Shopsmith Forums

I am looking for advise that I hope will prevent what could be a serious problem.

I was working on the Mark V yesterday with a floating table mounted about six inches to the right of the main table. In the midst of a cut, the table tilted. Nothing serious happened but it certainly could have.

Does anyone have any tips for how to prevent this from happening?

Is there maintenance that needs to be performed on the trunnions?

Is this just the result of fair wear and tear on the table locks?

Should I not be using the tables like this without using the extension table or telescopic legs for support?

Whatever you think - be careful. This could be an accident in the making.

Dusty,

Are you able to recreate the set up (with the saw off) and same weight on the tables and duplicate the failure? If with the same set up you can't make the trunnion let go, perhaps it was just human error -- a failure to tighten the trunnion lock "adequately" (a subjective terms since there is no definitive way to tell how many turns to give the trunnion lock).

If, however, the same set up let's go in the same way, then I'd start by removing any wax you may have on the trunnion (I recall from reading some old posts that you have waxed the trunnion), then repeat the set up to see if you can duplicate the failure.

If it still let's go, I'd be scratching my head.


Al

Yes, i have noticed this on my model 510 ..

never seem to have the problem when useing only '

the main table. When you put the extension table on

it seems like if you even lean on it down it goes.

not enough clamping pressure but, have not tried to

fix it. hopefully someone has a fix..........

Move the headstock to the left and install the connector tubes between the main table and the support table in the right hand end casting with a floating table on the extension tubes. I find that this gives more support and also a bigger range for the fence when the fence is installed on the floating table.
But, Dusty, you may want to check the trunnions to make sure that they are not worn to the point that a secure lock can not be obtained.
Bill

I don't think you have an equipment fault.

If you look at the location of the pivot point of the main table then look at the length of a lever you create with a floating table 6" inches away and then the width of the floating table.... That is a long lever! Either add the legs or use the extension table for support.

My rule of thumb is the floating table needs to be within an inch or so of the main table on the right side, no farther or I add the legs or extension table. On the left side you can go a bit farther since the pivot point is closer.

If I were not so lazy I'd see if that is covered in the manual but hey I'm working on only 3 hours of sleep so I'd most likely fall asleep while reading.

Ed

OK really quickly here, if you look at page C-42 they picture various optional setups, might want to take another look at that.

Ed

reible wrote:OK really quickly here, if you look at page C-42 they picture various optional setups, might want to take another look at that.

Ed

I found the diagrams on a different page but you are absolutely correct. Shopsmith recommends the use of either telescopic legs of the extension table in all of those optional set ups.

I do believe, however, that my table tilts with less force than it used to.

dusty wrote:I found the diagrams on a different page but you are absolutely correct. Shopsmith recommends the use of either telescopic legs of the extension table in all of those optional set ups.

I do believe, however, that my table tilts with less force than it used to.

You may want to remove the wedges that lock against the trunnions and make sure they are clean.

No wax on the wedges and trunnions.

SDSSmith wrote:You may want to remove the wedges that lock against the trunnions and make sure they are clean.

No wax on the wedges and trunnions.

Thank you Rob. I will do that even if I have to remove the trunnions to get at the locking surfaces on the wedges.

dusty wrote:Thank you Rob. I will do that even if I have to remove the trunnions to get at the locking surfaces on the wedges.

You should not have to do that. You should be able to loosen up the tilt lock and keep loosening. Just keep track of the springs that release the wedges and any washers, etc. You will have access to the trunnions with the wedges removed.