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Extension Brackets & Floating Tables

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 8:03 pm
by dusty
I have always used by Extension Brackets along with a pair of Floating Tables to create an Infeed Table.

Yesterday, for no good reason, I used them in an Outfeed Table configuration. I've set up with extension brackets often and did so without a lot of though.

My attention was suddenly captured when I started to crosscut rather than rip. That is when I became aware that neither the sled nor the miter gauge can be used with the floating tables connected, using the extension brackets, as an outfeed table.

The miter bar is suddenly obstructed by the tables as the miter bar exits the outfeed side of the miter track.

Now I know why so many commercial outfeed tables have an area cut out to clear the miter bars.

The floating tables can be lowered, using adjustments on the extension brackets, but then the extension brackets will need to be adjusted when they are reinstalled as an Infeed Table.

No Thanks. My brackets have been permanently reassigned to infeed duties and the outfeed side will be managed by the sled. Simple, no readjust.

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 12:21 am
by Bruce
The miter bar is suddenly obstructed by the tables as the miter bar exits the outfeed side of the miter track.
Dusty,
Don't the floating tables also interfere with the miter bar on the infeed side if you try to back the miter gauge all the way to the front edge of the main table?

Extension Brackets

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 1:44 am
by dusty
Yes, it will do just that. I must be setting the bracket adjustments incorrectly. The bracket can be lowered but I thought the intent was for the tables to all be level.

Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 2:33 am
by reible
Hint One:
You do not have to have two extension tables mounted when using the extension table brackets..... and the two tables do not have to mount between the brackets if you use longer connecting tubes...

Hint Two:
Extension tables for a 520 have different tube to table spacing on the front then they do on the back.... and while mounted with the brackets you don't have to worry about front or back unless you need just a bit more distance for the miter bar......

Ed

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 6:39 pm
by perryobear
Hi Guys,

I hope you don't mind me bringing this thread back up, but I noticed that the extension brackets just went on sale (and I am tempted).

There doesn't seem to be a lot of information available on the SS site as to exactly how the brackets work and are adjusted, etc.

So my question to you guys who have the brackets is; Do you think that the extension brackets be adjusted and used with a mix of a 520 rail (on my main table) and 510 rails that are on the floating tables that I would like to use with the extension brackets?

Thanks,

Dennis

Extension Brackets & Floating Tables

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 6:54 pm
by dusty
dennis

I am almost certain that you could mate a 520 main table with 510 floating tables (to act as infeed/outfeed tables) by employing the Extension Brackets.

The Extension Brackets provide for a significant range of adjustment.

I'll go out to the shop tomorrow and make sure.

If the Extension Brackets are on sale and you want them - I'd jump on it now.

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 10:14 pm
by charlese
dusty wrote:"...The miter bar is suddenly obstructed by the tables as the miter bar exits the outfeed side of the miter track...."

"...My brackets have been permanently reassigned to infeed duties and the outfeed side will be managed by the sled. Simple, no readjust.
I started to answer this, but then discovered other postings - - Granted, I don't have a 520, but aren't outfeed tables adjustable from side to side, just like the infeed side?

Agreeing with the hints from Ed (reible). - - I would think you can stagger the outfeed tables in different locations and accomplish your goal of cross cutting. Also, you could set only one of the floating tables and it wouldn't have to be in the path of either of the miter slots. I've often used the regular 2' tubes to set up infeed/outfeed tables. Never did run across this blockage situation.

To perryobear - I don't think you would go wrong by buying the bracket/extension accessory.

Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2007 11:24 pm
by james.miller
If you need to you can replace the adjustment set screws with longer ones for greater range in adjusting the brackets from the 520 main table to the 510 floating tables.

BTW to use the extension brackets on my SS I replaced the adjusting set screw on the left bracket with a bolt because I was having interference with the set screw and the web of the table on the left side. Now the bolt head rests against the web of the main table. The thread of the set screw is 5/16 NC.