Bolts for extension table

hjlssfor1 · Post by **hjlssfor1** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:13 am

I recently bought a used model 510 with one extension table, and I wanted another extension table. I bought an extension table off of eBay, but it turns out that it is an older version that does not match my 510 extension table. The eBay table included the tube base (dog bone?), which was attached directly to the table top with bolts threaded up through the dog bone and into threaded holes in the base of the table.

My 510 extension table has four long bolts extending out from the base of the table. These bolts seem to be pressed and glued into the table top because I see no threading at the top of the bolt. Each bolt has a nut and washers above the dog bone and a nut and washers below the dog bone. The nuts above and below the dog bone permit fine tuning of the pitch of the table.

MY question: can I convert the eBay table so that it will mount in the same way that my 510 table mounts (nuts above and below the dog bone connection) so that I can fine tune the pitch of the eBay table? Will a long threaded bolt work in the same way on the eBay table as the pressed and glued bolts work on my 510 table? Do I need to worry about this or should I just use the eBay table as it came (possibly using washers to adjust the pitch)?

Thanks for any guidance.

Hank

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 11:55 am

Just use shims to make the table horizontal.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:01 pm

Threaded studs(think short lengths of all thread(or 'ready rod')).

They can be secured into the existing tapped holes by placing two nuts(jammed) on the outer end and torqueing the studs into the bottom of the tapped hole.

'Gluing' IMHO is not necessary, but BLUE locktite comes to mind.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:23 pm

hjlssfor1 wrote:I recently bought a used model 510 with one extension table, and I wanted another extension table. I bought an extension table off of eBay, but it turns out that it is an older version that does not match my 510 extension table. The eBay table included the tube base (dog bone?), which was attached directly to the table top with bolts threaded up through the dog bone and into threaded holes in the base of the table.

My 510 extension table has four long bolts extending out from the base of the table. These bolts seem to be pressed and glued into the table top because I see no threading at the top of the bolt. Each bolt has a nut and washers above the dog bone and a nut and washers below the dog bone. The nuts above and below the dog bone permit fine tuning of the pitch of the table.

MY question: can I convert the eBay table so that it will mount in the same way that my 510 table mounts (nuts above and below the dog bone connection) so that I can fine tune the pitch of the eBay table? Will a long threaded bolt work in the same way on the eBay table as the pressed and glued bolts work on my 510 table? Do I need to worry about this or should I just use the eBay table as it came (possibly using washers to adjust the pitch)?

Thanks for any guidance.

Hank

Washers were the old method for adjusting the Aux Table. However when I saw a new 520 is noticed the improvement on Aux table and converted mine.

I used a "All thread" or as some call it "Ready Thread" basically a rod threaded it's full length the right diameter to fit in the Aux table's tapped holes.

I then bougth 8 nuts and 8 washers that fit the All Thread. I cut the All Thread into 4 nice lengths and double nutted them and screwed them into the Aux Table. I then using the same nuts and installed the Aux table onto the dog bone as you have your other table using nut and washer on the top and washer nut on the bottom. I then adjusted the Aux table using these nuts to match the main table. I didn't do anything to the studs as far as glueing them into the table and since there is never any rotational force on them nothing has worked loose.

Lockite probably won't hurt but it is unneeded.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:01 pm

I have a floating table that I converted to an extension table. I tapped the holes in the floating table and then inserted bolts that I had cut the heads off of. I inserted the cut off ends into the table so that you do not see them. Your gotta look twice to see that it is a home made version.

Pieces of all thread would work just as well.

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:50 pm

I did a photo essay on the subject here:

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=6233

Might be worth you time to check it out.

Ed

TheBigE · Post by **TheBigE** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:10 pm

Be sure to check the speciality drawers in the hardware section at Lowes. I found 3/8"-16 threaded rod in 3" lenghts for 69 cents apiece. I followed reible's guide and it works great. The block for wieght helps also.

hjlssfor1 · Post by **hjlssfor1** » Wed Jun 20, 2012 3:14 pm

Thanks everyone for the very helpful replies. Ed/Reible's photo essay was especially useful to me. After I get to a hardware store, I will go to work on the table.

I am a newcomer to Shopsmith, and this Forum sure has helped me get going. Thanks to all who generously contribute their time and experience to people like me who really benefit from the Forum posts.

Hank

db5 · Post by **db5** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 8:58 pm

reible wrote:I did a photo essay on the subject here:

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=6233

Might be worth you time to check it out.

Ed

I also just bought an older table on eBay. There is a very easy way to fix this. Get 8 nuts that fit the bolts used to attach the table. Insert the bolts into the dogbone then screw the nuts on so that they are almost all the way down. Attach the table. Then when you level the table use those nuts to level it. You will need to juggle a 1/2 inch open end and a closed end or socket wrench to do this. It takes more time but not as much as rebuilding the table. Once set you shouldn't have to mess with it again.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jul 19, 2012 9:25 pm

db5 wrote:I also just bought an older table on eBay. There is a very easy way to fix this. Get 8 nuts that fit the bolts used to attach the table. Insert the bolts into the dogbone then screw the nuts on so that they are almost all the way down. Attach the table. Then when you level the table use those nuts to level it. You will need to juggle a 1/2 inch open end and a closed end or socket wrench to do this. It takes more time but not as much as rebuilding the table. Once set you shouldn't have to mess with it again.

Add 8 flat washers between the nuts and the table support.