Shopsmith Forums

Have a 500 upgraded to 520. I need to use a circle cutter to make some rings about 4" in diameter. The stock HAS to be clamped to the table, but the underside of the table is almost impossible to clamp to. Does anyone have a clever add-on drill press table or some sort of clamping jig?

I suggest you use larger pieces of wood so you can clamp them to the table. Seems to me that a board about 6"X12 or 14" will allow enough extra material to get 2 clamps on before cutting.

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Best clamps for this would be "C" clamps or Pony clamps.

You need a 'jig'.

Clamp large base board to table.

Clamp workpiece to base board.

Feed 'fly cutter' slowly!

I'm with JPG on this one except I would use double sided carpet tape to hold the workpiece to the large board.

Get the kind of carpet tape that has a cloth center. After applying the tape to the board, use a small mallet striking the workpiece to the board. Now you're ready to clamp the large board to the table. this will get a good connection.

Oh yeah! make sure the base board is thick enough so the drill will not reach the table. It would be a good idea to use a drum sander insert in the saw table.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... nserts.htm

Since you have the 520 table you could use T-bolts in the mitre slots to secure the piece to the table.

I epoxied pieces of wood in those voids closest to the edges on both the saw tables and the aux. tables.

Gene Howe wrote:I epoxied pieces of wood in those voids closest to the edges on both the saw tables and the aux. tables.

I like the way you think!

I have not epoxied them in place but I have cut a couple blocks to fit in those voids so that I can use the clamps. I did that before the Shorty was born. Now that there is a Shorty (primary drill press), I need to follow your lead.

I actually gave some thought to filling some of the voids with JBWeld. Gave up that idea because I am too frugal.

Shopsmith: Are you listening. This would be a great product improvement for future tables.

I would try handscrew clamps.
Bill V

Here are a few things I've posted which might give you some ideas for doing this job.



http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/gener ... 12661.html

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?p=27058

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=11614

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/gener ... t2747.html

Ed

Ed, you are simply a gold mine of more just than worthwhile ideas and you are to be commended for the way you document these ideas and then share with the world.

I don't believe anyone would argue with me when I say that you are the most valuable asset this forum has.