Shopsmith Forums

dusty wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

algale wrote:

dusty wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

For when close enough is close enough, the 510s have a built-in aligning sight. Sight down the round tube (front fence guide) of the extension table while you're adjusting its height. Visually align the tube with the tube on the main table, and lock down the extension table. It's not as accurate as the above methods, but it'll get you close real quickly.

algale wrote:

dusty wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

Yes a 4' level works great. I am not sure why you need two. As frugal as Dusty is he says he has the adjustable stop collars too.

IMO, the adjustable stop collars and a straight edge or level are the only way to go. It works perfectly and is very quick and accurate.

jsburger wrote:

algale wrote:

dusty wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

Yes a 4' level works great. I am not sure why you need two. As frugal as Dusty is he says he has the adjustable stop collars too.

IMO, the adjustable stop collars and a straight edge or level are the only way to go. It works perfectly and is very quick and accurate.

I found that when using a single level (across the front of the main table and the extension table mounted in the base), when I raised the extension table to touch the bottom of the level, the back of the extension table would be very slightly below the main table. With two levels I can ensure the extension table is totally coplanar to the main table.

algale wrote:

jsburger wrote:

algale wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

Yes a 4' level works great. I am not sure why you need two. As frugal as Dusty is he says he has the adjustable stop collars too.

IMO, the adjustable stop collars and a straight edge or level are the only way to go. It works perfectly and is very quick and accurate.

I found that when using a single level (across the front of the main table and the extension table mounted in the base), when I raised the extension table to touch the bottom of the level, the back of the extension table would be very slightly below the main table. With two levels I can ensure the extension table is totally coplanar to the main table.[/quote]

OK, so how do you raise the back of the table while not raising the front of the table? The table tubes don't allow for that. Well, maybe if you Gorilla it and tighten the lock. I align the front and the back of the fixed extension table with the main table using the table bolts and a straight edge. I get either the front or back at the right height and then adjust the fixed table bolts to align the other end. The same for left and right. I have two fixed extension tables. Once aligned they are marked left and right. It does make a difference since there is enough flex in the SS base if the floor is not perfectly level. I do not move my Shopsmiths almost ever so the alignment does not change. Even with that I have to tweak the tables occasionally for level and coplaner.

jsburger wrote: OK, so how do you raise the back of the table while not raising the front of the table? The table tubes don't allow for that. Well, maybe if you Gorilla it and tighten the lock. I align the front and the back of the fixed extension table with the main table using the table bolts and a straight edge. I get either the front or back at the right height and then adjust the fixed table bolts to align the other end. The same for left and right. I have two fixed extension tables. Once aligned they are marked left and right. It does make a difference since there is enough flex in the SS base if the floor is not perfectly level. I do not move my Shopsmiths almost ever so the alignment does not change. Even with that I have to tweak the tables occasionally for level and coplaner.

So you'd think. Nevertheless, on my machines, particular on the right side where I almost always use the extension table, there's either enough slop in the holes in the base where the extension table tubes fit or enough spring between the bolts/legs, to allow the table to cant slightly as you slide the extension table down/up, no Gorilla-ing required. I suspect my machine is not unique, either. Have you checked yours?

And yes, I've aligned the extension table to the main table with the bolts just as you describe (and as shown in one of the sawdust sessions).

John, that floor is way to clean! ~mike c

friscomike wrote:John, that floor is way to clean! ~mike c

I did finally notice some small amount of dust after zooming in, but that Shopsmith looks like it is in a showroom!

colday wrote:

friscomike wrote:John, that floor is way to clean! ~mike c

I did finally notice some small amount of dust after zooming in, but that Shopsmith looks like it is in a showroom!

That shop is indeed a 'showroom'!!!!!!

jsburger wrote:

algale wrote:

dusty wrote:I lay a long level across the tables and adjust the table(s) so that the level rests on all tables involved.

This is my method too. A pair of four foot levels from the box store of your choice is a good investment for a Shopsmith owner. One at front and one at rear of tables. Simple and accurate.

Yes a 4' level works great. I am not sure why you need two. As frugal as Dusty is he says he has the adjustable stop collars too.

IMO, the adjustable stop collars and a straight edge or level are the only way to go. It works perfectly and is very quick and accurate.

But I don't typically use them to adjust table height. Frankly, I don't really see a need for the adjustable stop collar. Under some infrequent circumstances they are useful and that is the most I can say about them. I have several Tube Collars (501439) that I am more likely to use than the adjustable stop collars. I was introduced to the Tube Collar only because they came as part of the Tailstock Assembly (504276).

I do use the adjustable stop collar, however, but not for its' intended purpose. I'll post a couple pictures to show how I use it most (in a different thread).