Warped bandsaw table?

[ERWebster]

I finally got through setting up the bandsaw for the first time, which is a huge PITA for a first timer. Took me forever to figure out how the various screws and lever worked together to get an end result.

However, as I was setting the table square to the blade, I noticed something, as confirmed by a straight edge and a flashlight:



As you can see, this solid steel table is not level at all. Where the slice is to feed through a blade, it is bowed upward. How this happened, I cannot begin to guess. The bandsaw attachment was still in the box, unused for over ten years AFAIK.

Also, I noticed that the resaw height seems to only be about 5.5", despite being regularly stated as 6":



This leads me to wonder if this is even the right table for this.

I can't imagine I would be able to bend it back to true, or how that might be done. Sanding it seems possible but rather labor intensive. Shopsmith doesn't sell replacement tables, as far as I can see.

Seems like my only choice is to fabricate my own table (maybe 1" MDF?), or give up on using the shopsmith bandsaw altogether.

If anyone has any ideas or observations, please share them. I am at a bit of a loss.

Thanks.

[JPG]

IF you ar4 really concerned about this, I suggest getting a table upgrade to the aluminum table.

As for the 5.5/6 issue, determine WHAT is limiting the height adjustment. Sometimes the interference can be adjusted out(A non-trivial effort).

[Dansmith]

I have the aluminum table on my SS bandsaw. On the front of the table where the table is split in half, there is a bolt (thumb screw like) that contacts both table halves. I don't see a bolt in your first photo. I don't know if the cast tables are supposed to have one. If so, is your's missing? That might possibly be causing what you are experiencing.

[jjj240]

I have the aluminum table on my SS bandsaw. On the front of the table where the table is split in half, there is a bolt (thumb screw like) that contacts both table halves. I don't see a bolt in your first photo. I don't know if the cast tables are supposed to have one. If so, is your's missing? That might possibly be causing what you are experiencing.

it's not a bolt alone for cast iron table, rather ratch-type thingie and I see its glimpse of it in the picture. I wonder whether it might have been too tight/loose to causing the table deflection.

Regarding to re-saw height, I recall someting in SS video instruction site to increase the capability with minor modification. needed to file off a component near upper guard.

[reible]

I don't see that table being saved. Tables do come up from time to time on places like ebay, either a part-out or someone upgrading to the AL table.

I personally like the CI table but perhaps that is just me.

As far as the parts that connect the split this is what it should look like:

bandsaw table from below.jpg (65.24 KiB) Viewed 19180 times

Height wise I'd start by looking where the post shown either hits or nearly hits the web. If it is no where near hitting then something down by the guide/blocks bearings is hitting.

bandsaw post.jpg (63.54 KiB) Viewed 19180 times

Ed

[ERWebster]

Yep, I did have the latch tightened down. Definitely not going to affect that level of warp in thick steel though.

I decided to just go ahead and order the upgraded table. I am all for creating and modifying tools to fit my needs, but I have found that sometime the right move is to throw some money at it (if you have it to spare), to get a good foundation to build on.

It seems like maybe the person who gave it to me had purchased it used, or else lost some parts over the years. I don't have a rip or guide rail for the steel table anyways, so getting the kit from shopsmith just made sense.

Also, I was able to get that last half inch of height by pushing the guide up until it jammed against the inside of the frame. The design works but is rather unintuitive, IMO.

Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate the input.

[RobertTaylor]

The "fix" is so simple that I am surprised that the gurus didn't catch it. Get a piece of 3/4" angle iron as long as the width of the table and using the bracket from under the table drill two properly spaced holes for the two bolts. Tighten them and voila the table will flatten right out. FYI the table is cast iron not steel. Bob

[JPG]

The "fix" is so simple that I am surprised that the gurus didn't catch it. Get a piece of 3/4" angle iron as long as the width of the table and using the bracket from under the table drill two properly spaced holes for the two bolts. Tighten them and voila the table will flatten right out. FYI the table is cast iron not steel. Bob

OoooK... Now about changing the blade?

[RobertTaylor]

Slot one side, same as original bracket.

[JPG]

Slot one side, same as original bracket.

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Perhaps I do not understand WHERE the angle iron is to be attached.

To be effective, I think across the blade mounting slot is required.