Finally assembled my Altmill and making plans to build a shelf for storage and to stabilize the legs. I am really struggling to decide how to attach the 2x4’s to the legs.
First, the diameter of the holes on the legs is 0.21”, so the biggest size bolt I can get through is an M5 or #12. This doesn’t seem like large enough bolt to support the weight of the frame and plywood top.
Second, the holes on the front and side of the legs are so close together that it seems I have to attach only the front or side 2x4’s to the table or perhaps miter them.
I am hoping to get some feedback from those who have tackled a shelf. What size bolts did you use? Did you only attach 2 - 2x4’s? I noticed that’s what Hamilton Dilbeck did, but I think he may have drilled the holes out to accept a bigger bolt.
Thanks for any input. Hoping to make my first carve this weekend!
If it was me, I would build a square frame and install it in the existing holes. A single M5 bolt in shear can likely hold up anything that you can stuff on a shelf.
Anyway, the key is (IMHO) to make a frame.
The question I have been struggling with - since the main deck on the Altmill is attached from below, a shelf would make replacing the deck very awkward. Drawers would be even worse …
I have not found a need to stabilize the legs for now but might change my mind if I put the whole thing on casters. I would think that any stability improvements would result in only marginal improvements in the end results. Of course this is only my opinion and not based on first hand knowledge.
I have not started yet but my plan is to make a U shape - front, left side, and rear will have the frame and then build a shelf on the left half of the frame/perimeter.
This will leave the right half open to store larger items and enable me to crawl underneath and access screws when the time comes to replace the deck.