Fence between main and aux table not parallel to blade

[SCW52]

I don't think raising and lower the set up with the main table and extension tables works.

I think you will end up with bent tubes.

Yes to moving with the floating tables but that is about it.

I've never seen instructions to not do it that way but then I have not seen instructions saying to do it that way either.

I know it might seem easier to move them together but I wouldn't/don't do it that way. I pull the tubes then adjust the main table and then do the extension table and put the tubes back in. I like to use a drywall square to get them level as eye balling it may not work well.

Ed

I have raised and lowered my extension table with my main table for 30 years, without an issue. I make sure that the table adjustment tubes are always well waxed, and move freely, and have never had a problem. Once in a while the extension table will bog down a bit, but that tells me to stop, and wax all the table tubes. I've never bent a tube doing this, and I think it would be almost impossible to do so. The tubes are extremely strong.

[reible]

First welcome to the forum!

I should clarify that the tubes I'm talking about are the optional 5 footers. The shorter, what are they 27" ones might well work since the lever arm is much shorter. I still don't do it that way but I can see how it might work.

If we are still talking about the long tubes then:

I'm glad you have such success using this method. But have you checked to see if your tubes are bent? They are bent quite easily and unless you actually check them you might not notice.

I bent one of mine some years back, I have a post describing a method of checking them and also some testing data on some heavier duty replacement tubes I have gone to. I can try and find them if you are interested.

I'm a stickler for alignment, probably more then I should be so even the flexing of the tubes bugs me when getting the setup flat.

Again the short tubes might work fine that I can not speak to. I should have made that clear in my post.

Ed

I have raised and lowered my extension table with my main table for 30 years, without an issue. I make sure that the table adjustment tubes are always well waxed, and move freely, and have never had a problem. Once in a while the extension table will bog down a bit, but that tells me to stop, and wax all the table tubes. I've never bent a tube doing this, and I think it would be almost impossible to do so. The tubes are extremely strong.

[dusty]

This thread began with the rip fence straddling a gap between the main table and the extension table. It then changed into a discussion on "adjusting table height" with the tables secured to one another using extension tubes. I assumed short extension tubes because we have the rip fence straddling the gap.

Now we have 5' extension tubes involved. The ground rules have changed. I wholeheartedly agree with Ed. Attempting to adjust table height with the extension table tied in with long tubes is (for me) out of the question. SCW52 says he does it all the time with success but it is not clear that he does it with long tubes. Maybe with short tubes but I seriously doubt with long tubes. I'm not even going jeopardize my long tubes by trying.

Besides, with that sort of leverage applied, I am doubtful about the table tilt lock holding. But let's not go there with this thread (even though I just did).

[jsburger]

This thread began with the rip fence straddling a gap between the main table and the extension table. It then changed into a discussion on "adjusting table height" with the tables secured to one another using extension tubes. I assumed short extension tubes because we have the rip fence straddling the gap.

Now we have 5' extension tubes involved. The ground rules have changed. I wholeheartedly agree with Ed. Attempting to adjust table height with the extension table tied in with long tubes is (for me) out of the question. SCW52 says he does it all the time with success but it is not clear that he does it with long tubes. Maybe with short tubes but I seriously doubt with long tubes. I'm not even going jeopardize my long tubes by trying.

Besides, with that sort of leverage applied, I am doubtful about the table tilt lock holding. But let's not go there with this thread (even though I just did).

I totally agree Dusty. I bought a set of 6' heavy wall stainless steel tubes from Metals Depot. They are much stiffer than the SS tubes but even with them I can not raise both tables at once.