Yes, the table is HEAVY. I did not add any counterbalance or other
assist,
but it would be a good idea. Presently, I just lift up with one hand
while
cranking with the other. That works ok, but I may add the counterweight
in
the future.

Nice web site. Apparently both of the Davis' are talented.

I counterbalanced pretty easily and cheaply. I attached a small metal pully
to the back of the drill press head clamp point, then crewed a 3/8" eyebolt
into an existing threaded hole in the back of the table. I ran a length of
1/8" steel cable from the eyebolt up through the pully and back toward the
floor. About 3' from the floor I crimped a loop in the cable and put a
heavy 18'" rubber bungee from the loop down to the bolt that secured the
post to the base. I might replace the bungee with a weight some day but
this $10 lift system works pretty well.