Alignment question

[wa2crk]

OK Gang here goes;
Back in 1983 I bought my SS. After I got it I spent countless hours trying to align the aux table on the headrest end of the machine and could not get it done so that the rip fence was usable. I called SS and was asked if I was a machinist. I was not but I had worked in a machine shop and the rep told me that I was expecting too much accuracy from a woodworking machine. The problem persisted even when I upgraded to the 510 table system. I don't generally use the headrest end for the aux table but according to Nick E it shoule align.
With the imminent arrival of my new Power Pro headstock I decided to tear everything down and re-assemble it as accurately as possible and I still can't get the aux table to align on the headrest end of the machine. I followed Nick's sawdust session for aligning the aux table on the hinge end but the darn thing will not line up on the headrest end. I have a decidedly large offset from front to back as can be seen in the photos.

Front rail offset
[ATTACH]10770[/ATTACH]
Rear Rail offset
[ATTACH]10771[/ATTACH]

Also after aligning the aux table with the main table the aux table was moved to the headrest end of the machine and the aux table has a decidedly downward tilt and will not align.
[ATTACH]10772[/ATTACH]

However the aux table is OK on the hinge end of the machine.
[ATTACH]10773[/ATTACH]

I am beginning that for all these years I had a bad headrest casting. What do the mechanical gurus think?

Bill V

[wa2crk]

OK that got messed up. Don't know what happened but here are the photos in the proper order.
Rear rail offset
[ATTACH]10774[/ATTACH]
Front rail offset
[ATTACH]10775[/ATTACH]
downward tilt on headrest end
[ATTACH]10776[/ATTACH]
Proper alignment on the hinge end
is the photo in the first post
Bill V

[charlese]

There are several guys that know how to fix your problem on a 520. There's also some threads on this forum explaining 520 alignment. Just wait a little while and I'm confident they will show you the way! Sorry I can't help.

[chas410]

I've noticed the same problem, My 2 aux tables are NOT intechangeable from side to side. Doesn't make much sense does it.

[fjimp]

OK Gang here goes]10770[/ATTACH]
Rear Rail offset
[ATTACH]10771[/ATTACH]

Also after aligning the aux table with the main table the aux table was moved to the headrest end of the machine and the aux table has a decidedly downward tilt and will not align.
[ATTACH]10772[/ATTACH]

However the aux table is OK on the hinge end of the machine.
[ATTACH]10773[/ATTACH]

I am beginning that for all these years I had a bad headrest casting. What do the mechanical gurus think?

Bill V

Bill,

Not to be picky but I assume you mis typed 510 when you really have a 520 upgrade. My first question would relate to the shims that one uses to properly attach and align the the front and rear guides to the table itself. Do you have a set and have you checked that alignment? I upgraded one of my machines from 510 to 520 and had the same issue until I realigned using the shims. Fjimp

[dusty]

OK that got messed up. Don't know what happened but here are the photos in the proper order.
Rear rail offset
[ATTACH]10774[/ATTACH]
Front rail offset
[ATTACH]10775[/ATTACH]
downward tilt on headrest end
[ATTACH]10776[/ATTACH]
Proper alignment on the hinge end
is the photo in the first post
Bill V

If I understand correctly, you have no problem at all aligning the Main Table and that you can align the right Extension Table (hinged end) to the Main Table. If that is the case then I must ask if you have adjustable studs in the extension tables. These allow for almost unlimited adjustment.

[ATTACH]10779[/ATTACH]

I loosen all the nuts allowing the extension tables to float. Then I install the front and rear rails and secure the tables to the rails. Then I pull the table support up into position and secure the extension tables to the supports.

[ATTACH]10780[/ATTACH]

This photo shows the Main Table and Right Extension aligned to my long level which is clamped to the Main Table.

[ATTACH]10781[/ATTACH]

This shows the Left Extension Table in the position where it would be aligned using the nuts/studs on the bottom of the Extension Table. Note that the Extension Tubes are in place. This is what I rely on to accomplish alignment.

[ATTACH]10782[/ATTACH]

There is virtually no limit. Here is a picture that shows a configuration that has never been used except to see if it could be done.

[wa2crk]

Chas 410
No it doesn't. If all assemblies are square then which end doesn't matter. At least that's what my geometry teacher said!!
Bill V

[wa2crk]

dusty;
I know where you are going with this, but if I am OK on the hinge end why does the table have such a decided tilt on the headrest end? If I correct the headrest end it throws the hinge end off and I wind up chasing my tail trying ti get them straight. Also I noticed that when the aux table is on the hinge end the tubes are vertival but on the headrest end the appear to tilt inward. I might try to pick up a wixey to check. And yes I do have threded studs for adjusting the aux table.
Bill

[wa2crk]

Fjimp
No I typed right. I went from the original 500 to a 510 and then to the 520
I don't know about shims in the 520 system can you explain?

Bill

[8iowa]

The first major alignment on the Shopsmith is to get the miter slots as closely parallel to the blade as possible. Getting the dial indicator to read within .005" from one end of the blade to another is pretty good. thus the Table is always going to be at some angle, other than precisely 90 degrees, to the way tubes. Taking this small angle from one end of the Shopsmith to the other, you will be able to notice the difference. Keep in mind that there are a multitude of other manufacturing tolerances involved here also. It's unreasonable to expect the extension table to mount perfectly aligned on both ends of the Shopsmith.

After the table is aligned to the blade, Nick, in his sawdust sessions, has shown us how to closely align the extension table, to the right of the main table. When I need to put the fence to the left of the blade, I use one of the floating tables. The five foot tubes give me a rock solid mount. I never use the extension table on the left side of the machine - don't need to.