Shopsmith Extension Table Alignment (Yes, there's still more to align!)

[@stevem5297]

Learn something new every time I watch your Video. Thanks for all the Info you pass to us.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Steve. That’s very kind of you to say that. Scott

[@zerimaryar]

I remember going to the Shopsmith store after I bought mine... in ~ 87 or so, with the very side table alignment issue with my model 510, and the instructor took the book and threw it in the trash, saying "because they are not on the same plane/ mounted to the same tubes on the machine, you can't get them aligned. That did not make complete sense to me... but I have worked with it since. Now I have a way to align it! Thanks Scott! I have learned so much from watching your series. You should put together some playlists on 'basics' and 'maintenance' and such, I believe it will be popular as others are introduced to the amazing tools as they get passed along.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for the tips, Ray. Yeah, Academy Instructors opinions really did vary. I remember getting into an argument with one of them on this exact topic, so I'm curious where you attended your class. The one important issue to keep in mind is that the table support table will only be perfectly aligned on the right end of the machine, so if you do use it on the left end, don't use it with the fence on the left. Scott

[@hfmann1]

You sure have a knack for coming to my rescue just in time. Thanks. btw - I checked my manual and noticed they had a method for horizontal alignment when you have the floating extension tables. They say using the connector tubes will automatically align the extension table once you have it level with the work table. Thanks Again .

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Thanks Scott. I think I add a little Loctite thread lock compound before I mess with it. Blue one so you can still tighten/ loosen.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not a bad tip at all.

[@sincerelyyours7538]

I finally took the time to do this alignment and my extension table is now perfectly aligned with the main table for the first time in the life of my Shopsmith. I can't thank you enough for this, Scott. It took several days, however, as the right sized SAE bolts are hard to find in my metric country. 65mm long 3/8" stainless steel hex head bolts and matching nuts and washers are the perfect size for this application. The adjustments took me quite a bit longer than what you showed in the video, however. If you don't get it right you can twist the aluminum mount enough to make it difficult to raise and lower the table after the nuts are fully tightened. Patience and perseverance pays in the end.

[@MyGrowthRings]

And now it will be aligned forever, unless you drop it. Don’t drop it!

[@MikeChatham]

I purchased and 86 model 510 and could not get a good alignment on the extension table until I found this video. Using this method I was able to get a good alignment of the extension table. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and tricks!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to hear it helped, Mike.

[@frankenberry9670]

I use the connector tubes a lot so getting the tables aligned while using them is also a good idea.

[@geraldrichardson6128]

In October of 2021 I purchased my first Shopsmith, a used 520. I had no woodworking experience or knowledge of Shopsmith other than some very quick KZbin research. From that research I knew enough to know that I wanted a 520 if I could find one "in the wild." Lucky enough for me, I did. After getting it home, I discovered "My Growth Rings" and it is because of these extremely helpful and informative videos that I have begun to really appreciate the machine. Before finding the channel, ripping was frustrating ...my wife would ask, "is something burning in the garage?" Now, because of table alignment instructions, I can slice off a 1/16 thick strip of 6/4 of red oak with no burn marks. I am so encouraged for my future retirement hobby, that I went out and cornered and captured a 510 for use as a spare. Maybe I will upgrade it to the PowerPro down the road. Again, thank you Scott. Happy New Year.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's great to hear, Gerald. So glad you've found the channel useful and I do appreciate your support. Now, go make something for your wife. Scott

[@IdahoWageners]

You will LOVE that Power Pro headstock, Just Saying... :)

[@thomasgreen8532]

Many thanks. I use my shop smith mostly for the accessories. Disc sander and once I get the band saw cleaned up I will be using that too. I have been using the lathe some as well but have no real desire to use the table saw since I have a very nice saw that I’ve had for 30 years. But it is good to know how the mind of shop smith works. It could head off possible problems in the future.

[@sincerelyyours7538]

Fantastic! I just found this channel and this video addresses a problem I have had with my Mark 510 since the day I bought it back in 1986! Over the years I tried several times to adjust the shims but they just warped the casting to the point where the table wouldn't slide up or down. A deceptively simple idea, your method makes me wonder why I didn't think of it long ago.Thanks for describing it so clearly. Also, a year after I bought the tool my employer transferred me to Japan so I did what any sensible new Shopsmith owner would do, I took it with me. If, among your viewers there are any other Shopsmith owners in Japan I'd love to hear from them!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Great story! I can’t wait to hear if others chime in. Scott

[@JohnRFlegg]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Almost makes me want to renew membership Crazy John😀

[@MyGrowthRings]

I like the way you think

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

Great information, Scott.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Brad.

[@rpmilius]

Thank you for this! I’ve been struggling trying to align my extension table with shims and saw this. Ran to my local hardware store to get some bolts, nuts, and washers and quickly did the alignment as you described. So grateful for this!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Happy to hear it and you are welcome. Scott

[@toddharshbarger8616]

Your alignment lessons are ALWAYS so good! So helpful!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Todd.

[@bobware1087]

Hi Scott, I bought my SS, a model 500 in 1980 and have, over the years upgraded to a 510 and later upgraded to the 520. About 4 years ago Mike Young was having a Demo at a local Lowe's and recommended that I upgrade my motor to the Power Pro and I am so grateful to Mike for the advice. Watching this video will have me upgrading again. Thanks for taking the time to produce this helpful video, keep up the good work.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad you are happy with your upgrades, Bob. The PowerPro really is something, isn’t it? What function do you find it helps most? Scott

[@bobware1087]

Well Scott, the extra power is a big plus as well as to low start up amperage draw. The speed control is excellent too… a great upgrade indeed. Happy New Year!

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@bobware1087 Nice. Happy new year to you, too.

[@WoodworkerDan]

Excellent video! I am in the process of aligning FOUR 510 machines, and this is going to speed up the process. Thanks so much!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Wow, how did you end up with so many? Scott

[@WoodworkerDan]

@@MyGrowthRings Two are mine and two belong to my girlfriend. We acquired them over a period of years. She bought me the SS dial indicator alignment gauge for Christmas, so now I am using that to do some fine tuning to all of the machines. I was dreading aligning the extension tables, and then your video popped up at just the right time.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Scott… you’re about two years late! I spent half a day chasing the alignment that you did in only 15 minutes!!! LOL Well done bud.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Sorry about that!

[@georgeharper6034]

Truly appreciate your helpful. videos!

[@MyGrowthRings]

My pleasure, George. Scott

[@Grimlock250]

I did this years ago with some all thread on my "double wide" 500 extension table. Works great! A general tip, I placed a paver stone on top with a sheet of hard board under it to protect the table surface. This provided some weight that made adjusting and leveling more precise and kept the table still while locking down the screws on the bottom. Good subject Scott 👍.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Great tip!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for the great video Scott. Years ago, I read in the manual about using shims to adjust the support table and have procrastinated ever since. Your method with studs, nuts, and washers looks much more simple. 👌

[@MyGrowthRings]

The shim approach was frustrating to say the least.

[@andrecharpentier2567]

Thanks Scott. That is an adjustment that I have to make on my table.

[@chadwilderdyke1275]

Another great video Scott. Can’t wait to see the cross cut sled video!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Chad. Me too!

[@stased7343]

Excellent video!!! The steps you went through make it quite clear and quick on how to do this alignment. Thank you!!!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad to hear it because I confused myself for a moment there!

[@ryansoderlin975]

This is great! Thank you for showing this adjustment and alignment.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome, Ryan. There’s nothing like a properly aligned machine.

[@rschafer8684]

Thank you for another informative and useful video!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Scott

[@johnhoshock9034]

Excellent information, Mark. Thanks so much for another very helpful video.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are welcome, Hosh. See what I did there? Scott

[@bobwebberkc]

Awesome info. I have had to do a re re alignment of that extension table your instruction is spot on!

[@drumaganger]

Great Video. After I got mine, I checked all of the alignments and it needed a LOT of work. I used my RV EZ Level.(Look it up) I used to use it to level my camper but it worked great on all of the SM tables. Wish I had the bolts. Would have made it eaiser. The next time I check alignments, I'll replace them if needed. Ya use what you have.

[@MyGrowthRings]

So true.

[@peterg2836]

Thank you for the video - very useful. I just followed your method, and improved the alignment on my machine. I would have thought that lining up the rip fence rails would be enough to make the tables 'parallel' (by which I mean to be able to use the rip fence on the extension) without using the miter / dowel as you demonstrated - as that was not the case, I guess that I have something not quite right. Be that as it may, Happy New Year!

[@MyGrowthRings]

Glad you checked! Happy New Year to you too, Peter. Scott

[@mikeking7470]

38 below where I spent Christmas! I have one wide and two narrow tables for my Mk.V/500 and the wide table came with the newer leveling system. I also have a table for an old Mark VII and the posts are a force fit into sockets on the bottom of the table (yuck).

[@MyGrowthRings]

That’s not helpful at all. My brother-in-law has a Mark VII that he has offered to me, but until then the only hands on experience I have with one was one that used to be on display in Dayton with a big “Do not touch” sign on it. I never touched that sign.

[@alberttreado3713]

@woodshopnerdery Tom, did you have to go through all this when you brought home your Mark 7? 😄

[@kirkschweighofer2966]

Great video Scott. You showed me an Alignment that I didn’t do on my Shopsmith’s. There a question I thinking of asking? On the the Extension Table there are six spots you could put the stud in and Shopsmith has them so that they hangs to the one side. I was wondering if there a special reason for this? I thought about switching the stubs to the other side of one of my Extension Tables so I have one for the opposite side of the Shopsmith bench. What’s your thoughts about this?

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's a very good question. Yes, Shopsmith installed them so that if the support table is ever used on the left end of a Mark V (Not a Mark 7) then lifted into the drill press position, you should be able to clear the table. I never use my support table on the left and at one point did the very thing you are observing so that the table would extend further from the blade. Now I'm wondering where that table went!

[@nylandhagar9944]

Great video!! Here comes the "stupid question", could one just butt the main table to the extension table to resolve the pivot alignment issue? also can my 510 be retrofitted to do away with the shims?

[@MyGrowthRings]

You’d think so, but the sides for the tables are milled square to the pads on the front and back, which are milled parallel to each other. It’s nonsensical, but SS never saw the need to go to that added step. Good question. And yes, the 510 support table can be retrofitted, but to the best of my knowledge there’s not a Shopsmith kit to accomplish that goal. Scott

[@kludgescraftsplus8631]

Would you happen to have access to assembly instructions for some of the oldest versions of the Mark 5. I'm having some difficulty getting my tables to align because the frame of my big Joe shop Smith clone wasn't straight. I have perused several videos on replacing the tubes. The biggest problem for me is one in has no stops to set the tube depth. Both ends utilize a two bolt bridge to lock them in place, but only the hinge end has a tube stop. Also did you find it necessary to make the adjustable bolt changes to old versions of the main table, or was that something that you only ever did to decide table?

[@MyGrowthRings]

I think you might be able to find an old manual in the file section of the Shopsmith Owners Facebook group. It’s worth joining for that type of content alone. Shimming the tables works just fine. Once you have it done you’ll never tough it again. Burner about the lack of stops. Be careful. If you haven’t seen it yet, check out my “Before your turn on your Shopsmith” video. At least I think that’s the one!

[@kludgescraftsplus8631]

@@MyGrowthRings I have in fact I already seen that video. It gave me pause before I proceeded to purchase the speed controller. I have gone over all of the attachments on the tubes, they are certainly not loose. If you uploading a fourth installment soon. Happily I'm not on Facebook.

[@samspade2519]

Great info Scott. What about the floating tables. Can you loosen the rails and adjust it from there?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Are you asking if you can align the floating tables?

[@samspade2519]

Yes i thought about it since I never aligned the extention. Do they need adjustment or would it not be advisable to use the floaters in conjunction with the rip fence?

[@MyGrowthRings]

It depends on if they are 510 or 520 floating tables. 510 floating table should only ever be used for support and shouldn't have a fence attached to them. 520 floating tables can be used with the fence on them, and yes, you can adjust them just a bit, but mostly for how high or low the table sits.

[@danasmith8950]

Gonna do this today. Let's just say I have "suspicions".

[@MyGrowthRings]

We can't go on together with suspicious minds...

[@danasmith8950]

@@MyGrowthRings Ha! Good one. So here's what I found out. Yes it was out of alignment. Level side to side and front to back but "cocked" to one side. That was solved easily but here's another problem. The extension table is about 1/16" closer to me than the main table is. There isn't enough play in the extension table to push it back. Upon closer inspection I see that the tabs that the rails screw into are mostly ground off on the main table and not at all on the extension table. It looks like that accounts for the difference in alignment. Do I a. grind off the tabs on the extension table? b. put washers on the tabs on the main table? c. see if I can move the main table forward (I kind doubt there's that much play in them but maybe)? or d) drill out the mounting holes on the extension table so I can shift it more? or e)?? I like d the best but what do you think?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@danasmith8950 Dana, the tabs may not need to be ground the same and the main table and the extension table are machined on different tooling at Shopsmith. If the extension is pushed back as far as it can be you might need to remove it from the base and flop the base around and re-mount the table. Let me know how it goes. Scott

[@danasmith8950]

@@MyGrowthRings Well, that was easy. I don't know what my problem was yesterday but today when I removed the extension table and flipped it upside down to get a good look, I found there was more than enough room to push the table as far as I needed. Put it back together, re-aligned and done. That's one of those niggling little things that's been bothering me for awhile and I never addressed it until your video. So thanks!

[@richarddaly1953]

if the extension table is aligned by inserting the tubes connecting to main table, is it automatically aligned in all dimensions?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not all, but that can help with a 520. It doesn’t help much with the 510, though.

[@timbo389]

And now I realize I need to go through my main table alignment again and try to get the dip out of the back. And it may not be flat either.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Tim, you just reminded me of yet another alignment condition that needs to be discussed. If yours a 510/20 table? Scott

[@timbo389]

@@MyGrowthRings it’s a 510 table. When I upgraded the rails to 520, the table needed to be removed from the trunion to get at the rear rail bolts. And I probably just threw it together in excitement or frustration of having it mostly done that I neglected to align it as properly as needed. I did some of it, but never got around to correcting the dip in the back.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@timbo389 OK, that helps. Yes, you absolutely can introduce a bow into the table with the trunnions improperly installed. It’s about impossible to explain in text, so I guess we’ll need to do a video about it. Scott

[@johnoerter2883]

@@MyGrowthRings Scott, I’d like to see that too

[@alberttreado3713]

Scott, how do you insure that that blade is in the same spot each and every time you set up the saw function?

[@MyGrowthRings]

You don’t. That’s why the SS sled doesn’t touch the blade. A home made sled where the blade is passing through a saw kerf will get worn over time, I can show you a handy trick in the follow-up. Scott

[@puppydoc7949]

@@MyGrowthRings I look forward to the follow up. I have the sled and almost never use it... I have a "chop" saw to do most cross cuts. My complaint with the sled is the lack of ZCI functionality that a home made sled might offer. I did just watch your sled video as well and was surprised the ZCI functionality wasn't discussed. Another great video! Nothing like binge watching MGR on KZbin! Thanks for all your tips in these videos!! I've watched everyone (or pretty close at least) and some I watch repeatedly to pick up on the nuances I miss the first time (or 6 times?) LOL

[@k75romeofive]

Some how my extension table got out of alignment. Using the book method, I was able to get table aligned, but after that process, I had great difficulty removing the table from the base and it would not go all the way back in when I tried that. Any thoughts on what I might have done to cause this. They worked fine before.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You’ve simply added a twist. Loosen once bolt at a time and try the fit in and out of the base and you’ll find the culprit.

[@patrickwright2976]

I LOVE the idea of the threaded adjustment for my 510 extension table...guess I'm headed to the hardware store. When I get an extension table for my 1960 Mk VII, I'll have to see if I can do something similar to it. Question, though: could I do something similar with shorter bolts on the main table of either my 510 or Mk VII?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Patrick. No, not really. You would struggle to adjust a nut placed above the trunnions and you would also lose a little depth of cut. But feel free to prove me wrong! Scott

[@mikeking7470]

I think the posts on my Mark VII extension table are a force fir into sockets on the bottom of the table. NO real reason you couldn't use a Mark V table on your Mark VII.

[@patrickwright2976]

@@MyGrowthRings That's what I thought. I may try to find a way to prove you wrong, though. 😀

[@ShrapnelBob]

Do you already have a video on how to make sure the main table's miter slot is aligned to the blade? I feel mine is not aligned.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’ve covered it a couple times within another topic, such as witching the MiterPro video, but not as a stand alone video. Yet

[@TerryAngel-t2d]

I have done all the alignments suggested the tubes through the tables still drag what now using a quality angle gadge and dial Guage checking alignment

[@kenc4104]

Why are there nubbies on the ends of the table and extensions? Pretty sure...well, maybe sure ......that my 510 I bought in the 90s did not have these. The tables butted up without a gap, but the 520 I just picked up has a small (1/4"?) gap between each table/extension. Seems strange?

[@MyGrowthRings]

SHopsmith added those "nubbins" to give them something substantial when they mill the table components. I'm not thrilled with the gap they create either, but the fence doesn't seem to mind the gap.

[@kenc4104]

@MyGrowthRings Thanks Scott - say, isn't it a half past midnight out there? I do prefer the 520 fence system over the old 510, but I will dwell on the gap for a while and maybe slap the extensions on my mill. Then again, maybe not, it might induce stress and warpage?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@kenc4104 Yeah, I’m a bit of a night owl. I don’t think they matter nor do I think removing them will hurt.

[@mrgunn2726]

Would a set of machinists levels make this job easier?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not really. Your floor would have to be level, then the tool would have to be leveled, then the tables.

[@mrgunn2726]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks for responding!

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@mrgunn2726 You are welcome.

[@andymilligan8485]

What alignment issues are different for the "500."

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not many. In fact, a little error on a Mark V 500 is amplified on a 510/20 because of how bit the tables are. Let me mull on that question a bit.

[@mrgunn2726]

What is your experience with factory alignments, average, above average, below average?

[@MyGrowthRings]

The main table now comes factory aligned, and since they hold their alignment very well you can trust it. They only started doing that just a couple years back, so most of us have to do the alignement ourselves.

[@mrgunn2726]

@@MyGrowthRings Thanks for the tip!

[@fins9584]

Wouldn't a quick rub on some sandpaper take care of the burr on the washer?

[@MyGrowthRings]

It might.

[@johnrice6793]

It’s vital too that the nuts are tightened evenly or the “dog bone” will crack.

[@MyGrowthRings]

You are exactly right, John. You can also introduce your own twist in the table if you’re not adjusted properly. Thanks for the comment, Scott

[@kenfenelon2089]

Why not use a spirt level?

[@MyGrowthRings]

You could, as long as it’s a digital one. I just find that slower and more frustrating. Scott.

[@davidyoung8521]

Which side of the table extension is the infeed side?

[@MyGrowthRings]

It’s the side with the fence rail that aligns with the fence rail on the main table.

[@davidyoung8521]

I can't get the tubes to align regardless of which side I use. Are they supposed to go together?

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@davidyoung8521 The extension table should be aligned and used on the right end, opposite of the end where you might use a jointer or other SPT. In that location it should allow the fence to straddle the main table and the extension table and if you have a 510 or 520 fence system, the floating table support tubes should be able to pass through the extension table, into the fence rail on the main table. Scott

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@davidyoung8521 Hang in there!

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@davidyoung8521 If you’d like to have another set of eyes on it, snap a pic and email it to me at ScottMarkwood(at)gmail(dot)com

[@chrisp1653]

All of this great precision, but you use an adjustable wrench ? For shame !

[@MyGrowthRings]

Yeah, I’m lazy.