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EMT for 5 Foot Connector Tubes
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 5:09 pm
by algale
With all the recent discussions about connector tubes, I thought I would mention that nominal 3/4 inch OD EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) will work for connector tubes between the tables in the Mark V 520. The actual OD is about 0.92 inches. My local Home Depot has 5 foot lengths pre-cut. It isn't all shiny and pretty like the Shopsmith connector tubes, but it works.
By the way, the nominal 1 inch OD EMT is too large to fit the 520 fence extrusions. DAMHIK.
Al
Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 5:15 pm
by dusty
algale wrote:With all the recent discussions about connector tubes, I thought I would mention that nominal 3/4 inch OD EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) will work for connector tubes between the tables in the Mark V 520. The actual OD is about 0.92 inches. My local Home Depot has 5 foot lengths pre-cut. It isn't all shiny and pretty like the Shopsmith connector tubes, but it works.
By the way, the nominal 1 inch OD EMT is too large to fit the 520 fence extrusions. DAMHIK.
Al
If I am not mistaken, EMT is specified based on the ID. Therefore the wall thickness is not considered thus .75" becomes .92".
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 10:07 am
by damagi
dusty wrote:If I am not mistaken, EMT is specified based on the ID. Therefore the wall thickness is not considered thus .75" becomes .92".
I have used .75" ID EMT on my setup before...as dusty notes it comes out to around .92" OD. On a 520 it works fine since the tube is clamped from the bottom. On the 510 it doesn't work as well since the tube clamps from the side and can allow for more slop.
Better solution
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:47 pm
by foolish...
Take a look at this thread.... This would be a better solution
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=10797
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 1:50 pm
by JPG
Better? YES!
3/4" EMT 10' long can be obtained for less than $10.
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 2:57 pm
by dusty
Better??? Very questionable.
Cheaper? Most definitely.
I have some EMT in appropriate lengths to be used as extension tubes and they do work (sorta).
I bought them with that in mind but I now use them only to hang the tables on the wall when not in use. As discussed here, they are not really the right size for the job intended.
Actually, I would prefer tubes that barely fit into the rails rather than tubes that are small.
Posted: Sun Jul 08, 2012 11:59 pm
by JPG
The e-bay tubes are the 'better' ones!
My point was EMT was less $. Ok for single/temporary use.