520 Trunnion Problem

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:46 pm

I started to align the table on my SS 520 this morning and found that the front trunnion holes were 1/2" and the rear holes were 3/8". I have always had somewhat of a binding problem with the table and alignment has never been pin point. Not wanting to wait several weeks to get a free replacement from SS I have decided to enlarge the right trunnion hole in the rear trunnion to 1/2" and leave the left hole at 3/8" to serve as a pivit point. Talking with Gail at SS I know that the 520 front and rear trunnions have 1/2" holes. My thought is that only three 1/2" holes are needed for R-L adjustment, so I am going to enlarge only one hole to 1/2" in the rear trunnion.

Hopefully Bill Mayo or others that have had the same problem will jump in with thier ideas. I ordered a new trunnion just to be on the safe side.

ldh

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:41 pm

You probably already know that I just recently drilled out my trunnions. I am sure you will find a favorable difference. I'm not sure that leaving one at 3/8" is going to make much difference but at least you can always corrrect that if it doesn't work.

I appreciate what Shopsmith offered to do but I can't stand the down time to wait. Drilling and reassembly took less than 1/2 hour and I am making saw dust.

weelildaddy · Post by **weelildaddy** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:40 pm

I had the same problem with the rear trunion and had confirmation from Nick that indeed they are both supposed to bored out to 1/2 inch. Leaving one 3/8 will still not allow you to have any lateral shift if needed. If you drill it out, loosen but leave the left bolt a bit snug so that the table won't float and then you can pivot the table on the sung bolt or if you need a lateral shift like I did, you can gently bump it with a soft mallet. I promise, it wil make life easier for you. Following dusty, I couldn't wait for a trunion to be shipped to Dayton and back so I went ahead and bored. Oh Dusty, I had a weak moment and purchased one of thoes Master Plates. I haven't tried it yet but I will let you know something soon.

Arno

ldh · Post by **ldh** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 5:18 pm

Fortunately I had my trusty old 500 for drilling out the the trunnion hole. I was able to dial the 520 table in within .003 and that is the best it has ever been. Leaving the left rear hole at 3/8" seemed to work ok. I put a temp. paper shim between the trunnion and the ribs on both the front and back trunnion and tightened all the trunnion bolts. The table tilts as if it were on bearing now. Having used a 500 for many years I am starting to like the 520 as I work out more and more of the little bugs in it. Thanks for the interest.
ldh

keakap · Post by **keakap** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:07 am

This is the darndest thing. I used to absolutely Dread having to go through table alignments. Loosen, adjust, check, tighten, check -- DANG!-- loosen, adjust, check, tighten, check-- DANG!-- loosen, back just failed, call 911 for ambulance, etc., etc.

But after watching Engler's videos and reading all so many of the informative and helpful stories here, I'm not only not afraid of it anymore, I'll grab that humongous allen wrench and a 20 dollar bill at a moment's notice or a hint of misalignment and go to town on it.

I think SS should advertise the forums as an official "Accessory" to the Mark V.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:14 pm

keakap wrote:This is the darndest thing. I used to absolutely Dread having to go through table alignments. Loosen, adjust, check, tighten, check -- DANG!-- loosen, adjust, check, tighten, check-- DANG!-- loosen, back just failed, call 911 for ambulance, etc., etc.

But after watching Engler's videos and reading all so many of the informative and helpful stories here, I'm not only not afraid of it anymore, I'll grab that humongous allen wrench and a 20 dollar bill at a moment's notice or a hint of misalignment and go to town on it.

I think SS should advertise the forums as an official "Accessory" to the Mark V.

Is a $20 bill thicker than a $1 bill? Why the denomination reference? Will a $100 bill work; I do not have anything smaller!:D

I am about to do this myself with a recently acquired 510. Any other 'issues' with the larger table?

P.S. Re: shopsmith accessory - They won't for fear of 'contaminating' their minds. :>}

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:57 pm

DO KNOT use a $100 bill. You'll pay to much attention then.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:02 pm

beeg wrote:DO KNOT use a $100 bill. You'll pay to much attention then.

MY CONCERN is that I will be watching it too closely(in case a shop gremlin tries to snatch it) and not pay attention to what was doing and break something.

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520 Trunnion Problem

520 Trunnion Problem

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