The frame was built based a size calculated to permit the Taig lathe to be mounted with enough room to allow the mounting of a motor, space for changewheels, backgearing, control space for the leadscrew control, and any accessories I planned including a taper turning attachment and profile copier.
Figure 1- Base frame with headstock reinforcing
The overall baseplate dimensions became 500 x 850mm (20 x 33.5"). The baseplate became the core of the design with a sheetmetal tray built to sit under it with a lip coming up from the front and sides, and an extended lip coming up at the back making a swarf tray capable of containing swarf or coolant.
Figure 2 - Base frame with drip tray and top sheet
The frame was welded up from 20x20mm (3/4 x 3/4") angle iron, or tubing from the scrap pile.
Figure 3 - Base frame with backboard frame attached
The Taig lathe is a cantilever bed lathe with a foot under the headstock. To provide a strong stable mount for the lathe I welded a piece of 4mm (5/32") into the base. (shown in Figure 4) This means the lathe is mounted to 8mm (4+4mm) of steel, whereas the rest of base will have a thickness of only 4mm. I deemed 4mm as thick enough for magnetic bases, or drilling and tapping into, whereas I felt it prudent to have it thicker under the lathe foot, and for mounting the motor assembly.
Figure 4 -Base frame from rear, showing angle iron brackets for back board, and reinforcing sheet at headstock
The backboard for the lathe stand adds 560mm (22") to the height of the stand and runs the full width of 910mm (36"). The backboard is attached to the baseframe by some bolts mating the board to some angle iron brackets.(refer Figure 4)
The frame contains room underneath the baseplate assembly for drawers - the height of which is 100mm (4"). The drawer widths are governed by the spacing of the stiffeners added to support the plate under the lathe foot, and a small offset at the tailstock end to support the E-stop. The space behind the E-stop is used to house a "swarf drawer".
Figure 5 - Bare frame with drip tray and top sheet removed, backboard frame attached.
The frame has 2 fold-away handles attached for moving the lathe - these are located at each end of the base.
Figure 6 - The fold away handle at the tailstock end of the base frame
The backboard was clad with a sheet of polycarbonate approximately 6mm (1/4") thick (a salvaged shop display shelf when the local postoffice was renovated), and a piece of colourbond "signwhite" from a salvaged shop sign. The sheet of polycarbonate served 2 purposes:
a - the additional thickness stood the sheet of colourbond away from the frame at the bottom edge permitting the lip of the base drip tray to slide behind it - preserving the sealing of the tray assembly, and
b - the additional thickness added stiffness and "meat" to the backboard providing substance for screws to engage with, and to dampen any movement in the colourbond sheet.
Figure 7 - clad backboard - rear view.
A few other features are in the frame, but those will be elaborated upon during the articles describing what they support.
Overall dimensions - 710 (H) x 550 (D) x 910 (W) = 28" x 22" x 36"
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