For those who have the Harvey Compass ST-1500 or the similar SawStop sliding table; I want to share two small upgrades I made to my Harvey. I recently purchased the Harvey sliding table when it was on sale around Christmas. I installed it on the left side cast iron wing similar to what I saw others do on YouTube installation videos. This sliding table is awesome - perfect cuts and very easy to calibrate. No wiggle to the fence even though the pivot point is further to the left of the blade with the cast iron wing still attached. Despite how awesome it is, I couldn't resist making a few slight modifications to make it better:
1) I wanted the fence position to be a little more secure. I saw a few YouTube users use an extra Harvey red knob (from their miter gauge included with the Harvey Saw) and install it in the calibration hole to make the fence position more secure. In case anyone is wondering (I couldn't find this online anywhere) the Red Harvey knob is an M8 threading. I found plenty of M8 knob options on amazon and installed one for just a few bucks.
2) I don't like rulers that slide simply with pressing down. I find I am frequently inadvertently sliding the ruler then having to recalibrate. I drilled a small hole under the ruler and tapped for M6 threading. I used one of the small M6 screws that came with the sliding table (I think it was in the bag for the optional switch positioning kit) and screwed it in from under the rule to tighten it in position.
3) I really wanted a sacrificial fence but other online reviewers pointed out that the flips stops won't work with a 3/4 MDF sacrificial fence. I built a sacrificial extension on the blade side that friction fits into the steel extrusion. I used some scrap maple, one piece to fit in the extrusion, and another piece (almost exactly 0.5" thick) cut at a 45 to sit flush with the fence. A little ICA glue to press the two pieces together. I then threaded an M8 bolt into the extrusion to lock the extension into place and allow me to adjust the position if I want a fresh backstop. Works perfectly cutting rails and stiles for cabinet doors (which is primarily why I bought the sliding table in the first place.) The attached pictures hopefully help this make sense.
Anyway, just wanted to share in case anyone else found some of these minor issues frustrating. I think most of these modifications would work on the SawStop sliding table as well.
Rob H
1) I wanted the fence position to be a little more secure. I saw a few YouTube users use an extra Harvey red knob (from their miter gauge included with the Harvey Saw) and install it in the calibration hole to make the fence position more secure. In case anyone is wondering (I couldn't find this online anywhere) the Red Harvey knob is an M8 threading. I found plenty of M8 knob options on amazon and installed one for just a few bucks.
2) I don't like rulers that slide simply with pressing down. I find I am frequently inadvertently sliding the ruler then having to recalibrate. I drilled a small hole under the ruler and tapped for M6 threading. I used one of the small M6 screws that came with the sliding table (I think it was in the bag for the optional switch positioning kit) and screwed it in from under the rule to tighten it in position.
3) I really wanted a sacrificial fence but other online reviewers pointed out that the flips stops won't work with a 3/4 MDF sacrificial fence. I built a sacrificial extension on the blade side that friction fits into the steel extrusion. I used some scrap maple, one piece to fit in the extrusion, and another piece (almost exactly 0.5" thick) cut at a 45 to sit flush with the fence. A little ICA glue to press the two pieces together. I then threaded an M8 bolt into the extrusion to lock the extension into place and allow me to adjust the position if I want a fresh backstop. Works perfectly cutting rails and stiles for cabinet doors (which is primarily why I bought the sliding table in the first place.) The attached pictures hopefully help this make sense.
Anyway, just wanted to share in case anyone else found some of these minor issues frustrating. I think most of these modifications would work on the SawStop sliding table as well.
Rob H