Anyone using 2 main tables on MKV 500?

fgrule · Post by **fgrule** » Thu May 03, 2012 7:47 am

I am entertaining the idea of getting a 2nd main table + carriage for my MKV 500.
I have searched and read all the threads I can find, but cannot get a handle on how well (or not well) this works. There are several variations to add table surface to a 500 without the expense of going to a 510 or 520 upgrade (used upgrades seem to sell for $400 and up, more than I want to spend).

I've seen other ways to increase table surface like bolting together 2 extension table tops on one leg set (or welding a main top to a leg set with proper offset to use the fence). Are these superior to a 2nd main + carriage? I'd think a 2nd main with all it's adjustablity would be best.

Any advice or experiences?

Thanks!!

Fred

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:27 am

Why not upgrade to either a 510 or 520 system?
BPR

Billdit · Post by **Billdit** » Thu May 03, 2012 9:50 am

I have the extra carriage installed and use second table when needed... has yet to get "in the way" ... Had the second table with the 500 when I bought it, then bought the carriage for about $20 on ebay... easy to line up and use... cheapest I've seen a 520 conversion is about $800...
I'll post a picture if I can figure out how to do that...

fgrule · Post by **fgrule** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:43 am

Billdit wrote:I have the extra carriage installed and use second table when needed... has yet to get "in the way" ... Had the second table with the 500 when I bought it, then bought the carriage for about $20 on ebay... easy to line up and use... cheapest I've seen a 520 conversion is about $800...
I'll post a picture if I can figure out how to do that...

The conversion is out of my price range...even to a 510 at this point. Do you use the extra table on the same side of the headstock as the original...or one on either side? I've seen both ways in photos, but no reasoning.

Fred

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:54 am

fgrule wrote:The conversion is out of my price range...even to a 510 at this point. Do you use the extra table on the same side of the headstock as the original...or one on either side? I've seen both ways in photos, but no reasoning.

Fred

I feel your pain brother!! One of the reasons, I'm limiting my table saw use as much as possible.

fgrule · Post by **fgrule** » Thu May 03, 2012 3:23 pm

Here are some images of possible configurations:

2 tables to right of headstock;
[ATTACH]17345[/ATTACH]

one table to right, but carrige of 2nd table still in place to left. Very close to coupler not being long enough. This is with offset tubes on bandsaw.Straight legs should be better:
[ATTACH]17346[/ATTACH]

2 tables, one to each side of headstock:
[ATTACH]17347[/ATTACH]

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks, Fred

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Thu May 03, 2012 3:37 pm

fgrule wrote:Here are some images of possible configurations:

2 tables to right of headstock]17345[/ATTACH]

one table to right, but carrige of 2nd table still in place to left. Very close to coupler not being long enough. This is with offset legs on bandsaw.Straight legs should be better:
[ATTACH]17346[/ATTACH]

2 tables, one to each side of headstock:
[ATTACH]17347[/ATTACH]

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks, Fred

Seems like the more useful scenario would be a carriage on either side. Using two on the right just seems like it would be the same as building some sort of larger extension on the right side of the SPT mount extension table.

Then again, if you were turning a long spindle, two carriages on the right side would allow you to set up a long custom tool rest...hmm

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Thu May 03, 2012 5:12 pm

I had considered a second carriage on the right for a long custom lathe tool rest but have not tried it yet. I also have not looked to see if two carriages would be in the way when turning something very short but needing the tailstock?
I have considered several times how to make a quick on / quick off carriage. Do-able but not the most simple project I fear. At least so if you want to have the table raising gears. More simple if you make one more like the 10-ER, maybe even out of wood.

.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Thu May 03, 2012 5:22 pm

If you just want added table space cheap find a non-running Mark VII cheap and transplant its carriage and table as well as its L shaped extension table.
Or, use the Mark VII and transplant your good running Mark V headstock to it.

.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu May 03, 2012 5:58 pm

fgrule wrote:Here are some images of possible configurations:

2 tables to right of headstock]17345[/ATTACH]

one table to right, but carrige of 2nd table still in place to left. Very close to coupler not being long enough. This is with offset legs on bandsaw.Straight legs should be better:
[ATTACH]17346[/ATTACH]

2 tables, one to each side of headstock:
[ATTACH]17347[/ATTACH]

Thoughts, anyone?

Thanks, Fred

I have considered a table on the left like your 2nd and 3rd pics. Any idea if this will prevent the coupler from connecting to a Jointer??

Curious. Also would need to find old carriage and table.

Terry