Shopsmith Forums

Let me take a simpler and alternate method of getting the table tubes to fit. No mallets, no force whatsoever.

This may sound stupid, but it works for me.

When setting the table on top of the carriage and the rubes won't start to fall - try this - with the table still in the "won't start" position, gently rotate the carriage adjustment upward. Yes, upward. If this works, you will feel a click when the gears align with the tubes.

I have not investigated why this works for me. I only surmise it is because the gears in the carriage have temporarily gotten out of position. Nothing wrong with the tubes at all.

However I can not understand any removal binding.

Thanks Charlese
I will keep that in mind. Removal has been the hardest to do. I could get the tubes down in by tapping with a mallet and rocking the table back and forth, when I first started, but nearly gave myself a hernia trying to get the table out after raising it to the full up position and clearing the gears. You are only sitting in the carriage an inch or inch and one half or so but with two tubes possibly working against each other, I guess it can bind up pretty quickly. Anyway I have two of the three tables working pretty well now, but it is so blasted hot that I can't do much of anything except complain. I think the heat index is 112 today and my shop, a 24 X 30 metal building is not insulated or air conditioned, so it is like an easy bake oven in there most of the day. I sneak in early in the morning and late at night and try to get a few things done.

But I sure appreciate all the advice.
Mike

What Charlese has suggested works; however,

The table should drop into the carriage almost on its own once the notches on the legs engage with the gears in the carriage. When cranking the table up and down the only resistance should be the weight of the table. It should be "easy" to raise and lower the table.