- Joined
- Jan 3, 2013
- Messages
- 192
Recently I acquired a new-to-me Atlas shaper, but it came without a stand. I built a stand for it using a design I have used successfully before, and took the opportunity to build a new stand for my mini-mill at the same time. As I was getting ready to build the second table, I realized that the part dimensions could be easily calculated for any size table, so I created a spreadsheet to do just that. The spreadsheet and other information can be found at the link below:
The tables are built up from standard 2x4s (actually 1-1/2" x 3-1/2") and can easily support hundreds of pounds. I like to add a drawer and lower shelf, but of course these are optional. For the mini-mill table I also added a back panel to help contain chips.
As you can see from the pictures below, I painted one of the tables (primer and two coats of oil-based enamel) and finished the other with several coats of clear gloss polyurethane. I'll see which finish holds up better in actual use.
![mill-table.jpg mill-table.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257625-3030924a0e224486aa373cb1f278d4df.jpg)
![mill-table-2.jpg mill-table-2.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257626-9e26dc08231c1f7f3a87b1f83c0d1434.jpg)
![shaper-table.jpg shaper-table.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257627-c349a06bd9561452fd8d6406f20cb4fe.jpg)
The tables are built up from standard 2x4s (actually 1-1/2" x 3-1/2") and can easily support hundreds of pounds. I like to add a drawer and lower shelf, but of course these are optional. For the mini-mill table I also added a back panel to help contain chips.
As you can see from the pictures below, I painted one of the tables (primer and two coats of oil-based enamel) and finished the other with several coats of clear gloss polyurethane. I'll see which finish holds up better in actual use.
![mill-table.jpg mill-table.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257625-3030924a0e224486aa373cb1f278d4df.jpg)
![mill-table-2.jpg mill-table-2.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257626-9e26dc08231c1f7f3a87b1f83c0d1434.jpg)
![shaper-table.jpg shaper-table.jpg](https://www.hobby-machinist.com/data/attachments/257/257627-c349a06bd9561452fd8d6406f20cb4fe.jpg)