Two Main Tables

[dusty]

It has been said that one of the most serious short comings of the SS is the small main table.

SS, it my opinion, solved that problem a long time ago when they introduced the 510 but I have taken it one step farther.

I have now configured a second main table (without trunnions) and use it as an auxillary main table. When I really need a large table I use the auxillary main like I would a floating extension.

Why I really did this was to gain another miter slot (actually I gained two). I don't have a miter sled with two miter rails, yet. But I am going to make one. When I am done, I believe I will have improved the accuracy of my miter sled.
I may just add a miter bar to the sled I already have.

Pictures to follow, but later. I have been tasked with an interior remodeling job on my daughters mobil embroidery trailer. She outgrew the one she had and we are renovating it by building new cabinets, shelves, bookcases, etc.

Pictures to follow.

[reible]

Hey Dusty,

Check out ebay item 200123668531 for a 500 with dual tables.

Ed

[dusty]

Ed, I checked that out. This is a different approach. He has two carriage assemblies.

[Ed in Tampa]

Dusty
How do you mount the other main table?

I think I mentioned I took a main table that was defective and with some milling was able to build a router table out of it. I'm still in the refinning process but the idea does seem feasible. I would like to be able to mount in on a extension table support legs but I haven't gotten that far yet.

Let us know how you mounted your table.
Ed

[reible]

Ed, I checked that out. This is a different approach. He has two carriage assemblies.

Yes, different approach but then with a 500 you would have to as you don't have the tubes to attach to. Might be more of something a 500 owner could use to make a wider table since they don't have an option of floating tables. Of course this limits the travel of the headstock and reduces lathe capacity...

One thing you could check for us is how much depth of cut is lost when the extra table is over the headstock...... I know the floating tables hit before the table is all the way down, the main table might be better for that too??? I like to have a floating table off to the left side when I'm using the Incra 2000 miter gauge but it does present issues when trying to get maximum depth of cut.

It will also be interesting to here just how close the two tables are to being able to use a miter slot on each one. Should be interesting...

Ed

[billmayo]

The tubes on the 500 Main Table support is the same diameter as the extension table tubes. I cut off the back leg of the 500 main table at bottom of the cross bar and welded it toward the center using a Headrest to hold both tubes. Now I have a larger extension table that fits either end of the Shopsmith and can be tilted if needed. This was quicker than using angle (L)brackets and boring holes for the table and the regular extension support bolts. I did use the angle (L) brackets to convert a 500 main table to fit the bandsaw.

Bill Mayo

Dusty
How do you mount the other main table?

I think I mentioned I took a main table that was defective and with some milling was able to build a router table out of it. I'm still in the refinning process but the idea does seem feasible. I would like to be able to mount in on a extension table support legs but I haven't gotten that far yet.

Let us know how you mounted your table.
Ed

[dusty]

I bought 520 rails (front and rear) and mounted them to the ebay main table (hereafter refered to as the "auxillary main". Configured in this manner, the auxillary main mounts just like a floating extension.

You cannot use it in this manner without support from the extension table (using long tubes).

Ed, I will check the effect on depth of cut the next time I am setup that way. However, I don't believe it is going to be any different.

I have been busy (big time) remodeling my daughters mobile embroidery trailer and I have the SS scheduled pretty much fulltime until I get her work done so she can get back on the road.

I have thread racks and a wall of pigeon holes (for shirts not pigeons) left to build and the new electrical distribution before the pressure eases.

She bought a new machine (now has two) therefore the need for rewiring.

[dusty]

Yes, different approach but then with a 500 you would have to as you don't have the tubes to attach to. Might be more of something a 500 owner could use to make a wider table since they don't have an option of floating tables. Of course this limits the travel of the headstock and reduces lathe capacity...

One thing you could check for us is how much depth of cut is lost when the extra table is over the headstock...... I know the floating tables hit before the table is all the way down, the main table might be better for that too??? I like to have a floating table off to the left side when I'm using the Incra 2000 miter gauge but it does present issues when trying to get maximum depth of cut.

It will also be interesting to here just how close the two tables are to being able to use a miter slot on each one. Should be interesting...

Ed

ed reible

Earlier you had inquired as to the maximum depth of cut when using the Auxillary Main Table as a floating table to the left of the headstock.

I just set up that way so that I might answer your question. A personal comment first - it ain't worth it. The answer is 2 1/4".

As far as using two miter slots, one on each table, I was truely impressed. With no extra special effort to align the tables, it can be done.

I set up using (from left to right) left extension table, main table, auxillary main table and right extension table.

I first lowered the main table for maximum depth of cut and checked it for 90 degrees to the blade. I then installed the 5' tubes into the left extension table and adjusted it so that the tubes slide into the rails on the main table. Sliding the tubes on through to the right side, I adjust the right extension table for the correct height.

With that all done, I back the tubes out to the left, far enough to mount one rail of the auxillary main table. Then I extend the tube on to the right until it mates with the rail of right extension table.

Install the other tube to support the other side of the tables.

Tighten down all of the knobs to secure the tables to the tubes both front and back.

Test for level and smoothness of motion of the rip fence from extreme end to end.

Miter slots are parallel to better than a 1/32".

One of my near term projects is a sliding cutoff table with two miter slots. That will be the true test. I will report, either way, once that is a done deal.

I need to stop reconfiguring my Shopsmith and build something before I am too old to do so.

[solicitr]

Aside from losing a few inches of headstock travel, is there anything wrong with simply leaving the 500 carriage installed, with the table available as an auxiliary? It seems to me that those two mitre slots would be useful for a sliding table or other jigs.

[mtobey]

I use two main tables with the extra to the left of the Powerhead, of course. The only drawback is that to run an SPT, the extra carriage has to be removed; I have a second tiebar that has been opened up to slide on the tubes. I can leave it on right up against the powerhead. I pop the catch lever, pull the real tiebar and carriage and slide my modified one to the end to latch. I don't know why I just don't use the through bored tiebar all of the time. Since I am cautious and don't want to torque my alignment out of whack, I just prefer to always have spacing control in place when changing out. I am probably over-thinking the whole deal. That second table on a carriage is handy for sanding discs on one of the accessory spindles and saw or lathe set-up to the right. And for my calipers, coffee, square, pencils and other stuff right to hand. I have a complete greenie table, carriage and tailstock but haven't found a real use for it- the paint is near perfect, so I haven't really wanted to modify it.mt