So I've searched the web and the archives with no real luck. Anybody on here got a table for engine work willing to send some pics for my ideas. Or any ideas or leads in general. About to start a build on a Mopar 440 and not the most comfortable with a run of the mill stand as far as weight is concerned, want to build a table with rotation and adjustment mounts. Thanks.
. We just build on an engine stand... with parts lying on any workbench, tool chest, or table we have handy... if planning to be a professional building 2 - 4 engines daily, you may want head stands and other special fixtures... plus machining equipment... weight isn't a concern unless building an all-iron Hemi... or you have a $29 engine stand...
I have used all kinds of engine stands over the years and this style is by far the sturdiest and most convenient, it only lacks one feature of a custom made stand and that is a reduction drive to rotate the engine. The mount plate on the newer ones are cast and not a solid steel plate so find an older one for sale if you can...about the only complaint if I had one.
Mine has been outfitted with a custom drip pan and cables on the hairpin clips instead of the supplied cotter clips for the leg pins so they don't go missing. Easily holds 800pds, I even use it to work on my 600pd 200hp Merc on it with 10" jackplate and its still sturdy enough to torque head bolts on with all the weight high up and extended out on the jackplate. I think it has a 1000pd capacity.
I would never build one for how much they cost, not worth the trouble. Harbor Freight sells them in the USA and Princess Auto in Canada, definetely worth the money. I've seen some guys custom fabricate a chain reduction drive for the head or even a worm gear drive from a snowblower but unless you use it daily thats overkill.
I like the fact it folds into a real small footprint and nests inside the matching hydraulic engine lift so it doesn't take up a lot of room in the garage.
. You can pick up grit and metal shavings on an engine trying to build it on a table... the engine must be as clean as possible when working on it... using an engine stand helps keep everything totally clean... nothing touches it... as Chuck mentions, the 4 wheel stands are more stable than the 3 wheel ones, if that makes you nervous...
. There are stands with various mechanisms to help rotate the heavy engine... or you can remount the engine after adding parts to keep the weight centered on the pivot bearing...
. Not a concern... each of those bolts can hold thousands of pounds... just make sure they are long enough to go at least a 1/2" into the engine... and the holes have good threads...
Here is my "custom made" brace for the front of my BBC with 871 blower fully dressed. It went into a Jet Boat. I used the engine mount plate as well.
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