Shopsmith Forums

I recently acquired a rout table. Although typical these days, I am not impressed with the extruded aluminum "angle iron" with long slots. Neither do I like the positioning clamps that require several turns of the three fluted knobs. Pix is rotated from horizontal.

I decided to make an alteration. Without any thought I marked 4 locations each for 2 sets of clamping t-nut holes. Upon some thought occurring I decided on one of those 4 locations. That location is very close to 510/520 table holes for a "real" shape/rout/sand fence.

So counter bored two holes with 7/8" bottom and 3/8" top diameter. 3/8 for a t-nut sleeve and 7/8 for the t-nut flange od. Used a "horizontal drill press". Awkward fer sure but I had already aligned the 'legs'. Not impressed with table raw material - resembled impregnated paste board(think cereal boxes).

Holes done. Now What to use in those t-nuts. 5/16-18 low profile cap screw that has a 5/32 hex socket.

The deed is done! Screw length results in about 2 turns needed to tighten once threads are engaged. I intend to make washers with a tighter fit to the screws. The fence is the current version.

Now about mounting a router . . .

Yeah, I have that exact same router table. Those are some nice mods that you made as the fence is rather weak on that particular design.

I agree with the approach. The fence is easier to adjust and to adjust accurately. Good show.

I am intrigued by the carriage bolt/nut arrange you have employed for attaching the table to the extension table legs. I have used just threaded rod.

Nothing exotic re the carriage bolts. Bolts eliminate need to cut allthread to length. Square under threads allows tightening loosening the bolts with open end wrench although that should only be relevant initially.

BTW why did you rotate the pix to place the FLOOR at the top?

Oh and I did drill a very small thru pilot hole first.

JPG,
Nice solution to the original fence design. I don't like "L" bracket fences either. It could be done with any of the three Shopsmith Shaper Fences just put the attachment holes in the correct place although I think I would not want to use the one for the original Mark VII with the mounting holes between the adjustment knobs.

chapmanruss wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 12:56 pm Nice solution to the original fence design. I don't like "L" bracket fences either.

+1 on the "L" Brackets, I think I might even have two sets and I've never used either. Perhaps they will be useful in conjunction with the WoodAnchor system...

JPG - Are you using the third leg stabilizer for your table or the main table? (Or other?) If main table, is there any connection between the tables or is gravity sufficient? I've had a couple of the white tables from the SS standalone router table, bought both used and both had considerable sag. It has been correctable with re-enforcement. How is this version for flatness?

- David

DLB wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:12 pm . . .

JPG - Are you using the third leg stabilizer for your table INTEND TO
. . .
I've had a couple of the white tables from the SS standalone router table, bought both used and both had considerable sag. It has been correctable with re-enforcement. How is this version for flatness?

- David

I have not yet used nor checked for flatness. I shall check flatness!

Well, that's simply brilliant.

JPG wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 4:57 pm

DLB wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:12 pm . . .

JPG - Are you using the third leg stabilizer for your table INTEND TO
. . .
I've had a couple of the white tables from the SS standalone router table, bought both used and both had considerable sag. It has been correctable with re-enforcement. How is this version for flatness?

- David

I have not yet used nor checked for flatness. I shall check flatness!

A brief look and it appears acceptable. One corner is barely 'low'.(less than 1/32)(did not measure)

JPG wrote: ↑Fri Apr 23, 2021 7:51 am

JPG wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 4:57 pm

DLB wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 1:12 pm . . .

JPG - Are you using the third leg stabilizer for your table INTEND TO
. . .
I've had a couple of the white tables from the SS standalone router table, bought both used and both had considerable sag. It has been correctable with re-enforcement. How is this version for flatness?

- David

I have not yet used nor checked for flatness. I shall check flatness!

A brief look and it appears acceptable. One corner is barely 'low'.(less than 1/32)(did not measure)

Pictures would sure be nice.

How do "you" test for flatness?

How flat does a router table "need" to be to achieve good clean edge cuts?