Your plan sounds good Jay. leave the sand in the bags.
Can't do that for the legs, I'll have to pour it into a little slot, then put the top shelf on. Not a biggie tho, if I ever have to move I'll just take the shelf off and tip the beast on its side and let the sand dribble out. Then blow it out the garage door onto the lawn. Remember we live on a barrier island so sand is not unknown on lawns.
One other thing, make DARN sure there is a way for the curlies to fall, yes FALL out from under the ways, a little 3/4" gap between the stand top and the lathe bed is NOT good enough, trust me, I know
How much space, 1 1/2 inches? I'm starting to think I've got this thing too high, although I just remembered that I hadn't thought about the thickness of a pad, so maybe I'm good.
Thanks for your ongoing advice. I have to go out to the Borg, bought 1" instead of 1 1/2 inch bolts
Jay