rod to rotate in. I built mine that way three or four years ago and there is no sign of wear. If it ever does it's easy to replace.

[Matt Day]

Agreed. I’ve had threaded rod (seldomly) rotating in 1.5” of plywood without issue fo about a decade. I suggest using a pin of some sort on the ends to keep it the rod in place (assuming it’s not captured).

[Myk Rian]

Maybe I should just forget the bushings and use only the shaft?
That's what I did. It's not like wear is a concern. A 1/2" shaft is all it took.

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[Bruce Wrenn]

Most likely his rod is plated, increasing it's OD. That's why I use "drill rod."

[Joe O'Leary]

Most likely his rod is plated, increasing it's OD. That's why I use "drill rod."

Didn't consider that.:o
Should be able to sand that off, right?
If not I'll just use the rod without the bushings.

[George Muff]

I built a flip top based on the Workbench Magazine "Space Saving Home Shop" which used carriage bolts and plastic bushings. It holds my Delta 13" planer and Ridgid OSS very well. There is no noticeable flex in the pivot.

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