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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:46 am
by judaspre1982
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 9:51 am
by dusty
michaeltoc wrote:No! I had no problems with the 500 fence, and it's even better now with the 520 as the tubes make aligning the tables easier.
I love my 520 set up but I use my 510 almost as much as the 520.
However, Word of Caution - KICKBACK:
If you are using a rip fence mounted on an extension table (either floating or fixed) double check that the rip fence is parallel to the blade before you start work.
If it is not....well, that is a story discussed elsewhere ....kickback
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 10:01 am
by judaspre1982
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:09 am
by ss50th
judaspre1982 wrote:Yes Michael, one of the functions of the extension table is to increase ripping capacity. My 3rd pic with the ext table mounted is confusing.
The main purpose of the thread was to show how to increase rip capacity of the main table without the use of the ext table.
Dave
Based on the photograph #3 could this extra slot also be used instead of a Zero Clearance Insert?
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:57 am
by judaspre1982
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:57 am
by michaeltoc
ss50th wrote:Based on the photograph #3 could this extra slot also be used instead of a Zero Clearance Insert?
Probably not a good idea. A ZCI is so close to the blade that it should be plastic or wood, not metal.
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:03 pm
by judaspre1982
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:18 pm
by ddvann79
Dave,
Great thread. Thanks for posting this idea. The problem you addressed is one of my main complaints with the 500 table. I recently made some cases for storing odds and ends in the shop that were designed to fit a narrow space I had. It turned out that the width of the cases was in that magic window where the fence had to straddle the main and extension tables. I have two main tables and both are 1/4" longer than my extension table so it's virtually impossible to straddle that space with the fence. I ended up backing the the left fence set screw all the way out and letting the other side hang off the table. It never occurred to me to use that extra slot - maybe just because I'm not accustomed to a slot being in the side of a table. Thanks for the heads-up.
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 2:54 pm
by judaspre1982
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Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 5:34 pm
by ddvann79
You are correct, Dave. I have a bolt-on rail and the extension table has the cast rail. The extension table was not the original for this machine. That would explain the difference in lengths. I also like your solution of using a main table for an extension. That was my original reason for getting an extra main. You have devised a good solution to chopping down the cast cross member of the main table to fit the narrower tubes.