Shopsmith Forums

I looked through the '84 Mk. V manual and have nothing that helps. This is a 510. The table is not square with the tubes. What is the fix?

I need a view from further back to understand what I am looking at.

db5 wrote:....I looked through the '84 Mk. V manual and have nothing that helps. This is a 510. The table is not square with the tubes. What is the fix?

Not to worry any longer, db5!
The saw table does not have to be square with the way tubes. Just make the table square with the saw blade and you're home free.

How do I square this?

First off, I am not sure why you would want to in that particular mode.

However, I would start by loosening the four trunnion bolts and allowing the table to slide into position where the tables' edge rests on both tubes. I would then tighten the trunnion bolts and move the Mark V into the normal saw mode and perform a table to blade alignment verification. I would expect that alignment to be very close to "right on".

There is nowhere in official documentation that you can read this but I tinker a lot with the machines in my shop and they are all consistent in this regard. I DO NOT recommend using this method to do a table to blade alignment but it does serve as a reasonable check method. OR In the drill press mode, simply measure the distance from each of the tubes to the miter track OR Use the table height adjust to pull the table into position where the tables' edge touches the tubes (the tables edge is normally not a reliable reference surface). Using this later method, the distance should be about 2 3/4".

Right now, the miter track on my Shorty measures 2 3/4" from one tube and 2 13/16" from the other. This alignment is not close enough for a table saw but works fine for the drill press.

BTW: In the photo you posted, the square does not appear to me to be positioned properly with the tubes. Snug it to the table and then eye ball the square in reference to the tubes for a different view.

Additional Post: I am sorry but this post does not address the question asked by db5.

After rereading my post, I realized that I was NOT addressing db5s question at all.

Furthermore, I have no response EXCEPT to ask this question. Are there any shims on the four trunnion bolts (between the tables under surface and the trunnions)?

These images show the angular relationship between the Shorty's Main Table and the Way Tubes.

If the saw cuts a 90 with an accurate miter gauge, does it matter if the table is square to the tubes?
Or am I missing something?

Gene Howe wrote:If the saw cuts a 90 with an accurate miter gauge, does it matter if the table is square to the tubes?
Or am I missing something?

I do not believe that it matters EXCEPT that with a typical Mark 5/V the table will be nearly square with the tubes when the table system is otherwise properly aligned AND db5 never gave us an indication regarding alignment to the blade.

Thanks to Dusty I now understand the question.

I agree with Dusty the square does not appear to be aligned to the way tubes making 'the problem' appear worse.

Note how Dusty checks square to way tubes alignment with an additional square. Getting a reference to the waytubes is difficult otherwise.

Now as for possible 'causes'.

The mounting posts are a possible source. If either the retaining pin hole or the gear teeth differ between the two posts the relative 'height' would differ. Also differences in the pinion gear teeth/square center hole or crud on the pinion gear teeth.

None of those would likely result in a major difference without also causing binding as the table is raised/lowered.

Also as Dusty mentioned, the table mounting hole 'slop' allows rotating the table about its mounting holes to align the table to the blade. That becomes the critical objective, not table edge square to waytubes.

Only thing left I believe is the trunion itself. Not a likely contributer to the 'issue' IMHO.

Finally if everything else is 'correct' what does it matter? Only the drill press mode will it affect and then in a non-critical way(rotated about the quill axis).

OKAY, db5. I think that we are all curious (I certainly am). Did you get your issue resolved.