Floating Table w/T-Track

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 5:24 pm

I wonder if I am the only one who frequently wishes he/she had a floating table (or extension table) with a T-Track.

My latest experiment involves the Incra Pro. Original instructions say to mount it on a piece of 3/4" plywood and to then clamp that to the extension table.

Being as contrary as I am, I ask why the plywood? Why not use T-Bolts and the T-Track? Why, because there is no T-Track in the area needed but that could be solved if I had a floating table that was so equipped.

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A floating table inserted to the left of the router table may allow the use of the T-Track in the main table. I'll try that tomorrow but I would still like to have a floating table with a track.

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a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:25 pm

dusty wrote:I wonder if I am the only one who frequently wishes he/she had a floating table (or extension table) with a T-Track...

I think that is a good idea, dusty! It wood also help with using the SS Sharpening Guide!:)

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:27 pm

Makes sense to me. Maybe suc a proposal could be accomplished in the form of an upgrade?

BPR

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:19 pm

That makes three of us that think it might be a good idea. Shopsmith won't react unless there is a lot more interest than that. I would point at the out feed table episode. Nick developed one of hell of a fine out feed table but it hasn't gone to production.

I don't know how to create enough enthusiasm for these things to make anyone think serious. You see, it costs a lot of money up front to put even the best ideas into production. Times are tough and R&D monies are tight if not non-existent.

The problem I have with this idea is that I can't imagine a way to create a T-Track in an existing table. I'll just have to keep day dreaming - maybe I'll solve this dilemma some other way. Leonard has somewhat the same situation but he has a handle on a solution. Maybe that is what I need here.

Of course, I could always drill holes in the table but I just have not be able to give that any serious thought. I am fearful of compromising the table.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:24 pm

And of course, something that you have already done, dusty, is to use another main table as an extension table...

greitz · Post by **greitz** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:56 pm

Dusty- I'm thinking of the Video Tip where Nick added a T-track/ flip stop to the top of the Sliding Table's auxiliary fence. Could you remove that auxiliary fence with attached T-track, and clamp it to the side of the floating or auxiliary table? Aligning the T-track to be level with the table should be easy- just lay both of them upside down on a flat surface, then clamp them together. Or bolt them together if you want to drill holes in the table sides.

Potential problems- maybe not enough clamping surface on the table sides to get a firm grip, and the table side not being smooth and parallel to the blade. (I'm not at home now, so I can't check these out. Sorry!)

Gary

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 9:57 pm

I thought about that, Tim. With the router table involved there is not enough room within the 5' spread for two main tables and the router table.

One of those tables would have to go on the "outside" of an extension table and be supported with adjustable legs. Yes, it could be setup but would it be a viable configuration?

Gary, you may have a good idea there. I have a t-track that could be used that way. As you point out, mounting it accurately and securely to the side of a table might be the show stopper. No, actually, I have a hangup that is my show stopper. I can't bring myself to drill holes in my tables.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:49 am

By strategically locating the tables and the Incra Jig Pro - there is no problem. I flew off the deep end for no reason at all. When will I ever learn that these people (people like Shopsmith and Incra) have my best interests in mind. All I have to do is study the options.

In this case, I am able to mount the Incra Pro to the Main Table utilizing the Main Table T-Tracks. One versus the other simply provides for a variation is distance from the cutter.

I had to enlarge some predrilled holes in the Incra Jig Pro Mounting Base to accept the screws used in the t-nuts but that was a no brainer.

Pictures will follow if I get some time in the shop today. The CEO has other plans for my time today.

Thanks Rick. I would not have done this except for your demo of the Incra last week. I now know that my Incra Jig Pro has hung on the garage wall for far too long. I order a new set of templates from Incra yesterday. A set now contains 52 templates; I received 21 when I bought the Incra Pro in 1989.

james.miller · Post by **james.miller** » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:53 pm

Drilling an extension or floating table is quick and easy, then you can install nuts under it and you have a quick way to mount and remove the INCRA fence. You would have to measure the distance between the holes on the under side of the table casting then find a way to make everything fit. I think the holes in the top of the table are either 5/16" or 3/8". I don't know if INCRA will sell the Shopsmith base but wood will work.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Sep 12, 2008 5:54 am

Jim, are you saying that Incra has a Base that is designed to fit a predrilled extension/floating table?

In the extension table, where are the holes located?

Can you post photos? In the latest Shopsmith Catalog, on page 41, is the base pictured there sized specifically to fit the Shopsmith Extension Table. I assume the two knobs are located where the holes would be in the extension table.

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