Extension Table with a T-Track

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 9:06 am

Originally, I had a lot of concern about attaching to the extension table. I believed I could do serious damage to the table. I no longer feel that the tables are all that vulnerable.

I have drilled the table edge to accept bolts that are being used to secure the t-track to the table. To deal with the uneven edge to the table, I have inserted some flat washers to fill in the space (as required). This won't be necessary on some tables. I have one (maybe two) table(s) that is(are) as straight as could possibly be.

These are cast aluminum tables. They are not all identical. I think it has to do with how old (damaged) the mold was when the table was cast. Some come out of brand new molds while others come from molds that are due to be replaced.

Whatever your case, just don't torgue down on a bolt that has space between the table and rail (at the location of the bolt). Use spacers to fill the gap.

A couple photos to follow.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 11:33 am

The following photos are intended to answer questions regarding how I attached a t-track to an extension/floating table.

[ATTACH]2104[/ATTACH]
The miter gauge in a t-track attached to a floating/extension table. This is not really required here because of the near proximity of a t-track in the main table.

[ATTACH]2105[/ATTACH]
The underside of an extension table with the t-track attached. Note the washer between the t-track and the table.

[ATTACH]2106[/ATTACH]
The same t-track installation but note that there are two washers under the t-track. The third bolt required NO washer but is not pictured here.

[ATTACH]2107[/ATTACH]
The aluminum angle attached to the side of an extension table.

[ATTACH]2108[/ATTACH]
Another view of the t-track attached to an axtension table.

These photos are all taken on the Crafter's Station but I move the floating and extension tables around the shop to where ever they might be needed.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Sep 28, 2008 5:19 pm

Hi dusty,

I like your addition. It is innovative and IMHO something that SS should consider. I also agree that drilling holes through the side of an extension table DOES KNOT in any way reduce the stability or usability of the table.

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 1:43 am

Very nice work Dusty!
You've made a versatile tool even better.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:07 pm

Okay I'm lost once again.

Where do you get a 30 inch t-slot rail?????

I checked the link Dusty gives in Post#14 but it points me to a 23 3/4 in t slot rail.
I then checked the part number in Dusty listed in Post #15 and it says it is a service part to call customer service.

Where do you get the 30 inch t-slot rail??????

I would think since the SS mitre gauge is unique SS would offer t-slot rail in foot lengths up to about 4 feet. There has to be market for it. I know I have more than once wished I had t-slot rail for various jigs and things.

Right now I'm in the market for T-slot rail as wide as my SS cross cut sled.

I think SS misses things like this where I think they could make some real money.
Ed

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 7:10 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:Okay I'm lost once again.

Where do you get a 30 inch t-slot rail?????

I checked the link Dusty gives in Post#14 but it points me to a 23 3/4 in t slot rail.
I then checked the part number in Dusty listed in Post #15 and it says it is a service part to call customer service.

Where do you get the 30 inch t-slot rail??????

I would think since the SS mitre gauge is unique SS would offer t-slot rail in foot lengths up to about 4 feet. There has to be market for it. I know I have more than once wished I had t-slot rail for various jigs and things.

Right now I'm in the market for T-slot rail as wide as my SS cross cut sled.

I think SS misses things like this where I think they could make some real money.
Ed

I apologize for leading you astray with my previous post. That link does not lead to a 30" extrusion, as you have found out.

I THINK the part number for the long extrusion that I used in the long extrusion for the cross cut sled was Shopsmith part number 515494 and it is 29 11/16" long.

The miter bars that I have are 516619 and they are 19" long. If you pull up a parts description for this part, there is a note that says it mounts on the 510 only. I don't understand because it doesn't "mount" on the Mark V at all.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... =Find+Item

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/itemfind.htm?item=515494&Submit=Find+Item

Notice the note below the price.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:15 pm

dusty wrote:...The miter bars that I have are 516619 and they are 19" long. If you pull up a parts description for this part, there is a note that says it mounts on the 510 only. I don't understand because it doesn't "mount" on the Mark V at all.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/itemfind.htm?item=516619&Submit=Find+Item

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/itemfind.htm?item=515494&Submit=Find+Item

Notice the note below the price.

Hi dusty,
IMHO, some editor missed that. I believe it will work on the tables of the 505/510/520 models of the Mark V, and that what SS means by the disclaimer is that it will knot fit the model 500 tables (but won't it fit the model 500 table, if you remove the "washer" that slides in the "T" slot?). My 2 cents worth.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 9:55 am

dusty wrote:I apologize for leading you astray with my previous post. That link does not lead to a 30" extrusion, as you have found out.

I THINK the part number for the long extrusion that I used in the long extrusion for the cross cut sled was Shopsmith part number 515494 and it is 29 11/16" long.

The miter bars that I have are 516619 and they are 19" long. If you pull up a parts description for this part, there is a note that says it mounts on the 510 only. I don't understand because it doesn't "mount" on the Mark V at all.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... =Find+Item

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/itemfind.htm?item=515494&Submit=Find+Item

Notice the note below the price.

Dusty
I ordered 515494 today. I pray it is 30 inch t-slot guide rail. Time will tell.
Ed

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 11:04 am

Ed in Tampa wrote:Dusty
I ordered 515494 today. I pray it is 30 inch t-slot guide rail. Time will tell.
Ed

You mean you didn't ask?

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 2:21 pm

dusty wrote:You mean you didn't ask?

Dusty
I did ask and the answer was "I don't know" I really didn't press the issue as I figured if it was wrong I would send it back. Besides this guy named Dusty who I trust said it was 30 inches.

Ed