Main Table Questions

ddvann79 · Post by **ddvann79** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 9:48 am

All,

As I've been reassembling the table for my Brownie/Goldie, I've run into several questions.

1. In my 1962 table there is an additional slot to the left of the insert. It's similar in dimension to the slot in the saw insert.
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I've been through the copies of the 1956 and 1962 manuals and neither depict this slot. Neither does it appear in my copy of PTWFE. When I asked Dad about this slot he says he vaguely remember something about the sanding disc, but the slot is smaller than 12". What is it it's purpose?
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I have two tables, one from my Goldie and one from a later 500 that I purchase from eBay. The later table does not have this slot either. However, it has the same casting members in it that my 1962 table has but the slot was never cut. Top is the Goldie. The bottom table was turned around so the slots would be next to each other. Obviously the slot was intended in the design of the casting so why did it go away and why don't earlier versions have it? Does anyone's Greenie have this slot?
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2. The rear trunnion for the 500 (Part #142) has a short post in one side that says "TOP." The trunnion was oriented differently from my Goldie in the table I purchased from eBay so one or the other was upside down. This would limit the bevel angle of the table, I assume. Is "TOP" supposed to face the underside of the table (up) or away from it (down)?

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3. There are two threaded holes in the rear of the miter slots (top and bottom photos). I didn't find any reference as their purpose in the manuals or PTWFE. What are they for?

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:06 am

The extra slot gives you additional ripping capacity without needing to have the fence straddle two tables. My Mark VII has the additional slot; don't know about it being on a Mark V/5.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:43 am

[quote="pennview"]The extra slot gives you additional ripping capacity without needing to have the fence straddle two tables. My Mark VII has the additional slot]The change from the 4" wide extension table top to the 7+" wide extension table top eliminated the need for the extra slot.

johnmccrossen · Post by **johnmccrossen** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:45 am

Here is one previous thread about the same subject. I seem to remember that all of your questions have been answered before, but this is the only reference I have found so far. John McCrossen

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... =500+table

MikeG · Post by **MikeG** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:58 am

These came with my 1980 Mark 5 500. They give some information on the second slot. Mine has only 4" wide extension tables but no second slot on the main table.
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JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 2:58 pm

I am not sure, but I believe top is the 'top' when assembling the table(inverted). Best way to be sure, is to determine which way will cause it to break if the bolts are securely tightened!!! i.e. make sure the 'ears' set flat against the bosses.

The 'extra' slot was a magna-american thingy.(later goldies and later Mark 5's made by them. Purpose is to allow ripping as Rob has already stated.

EDIT: I believe the extra slot was discontinued by SS since they produced a 10" version Mark V. The earlier Mark 5's were 9". A 10" blade will eat the ends of the 'extra slot' if table is lowered all the way. believe the wider extension table came with the 510.(505 maybe also?).

The threaded holes at the rear end of the miter slots is to allow attachment of some early hold down accessories. A post was mounted there and 'stuff' was attached to it. Like an early maxi-clamp system.

ddvann79 · Post by **ddvann79** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 3:58 pm

JPG40504 wrote:...
The threaded holes at the rear end of the miter slots is to allow attachment of some early hold down accessories. A post was mounted there and 'stuff' was attached to it. Like an early maxi-clamp system.

Thanks for the info, all. I wonder why the manuals of that era didn't show the slot but one from 1980 does.

I thought the hold down was attached with a clamp. Why would the holes be in the miter slots as opposed to in the table surface?

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:26 pm

I looked at both of the old Mark VII tables I have in the shop today and both of them have the extra slot. I was going to check the tables on the other SS's in the shop and on SS tables I have in storage but I picked up a few tools about then and the whole thought process veered off on a siding...

That is the "old Mark VII... I still can't believe they reused the model number.

They should have thrown in a free drum sander and called it a mark VIII.

.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 11:51 pm

ddvann79 wrote:Thanks for the info, all. I wonder why the manuals of that era didn't show the slot but one from 1980 does.

I thought the hold down was attached with a clamp. Why would the holes be in the miter slots as opposed to in the table surface?

They came with a clamp to allow positioning flexibility, but also had threaded end to allow attaching the miter gauge and shaper fence.