Extension table Stuck!

[EdinPA]

Yesterday, I went into my shop to start a project. I had not used my Shopsmith for over a year. I inserted the extension table into the holes at the end where the whole unit tilts for the drill press function. Then I could NOT get it out. In retrospect, I should have cleaned and waxed the tubes first, but I did not. The extension table will not budge! I removed the tightening handle completely. I sprayed WD-40 where the tubes enter the frame and into the slot where the tightening handle goes. This morning, I squirted penetrating oil around the tubes and handle opening. No luck. I called Shopsmith yesterday, but their engineers are off on Friday. I will call them on Monday, but if someone sees this over the weekend, and has an idea, I would appreciate hearing it.
Thanks,

[chapmanruss]

If you didn't have to force it into position, I am not sure why it is now so difficult to get out. Once you do get it out check for rough spots on the Tubes and in the Mounting Holes.

You could try unbolting the Table from the Base and Tubes. It is possible to get a "twist" in the posts from the table mounting bolts not being evenly aligned. I know because I have done it.

[EdinPA]

I removed the table top from the extension table assembly, but they are tied together by a fixture that cannot be removed. Otherwise I could twist the individual tubes. I cannot find a screw that connects the tubes to this "bridge". I have photos but can't figure out how to attach to this message!

[EdinPA]

I think the problem was that I had not used it in over a year. I should have, but did not, wax the tubes before I inserted the table. I can only conclude that after sitting in my shop for over a year small amounts of corrosion were on the tubes and/or the holes they slide into. But that horse is out of the barn. Now I have to figure out how to remove it. One option may be to cut the tubes free of the bridge on top (that the table fastens to) then use a wrench to twist the tubes. Then buy a new extension table. But that is a last resort. I will speak with a Shopsmith engineer on Monday and hopefully they will have a solution. I emailed them photos.

[EdinPA]

I just checked on the Shopsmith website and the extension table tube assembly can be purchased for $79. Worse case I will cut the top off and use a wrench to twist the tubes free. I want to talk to their engineer fist though. I am fairly certain if I have the two tubes free of the attaching bridge at the top I can use a wrench to twist them free. (I hope!)

[chapmanruss]

You are correct that the posts and the base are an assembled unit not intended to be separated. You could try gently tapping the bottom side of the base, without the Table attached, with a mallet (rubber or wood) to try to get it free and coming back out of the Bench End. Tap as close to the posts as possible alternating sides. A little less drastic than cutting thing up.

All Mark 5/V models use the same Extension Table Base.

[Matanuska]

You could try gently tapping the bottom side of the base, without the Table attached, with a mallet (rubber or wood) to try to get it free and coming back out of the Bench End. Tap as close to the posts as possible alternating sides. A little less drastic than cutting thing up.

+1

[br549]

Have you tried tapping with a mallet on the ends of the extension table tubes themselves? Depending on how far the tubes were inserted before they got stuck, there may be room to put a scrap of wood at the bottom of the tubes and force them up with judious tapping. If the tubes were barely inserted, you may need to use a couple of round scraps (like closet pole rounds) to reach the ends of the tubes.

Attaching pictures is not as intuitive as some other websites ... see the "sticky" thread near the top of the Community Forum for tips.

[chapmanruss]

A word of caution if trying to drive out the Extension Table Mounting Tubes from the bottom by using a mallet even with a block of wood. Striking on the tube ends could cause them to "mushroom" and have them unable to pass up through the Mounting Holes.

[HopefulSSer]

I would think that unless Ed pounded it into place, it should come out with some gentle taps (making sure to tap evenly on both sides so as not to get it cock-eyed in the holes)