Twisted Extension Table

[Kmreed55]

Hello All, I have an issue with a '93 Mark 5 I have purchased, well one issue. My extension table is twisted so I can't adjust it to the main table. The outside of the feed side is too low and the outfield side is too high. When I place it on the main table it rocks side to side. Has anyone come across this and managed to straighten it back flat? The floating tables are flat as is the main table. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[JPG]

Adjust the table to mounting post alignment?

[DLB]

When I place it on the main table it rocks side to side.

First thing I would do is loosen the table from the base, usually 4 studs with 2 nuts/washers each, and retest for flatness with it loose or removed from the base. I've never seen it, but it seems plausible that it could be tweaked out of flat if grossly mis-adjusted. One option if it has a set permanent twist is to make another extension table out of a floating table by threading the holes and adding bolts or studs. Removing a true permanent twist would be difficult, I think you'd have to come up with a fixture that let you twist it a bit the other way to end up with a flat(-ish) set. Used tables are usually readily available on eBay, and I believe SS still sells new 510 tables.

- David

[edma194]

Follow the suggestion above and loosen the base to start with. If it doesn't untwist it you might be able to straighten it by adding washers to the base and re-tightening the bolts. If the that doesn't work and the base isn't twisted badly any 510 extension table can replace the top, so short term you can turn one of your floating tables into an extension table that way.

[chapmanruss]

Kmreed55,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

I have a 510/505/520 Extension Table that sounds like issue you described yours as having. Remember the Extension Tables themselves are the same but it is the Fence Rails that make the difference between the 510/505 and the 520. I was able to "flatten" it out when mounted on my Mark V using the four adjustment studs and nuts but when removed the Extension Table Base (legs) flexed out of alignment and the Extension Table was once again "twisted." It was only with it mounted on the Mark V that it was able to be "forced" into being flat. All that being said, I do not use that Extension Table and have replaced it. I don't know if there is a way to make one of those Tables flat again.

[Kmreed55]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I have taken the base all the way off and the twist was still there. This machine seems to have been abused or something, knobs and casters bent among other things. I should have checked it closer before buying but I get so darned excited, maybe have paid a little less. I have a couple tables on my eBay watch list so I think that’s the route I’ll go. I tried forcing the twist out by tightening the bottom nut on the outside stud and it started to pull out. Thanks again everyone I really appreciate it.

[chapmanruss]

In your first post you said you have "a '93 Mark 5" but didn't say what Model it is. It is the Table/Fence System it has that determines which model it is. In 1993 there was the original Table/Fence System that existed from the beginning when the Mark 5 was introduced in 1954. That original Table/Fence System became the Mark V 500 when the Mark V 510/505 Table System (round fence rails) was introduced in 1985. Since the time your Mark V was made in 1993 it could have been upgraded to even the Mark V 520 Pro Fence Table System (extruded fence rails). I mention all this, so you find the right replacement Extension Table for your Mark V. That may sound like there are a lot of different Extension Tables to sort through but not really. The Mark 5/V 500 has two Extension Tables available and the difference is the width of the table. The Mark V 510/505 and 520 use the same Extension Table but with different Fence Rails. There is an exception to that since the Mark V 510/505 Fence Rails mounted differently during the first year (1985-1986). Earlier Mark V 510/505 Tables were painted gray like the Shopsmith itself while later Mark V 510/505 and 520 tables are painted black. Since it is the table itself that is warped if you are looking for an Extension Table for a Mark V 510/505 or 520 you can get the 510/505 which is usually cheaper than a 520 when it is a complete Extension Table Assembly. Simply swap the Fence Rails. Again, if looking for a Mark V 510/505 or 520 Extension Table and you find one without legs, (and usually cheaper) do make sure it is not a Floating Table for the Mark V 510 or 520 as they do not have the mounting studs for the table legs.

If you post a picture of your Mark V and its tables, we can help guide you better.

[edma194]

Russ, he mentions floating tables in the OP so I think we've all assumed it was at least a 510 table system.

[chapmanruss]

Ed,

That's correct. Sometimes, maybe too often, I get carried away covering a subject.

[edma194]

Ed,
That's correct. Sometimes, maybe too often, I get carried away covering a subject.

No worries Russ. We appreciate what you do here.