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45 Inch Connector Tubes

DLB

I noticed an option for 45" Connector Tubes, 556201, in the recent Shopsmith Sales Ad (ending tonight). I had never seen a 45" version from SS before this ad. This, to me, is a pretty attractive size option. I frequently find the 27" standard version to be on the short side for whatever it is I'm trying to set up. The Connector Tube options are kind of hidden in this ad under the Mark V 500 Service Parts heading. ;)

Note - The 5' version Connector Tubes are also on sale in the ad, as well as in the next ad. (With JSB's 520 table setup pictured.)

- David

jsburger

DLB wrote I noticed an option for 45" Connector Tubes, 556201, in the recent Shopsmith Sales Ad (ending tonight). I had never seen a 45" version from SS before this ad. This, to me, is a pretty attractive size option. I frequently find the 27" standard version to be on the short side for whatever it is I'm trying to set up. The Connector Tube options are kind of hidden in this ad under the Mark V 500 Service Parts heading. ;)

Note - The 5' version Connector Tubes are also on sale in the ad, as well as in the next ad. (With JSB's 520 table setup pictured.)

- David

The email I got yesterday does not have anything about 45" connector tubes or anything about Mark V 500 Service Parts. Also it ends on 15 Aug. Here is the link to the add on the web site.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/7DV879

The 45" tubes do exist. Maybe they came out with that length when the MK 4 was introduced.

That is the second picture of one of my table setups SS has used in one of their adds.

Hmmm... Having reread what you said it appears that you got two adds. I only got the one picturing my table set up. :confused:

DLB

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/7DV878

The email version of this one came a few days ago, today is the last day. Another thing I've noted on occasion is that the emails and on-line ads don't always have the same info. Great job on your pictures! (Are those SS 5' tubes, or your aftermarket version?)

- David

jsburger

DLB wrote https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/7DV878

The email version of this one came a few days ago, today is the last day. Another thing I've noted on occasion is that the emails and on-line ads don't always have the same info. Great job on your pictures! (Are those SS 5' tubes, or your aftermarket version?)

- David

Ops... I forgot. :o I did get the email above.

The 5' tubes in that picture are SS. That picture was taken when I was still working in my garage before I built the dedicated shop. The dedicated shop was built in 2009. The aftermarket tubes were bought sometime around 2018.

edma194

I saw the 45" tubes in one of the ads. Now an online as is offering a sale price on 5" tubes. That seemed kind of expensive for just 5" so a little further checking showed me it was a total rip-off because those tubes are actually 60" long. You'd have to cut them to get 6" tubes and throw the rest away.

521942 5" Connector Tubes (Set of 2)

Regularly: $58.25 Email Special: $46.60 -- You Save $11.65

jsburger

edma194 wrote
I saw the 45" tubes in one of the ads. Now an online as is offering a sale price on 5" tubes. That seemed kind of expensive for just 5" so a little further checking showed me it was a total rip-off because those tubes are actually 60" long. You'd have to cut them to get 6" tubes and throw the rest away.

521942 5" Connector Tubes (Set of 2)

Regularly: $58.25 Email Special: $46.60 -- You Save $11.65

Huhhh??? You are saying this in jest, right? 🙂 Obviously the web site add has a typo. They are not selling 5 inch tubes. The email add says 5 foot.

edma194

jsburger wrote Huhhh??? You are saying this in jest, right? :) Obviously the web site add has a typo. They are not selling 5 inch tubes. The email add says 5 foot.

Of course. If I wanted a 5" tube I could just weld a pair of 2-1/2" tubes together.

DLB

Today I learned that the wall mount table storage system that SS sells (now on sale) includes one(!) 45" 'Mounting Tube' along with two brackets. I'm guessing there is little or no difference between a 45 inch mounting tube and a 45 inch connector tube, maybe they should include a pair. This may be where the 45" tube idea came from, but I'm hoping to find it is the perfect size for a shorty.(?) John mentioned in an earlier post that they might have been intended for the Mark 4. Mine have shipped!

The new ad also includes a picture credited to John for the table extension brackets. (Email version only, the on-line ad doesn't currently have it.)

- David

jsburger

DLB wrote Today I learned that the wall mount table storage system that SS sells (now on sale) includes one(!) 45" 'Mounting Tube' along with two brackets. I'm guessing there is little or no difference between a 45 inch mounting tube and a 45 inch connector tube, maybe they should include a pair. This may be where the 45" tube idea came from, but I'm hoping to find it is the perfect size for a shorty.(?) John mentioned in an earlier post that they might have been intended for the Mark 4. Mine have shipped!

The new ad also includes a picture credited to John for the table extension brackets. (Email version only, the on-line ad doesn't currently have it.)

- David

After all a MK 4 is essentially a SS produced shorty.

DLB

I got my 45" connector tubes, 556201, yesterday. A couple of observations:

1) They appear to be polished stainless steel. Unlike other tubes in my possession, the magnet is not attracted to them.

2) They are about 20 thou thinner in the walls than my 5 foot tubes, but similar to various 27" and 18" tubes I have. I had not previously noticed that the 5 foot ones had thicker walls. It is possible that my 5 footers are non-OEM, I bought them used. (Or that this is normal.)

- David

dusty

DLB wrote I got my 45" connector tubes, 556201, yesterday. A couple of observations:

1) They appear to be polished stainless steel. Unlike other tubes in my possession, the magnet is not attracted to them.

2) They are about 20 thou thinner in the walls than my 5 foot tubes, but similar to various 27" and 18" tubes I have. I had not previously noticed that the 5 foot ones had thicker walls. It is possible that my 5 footers are non-OEM, I bought them used. (Or that this is normal.)

- David

So, is this good or bad? Are you pleased that you bought them?

If you want thicker walled stainless I'd bet that you can find them online but "you will pay".

DLB

dusty wrote
DLB wrote I got my 45" connector tubes, 556201, yesterday. A couple of observations:

1) They appear to be polished stainless steel. Unlike other tubes in my possession, the magnet is not attracted to them.

2) They are about 20 thou thinner in the walls than my 5 foot tubes, but similar to various 27" and 18" tubes I have. I had not previously noticed that the 5 foot ones had thicker walls. It is possible that my 5 footers are non-OEM, I bought them used. (Or that this is normal.)

- David
So, is this good or bad? Are you pleased that you bought them?

If you want thicker walled stainless I'd bet that you can find them online but "you will pay".

I'm very happy with them. I wasn't expecting greater wall thickness than the 27" versions have, and the stainless is an unexpected bonus. And they were priced right, around $28 plus S&T for a pair on sale (reg. $38 IIRC). Not to say I would not prefer 0.120" wall thickness... But I like them, I frequently find the 27" size, which I have in abundance, is too restrictive for something I want to do.

- David

AustinDuran

The greater wall thickness and stainless steel bonus must be a pleasant surprise. And hey, who doesn't love a good deal? $28 for a pair on sale is definitely a win.

Totally get it – sometimes you need that extra room to maneuver, and the 27"" size just won't cut it. It's awesome that these tubes give you the freedom you're looking for. And $38 regular price? Even better that you snagged them on sale!

By the way, have you considered exploring anything related to Link deleted for your projects? Could add an interesting twist to your creations!