Can someone please tell me the hole size of the mounting feet on the rails? Instead of the screws I want to use bolts. Thanks
The diameter is 7.95mm or 5/16”
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Last question what is the diameter of the counter bore?
Before you make your plate you might want to buy some cap screw bolt to try to make sure they fit ok. I did a similar thing but used 1/4-20 cap screws. They had just enough lateral for any misalignment of the foot holes to the plate holes. You can see it here My table for my Journeyman - #3 by joejk
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
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I’m still a few weeks out before delivery so I have nothing to trial yet. Any chance you have some verniers to measure yours?
Hi Harpo, I checked and the counter bore diameter of the foot mount and it is 0.581. The bolt hole size is 0.310. The dimensions of the hole pattern is good cause I used the same numbers to make my plates. I checked a 5/16-18 cap screw bolt diameter and head diameter and the bolt size was 0.305 and the head was 0.455. So I would still recommend to use a 1/4-20 cap screw for the foot mount bolt. The 5/16-18 bolt would be to body bound in the hole and not give ya any wiggle room.
I would recommend you get a set of dial or digital calipers. If you have a Harbor Freight store around you they have them and they are good quality calipers but not to costly. As far as a vernier calipers, I myself don’t use them because I can’t read them to good any more. My eyes are getting old and tired of reading fine stuff. You can buy calipers pretty cheap any more, price range from 8 bucks to about 30 bucks depending on the quality of them and of course brand names cost more just for the name brand. But the cheap ones are still pretty good quality. Just type in a search for calipers and you will find lots of calipers to choose from.
If you do get some calipers just make sure you keep them clean from dirt and chips from getting into the rack of the caliper and they will last a long time and be accurate. Just close them and check if the dial is zeroed out every time you use them.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
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To further talk about dial calipers. Been a machinist for over 40 years so I hope you understand I talk from experience. I would also highly recommend a dial caliper over a digital caliper. Yes digital means the number is right there but they cost a lot more and you have the battery not lasting to long.
I just did a dial caliper search and the Harbor Freight dial caliper is 22 bucks. If you look through the search you will see some will go for as much as 200 bucks(name brands). I would recommend one with a stainless steel frame in a 6 inch dial caliper. I have both a name brand and a off brand that has last for 30 years and both of them still work just fine. Just try not to drop them and keep them clean and they will last.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
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Thanks for your help. I truly appreciate it
I retired from Engineering at Chrysler. While a bit more expensive I prefer the digital verniers as they are easier for my old eyes to read.
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I used 1/4-20 machine screws. The screw head fits inside the recess hole in the foot and the slight difference in hole size isn’t an issue. In fact, it gives you a little wiggle room to make sure everything is perfectly square before holding it down securely to your table.
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