Shopsmith Forums

The main table on my shorty has, for a very long time, been difficult to raise and lower. It can be cranked up and down but only with effort. Cleaning and waxing does not change the situation.

While out in the shop this week, I spend some time fussing with the way the main table flexes (re another thread). After spending time on the shorty (with its' own main table), I decided to mount the 520 table there for a flex comparison. I am happy to report that with neither table is there any flexing that would cause a reasonable person any concern.

But, much to my surprise, the 520 Main Table cranks up and down in the shorty carriage with ease. Conclusion: that problem not caused by the carriage.

Now what?

My next guess would be the posts on the Table Bar and Tube Assembly. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I might proceed from here.

I assume there is no visible damage to the rack teeth on the table tubes.

The only time I have had difficulty cranking my main table was when I managed to insert is slightly skewed. Is it possible one of the table tubes has moved slightly relative to the other tube so that they don't synch with the pinions in the carriage?

I'm also curious whether you have tried the table from the shorty in the 520 carriage? I'm not sure what this would diagnose, if anything, but it would be interesting to see if it is tough to crank across multiple carriages.

dusty wrote:The main table on my shorty has, for a very long time, been difficult to raise and lower. It can be cranked up and down but only with effort. Cleaning and waxing does not change the situation.

While out in the shop this week, I spend some time fussing with the way the main table flexes (re another thread). After spending time on the shorty (with its' own main table), I decided to mount the 520 table there for a flex comparison. I am happy to report that with neither table is there any flexing that would cause a reasonable person any concern.

But, much to my surprise, the 520 Main Table cranks up and down in the shorty carriage with ease. Conclusion: that problem not caused by the carriage.

Now what?

My next guess would be the posts on the Table Bar and Tube Assembly. Does anyone have any suggestions for how I might proceed from here.

I would loosen the bolts that attach the table to the trunnions and see if it moves up and down any easier with them loosened. I know how you like to 'align' your machines.

[quote="SDSSmith"]I would loosen the bolts that attach the table to the trunnions and see if it moves up and down any easier with them loosened. I know how you like to 'align' your machines.]

Thank you. I will try that, Rob, and let you know the results.

I have a third Table and Tie Bar Assembly in the Crafters Station that could be injected here but I am attempting to avoid disturbing that setup. It is currently my Router Station and I have work in progress there.

algale wrote:I assume there is no visible damage to the rack teeth on the table tubes.

The only time I have had difficulty cranking my main table was when I managed to insert is slightly skewed. Is it possible one of the table tubes has moved slightly relative to the other tube so that they don't synch with the pinions in the carriage?

I'm also curious whether you have tried the table from the shorty in the 520 carriage? I'm not sure what this would diagnose, if anything, but it would be interesting to see if it is tough to crank across multiple carriages.

My knee jerk reaction is to say that there is no physical damage there but I did not look specifically. Since I have not resolved this on my own, I can ill afford to disregard any reasonable suggestion. I will check that out. Geez, I hope I don't findwax and saw dust compacted into the teeth.

algale wrote:I assume there is no visible damage to the rack teeth on the table tubes.

The only time I have had difficulty cranking my main table was when I managed to insert is slightly skewed. Is it possible one of the table tubes has moved slightly relative to the other tube so that they don't synch with the pinions in the carriage?

I'm also curious whether you have tried the table from the shorty in the 520 carriage? I'm not sure what this would diagnose, if anything, but it would be interesting to see if it is tough to crank across multiple carriages.

Reference the first post. The shorty table works great in the 520.

beeg wrote:How does the 520 table work in the shorty carriage?

Reference first post: But, much to my surprise, the 520 Main Table cranks up and down in the shorty carriage with ease. Conclusion: that problem not caused by the carriage.

dusty wrote: . . .Geez, I hope I don't findwax and saw dust compacted into the teeth.

I would look for crud in both the shorty table tubes and pinion gears teeth and the tubes exterior and the carriage bores.

Then if it persists(after waxing), look for dimensional differences.