[Vinnito1]

I never looked at adding gussets to the original column. I think there would be challenges in attaching them since the mating surface has a chamfer and some draft, but it is possible. If you wanted to capture the original column in an I beam, i think you could do it. I've seen some smaller benchtop conversions where something similar that was done.

The other item I want to do is space the column off the back of the base like so many other people have done. I'm doing this to be able to get more clearance between the table saddle and column to put protective bellows in places This is hopefully what it will look like when its all done