8-Foot Connector Tubes

[billmayo]

What are the lengths that you use? Are they shorter or longer than 8'?

I find the EMT 1" tubes do not work for any of my 510s (unable to clamp firm) but works well with the 520. I started with some 10' tubes but I found they bent very easly so I made them 5' tubes and they worked somewhat better. I would believe you will have the same bending problem using 8' EMT tubes.

I find that the Shopsmith 5' connector tubes will also take a bend if you are not careful when moving the main table or keeping the floating and/or extension tables level with the main table when moving either table and resetting the telescoping legs. I find I have to keep a 6' level handy when changing table heights to make sure all the table tops remains level with each other. I have a few sets of new and used 5' connector tubes if anyone is interested.

[tnerb]

Thanks Ron and Tim for enlightening (I think that's how it's spelled) me.

Brent

[dusty]

Brent

EMT is Electrical Metallic Tubing used in the electrical trade and is found in the electrical department where the conduit is in the big box stores (home depot, lowes). It is a thin wall version of galvanized rigid conduit and lighter weight. Used a bunch in commercial applications. Not sure about how it works with the SS. Dusty will have to answer that question.

To set the record straight - EMT is NOT the ultimate solution to this problem and EMT is NOT a total substitute for Extension Tubes.

I have two sets of 5' Extension Tubes. One has been cut to serve my own special needs and the other is used as is (5' Tubes).

I got the 2nd set of 5 footers because the original set was bent. I use a router table as an extension table on my Mark 5 setup quit often. The router table is heavy. If left to sit on the extension tubes without support, the extra weight will bend the extension tubes. Support legs or extension table support is a must.

As has been stated here, the EMT is probably not a usable item on the 510. The smaller diameter makes it difficult if not impossible to secure. I had trouble keeping my extension tubes tight in the 510 when they were full size (diameter).

I use the EMT for emergency setup needs - that is, when I need to do something that I am not properly equipped to do and I don't have standard tubes to do it with.

I use EMT a lot when setting up the Crafter's Station. The tables are almost always pulled tight together so the tendency to bend the tubes there is much less. I have 520 rails on everything now so the smaller diameter tubes don't effect my setups.

I hang my extra tables all the wall using EMT and wall brackets that I made.

IN CONCLUSION: EMT is not a good all round substitute for standard Extension Tubes but I would bet that if you had a couple lengths handy they would get used.

[tdubnik]

I have two sets of 5' Extension Tubes. One has been cut to serve my own special needs and the other is used as is (5' Tubes).

I got the 2nd set of 5 footers because the original set was bent. I use a router table as an extension table on my Mark 5 setup quit often. The router table is heavy. If left to sit on the extension tubes without support, the extra weight will bend the extension tubes. Support legs or extension table support is a must.

.

I just received a new set of 5 footers that had been on backorder for many months. I unpacked them and rolled them on my (flat) workbench to see how straight they were. One of them was pretty straight but the other had a crown of about 3/8" in the middle. I was rather dissappointed.

As I thought about what to do, I devised a plan. I marked the crown highpoint and then placed the tube on my shop floor with the 2 ends supported by notched blocks. With the highpoint on top, I pressed down in the center of the tube and checked the crown again. Better, but needed a little more. Worked it a couple more times and finally got it as straight as the other one.

It seems that the tubes bend pretty easily and then take that "set". I never had to use anywhere near my full weight to change the curve.

[nuhobby]

As I thought about what to do, I devised a plan. I marked the crown highpoint and then placed the tube on my shop floor with the 2 ends supported by notched blocks. With the highpoint on top, I pressed down in the center of the tube and checked the crown again. Better, but needed a little more. Worked it a couple more times and finally got it as straight as the other one.

Sounds like my Saturday AM, only in my case it was because "Someone" had cranked a worktable on top of my pen-turning mandrel without looking first. I kept seeing this guy's shadow and I couldn't catch him directly. I spent quite a while straightening out that pen mandrel.

[dusty]

I stress my extension tubes frequently by trying to change the height of one thing or another without removing the obstructions (tubes). You would think that I would learn after bending a tube or two but I haven't.

[JPG]

Your references to 1" EMT being 'smaller' than ss issue has me confused! My 510 ss issue short tubes measure 1" od and 7/8" id. As I recall 1" EMT has a slightly larger od. I do not think 1" EMT will fit into the table tubes. There is very little clearance for the 1" ss tubes.

[mbcabinetmaker]

EMT is slightly under 1". I think it is the 3/4 EMT but measures about 15/16. As it turns out garage door pipe was mentioned earlier in the thread and I have 2 20 foot lengths at my brothers house. He is going to cut me 2 8' sections from the cleanest areas and deliver the next time he comes my way. It is exactly 1 inch and heaver than EMT. I may have to send it to MickyD to remove some rust.

[JPG]

[quote="mbcabinetmaker"]EMT is slightly under 1". I think it is the 3/4 EMT but measures about 15/16. As it turns out garage door pipe was mentioned earlier in the thread and I have 2 20 foot lengths at my brothers house. He is going to cut me 2 8' sections from the cleanest areas and deliver the next time he comes my way. It is exactly 1 inch and heaver than EMT. I may have to send it to MickyD to remove some rust.]

Yep 3/4" makes more sense. I have been looking for a 'substitute' my self and had decided 3/4" EMT was too small.

The shipping charges to ship to SD and back may be a killer!!!!:D

[mbcabinetmaker]

That is the comment my Wife had for this set up. My reply was (Not at all, I saw MikeyD do this and he only used one Shopsmith. This is going to be twice as safe.):D ******************* I don't think she bought it but she left to run her errands and left me with my fate in my on hands.



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These are the 8' sections of garage door rod. The slight surface rust was quickly cleaned up. Sorry the after pictures did not come out so well.