SteveH –
I appreciate your comments about the work stand. I think you were the first to respond, so thank you.
The frame of the stand is easier to pick up than one might think. The swing frame doesn’t weigh a great deal. I actually find it easier to lift and turn a machine in the frame, than I do lifting a machine onto a bench or table by itself. Part of the reason is the frame uprights make very good handles, grabbing them like a couple of ski poles.. Another might be that the frame tends to hide the top-heaviness of the machine. It’s a bit less cumbersome in the frame.
I thought through several versions of this stand, thinking of using not only two axes, but even three. If you have the need and budget for a two axis device, let me offer the simplest approach that I was able to come up with for a two axis design.
Description:
A large metal ring, similar to a hula-hoop, is held vertically by a captive foot or base, containing deep groove rollers that would prevent the ring from leaning forward or back. It would need at least three of these rollers, spanning probably 90 to 120 degrees of the circle. The rollers would keep it vertical at all times, while allowing it to turn.
Retaining collars 2 or 3 inches long are welded to the inside of the circle, diametrically opposed. These collars, extending toward the center, would open or close to secure the pivot shafts. The swing frame, with little change, would span the inside of the circular ring. Turning a machine in the second axis would be like using a big steering wheel.
(Quick diagram - 2 axis design)
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What do you think?