Shopsmith Forums

Using a 500 rip fence to 'clamp' the main table to an aux table is likely to not be realistic for the same reason that attempting to straddle that joint for ripping is not reliable. The fence rails are not always(if ever) similar enough.

Well, all I can say is it works with my 500. You may be right when it comes to using an original 500 table with a newer extension table. The 500 table I have is an EBay purchase from a decade or so ago, purchased because the front trunnion on my old table broke. I don't know what vintage it is, but the rails of the main table and the rails of the extension table align nicely. I often place the two tables together when ripping wider stock and can confidently secure the fence anywhere along the rails. Both the older model fences and the newer one will work on either table. I know there has been an evolution of the front rail design, so my idea of using a fence to lock the tables may not work for every combination of main and extension table. Still, might be worth a try if someone is having deflection problems with the main table.

IF both the main and aux table have the extruded aluminum rail getting them aligned MAY allow bridging with the rip fence.

BTW us who have been around since goldie days, an 'extension' table is a thingie that attaches to the main table front rail to 'extend' the miter gauge slot.

Makes sense. Will try to remember that. I have a bad habit of using extension table and auxiliary table interchangeably. I have two of the front extension tables you mention and, come to think of it, I always do refer to them as extension tables. Yes, both my main and aux tables have the same rail set-up, the rails that are bolted on.

" I have a bad habit of using extension table and auxiliary table interchangeably."

Unfortunately so also does the mothership.

The only time I have problems while horizontal boring is when I have dull drill bits and/or when I rely on only the rip fence lock to secure the rip fence (which I seldom do). I clamp an auxiliary support to the table behind the rip fence.

Just how much movement (table flex) is being observed??