Thread: bandsaw table bolt/key - what does it do?

Originally Posted by Evanism

Its missing on mine and Im curious if I should have another made up? (by made up, it might just end up being a sacrificed screwdriver!)

Try this thread.
https://www.woodworkforums.com/f27/eb...9/#post1696312

BTW a screwdrive won't work all that well as it needs to be tapered to be an accurate fit.

It is supposed to hold the edges of the table in alignment so you don't find an edge to hit as you push a wide board through. The unstated purpose is to give you another bit to loose in the saw dust under the largest, heaviest thing in the workshop when you have to take it out to change blades

Depending on what brand your bandsaw is, you may be able to get a spare relatively easily as a spare part. They are a smooth sided pin, not sure if they have any taper such as a 'Morse' taper on them, and the big end is usually a standard hex bolt size so you can use a standard hex spanner to turn the pin which loosens it when you want to get it out. Some brands (like my Delta) have a tapered section between the pin and the hex sections so there is a bit more authority when aligning the table sections. I suspect that if you measured the hole in the table carefully you could find a high tensile bolt with the unthreaded portion of the bolt the same diameter as the hole - just lop off the threaded section, clean up with a file and give it a bit of a starting taper with a file and then some emery/wet & dry, test fit, repeat as necessary.

Now if they would just use something other than zinc for the trunnions.........