What would cause this

[joe_cool]

I just finished aligning my extention table on the right side and everything is straight and level. But when I put the extention table on the left side it isnt straight. The is a major gap from the left edge to the headstock. What would cause this? Could it be the leg assembly on the left side?

[Bruce]

It looks like the right side needs to be raised with your adjusting bolts (you can see them in your photo). I am assuming your main table is already adjusted level.

[dusty]

I am not prepared to tell you exactly what causes it. I am prepared to tell you that this is a very common situation. I believe that what you see there is caused by the Way Tubes and Bench Tubes not all being parallel; a slight twist. Many of us use two extension tables. One being aligned on the left end and the other being aligned on the right end and being dedicated to the end on which they were aligned. I used to do that. I have, however, come to the conclusion that the extension tables do not really need to be perfectly aligned.

Test your extension tables to make certain that they are not warped and then learn to live with it. If that is not suitable to you, get another extension table for the other end.

I now have my jointer mounted on the left side and since it has become a challenge to move it, I don't. This leaves room for only one extension table. Problem disappeared (not solved).

I would sure like to hear from a half dozen different people who own Mark 7s. I sorta expect this alignment issue (of the extension tables) will not be quit as pronounced with the Mark7s.

[dusty]

It looks like the right side needs to be raised with your adjusting bolts (you can see them in your photo). I am assuming your main table is already adjusted level.

If he does that and then moves the extension table back to the other end the alignment issue then will be there. Remember, he reports that he just finished doing the alignment on the right end and then moved the table.

[dusty]

If you want to see this whole situation live and in person, stand at one end of your Mark V, grasp the legs and lift them off the ground. Now, let loose with one hand and lower the legs back to the ground. Do nothing else other than check alignment. The tables will not be aligned the same as they were before you lifted the one end off the ground. The tubes twisted. With that twist, the headrest changed position.

[joe_cool]

Thanks Dusty. I just attempted to fix the way tubes. Hope it helps. But if it doesn't I might just learn to live with it on the right side and the put my jointer on the left. I am contemplating getting the 520 upgrade, I have used the tubes of the 510 a little and so far I'm not too impressed. I'm thinking the 520 fence might be better. I have been reaserching the 520 on here and I do not see anyone saying they wish they hadn't upgraded. This might also be a reason not to get another extention table.

[joe_cool]

Well just tried on the left again and I wasn't successful. So I just realign on the right and im going to live with it. Thanks guys for the advise.

[dusty]

I don't want to try to talk you out of upgrading to the 520 configuration but I will tell you that I believe an "honest" assessment of a 510 compared to a 520 will not yield significant "performance differences". The 520 is not a bit more accurate than the 510. The 520 might be a skosh easier to align but once done is no more perfect than the 510.

I have had both table systems in my shop for about seven years now and I would be hard pressed to recommend spending that much just to get 520 rails and rip fence.

If I was buying and I had two identical machines ( except for the fence systems ) to chose from, I would chose the 520.

[joe_cool]

Dusty I agree the performance won't change but im not happy with the tubes and fence. Before I started upgrading my shopsmith from a 500. I purchased a ridgid table saw. I like the saw along with the fence. The fence on the ridgid is like the 520. The one major problem I have with the ridgid is it is too BIG. It takes up too much valuable real estate in my garage. Im going to sell the ridgid and use that money for the 520 upgrade

[algale]

If I recall correctly, those who have upgraded to the double tilt bases (i.e. Mark 7 style) report that, after the upgrade, the extension table can be switched end-for-end without losing alignment.