The original event table
I bought a wonderful table at the Spokane Crank In (Sep 20-23/18) but didn’t like the cut holes, the large base under the table top or the way the hook was anchored to the table. BUT Yes its a great table but I am picky - nothing against the seller or anything.
One can use this table to travel via plane using a secure case like a PELICAN CASE however note that the table top and width of the legs restrict you to what size case you can use. Also note if you over pack by weight and it causes the case to fail - you are on the hook for the damaged contents - not the case seller.
For all of my created and re-worked tables and more see here one can also see the gallery below.
For more info on supplies I like see here.
Also on INSTAGRAM
The UPGRADED table
Not all tables suit all persons. Not all setups make sense to all people.
I have two wooden table tops, one for everyday use and the second smaller size designed to be compact enough to fit into a future pelican airplane travel case with dismantled legs. Unlike the Erlbacher Gearheart Table with its tilting underside wood mount, this table top is now flat and perfect to pack away. There is nothing wrong with the Erlbacher table - I am just picky. :)
Things I modified for my own use:
-made table able to go lower by shortened vertical T-bar stem by 2”
-installed black end cap which doesn’t interfere with dismantling table
-removed tilt option by uninstalling flat grey plastic “Ridgid FlipTop” and cut off its two metal frame end mounts - patching as needed with KwikWeld adding “K”
-removed screw hook installed into a small piece of wood (for previous single tension mount) kept metal eyelet in T-bar stem and replaced nuts with wing-nuts. -installed second metal eyelet on T-bar stem beneath current. -Drilled four holes into wood and installed T-nuts (two used as anchors for T-bar stem tension mounts, two used with longer eyelets to secure wood table top to frame from the bottom)
-Drilled two holes near leg extension where stem intersects legs as base reinforcing stabilization when table is much higher to be used with bigger/longer tension mounts to the table. -Reinforced the table underside with metal flashing to protect wood from machine clamps. -painted the table top teal and the underside and edges black. -Installed a T-nut for removable ball/cone holder near machine. *I chose 2.5” metal eyelets to screw table to legs to reduce table top clutter.
You *could* use the table with one tension mount by why not make it extra secure and balanced with two?
I share only to share not to insinuate or state that this is the only option out there. I sit in front of the table with the machine off to the right.
This is simply what I did for myself and I *love it* after all why not be surrounded by useful and pretty things?
Below is the gallery of ALL photos of upgrades I’ve done to this table setup. Clicking on an image to view larger.
You too can make yourself a wonderful csm table by picking up a board for the table and the legs from your hardware store or eBay ”Flip Top Portable Work Support”
Essential hardware to connect your table top to your frame and the tension component (turnbuckle) to the table frame and table top itself.
reinforce your wood table clamp area
Whenever using a wood table top it’s a good idea to reinforce the underside where the clamps will attach. This reduces wood wear and tear. I’ve used thin metal sheets that I drill holes into. The sheet is glued and screwed onto the underside of the clamped area of the wood table top. Be sure to place screws ideally outside of where the machine would clamp.
How to I WOULD upgrade a Erlbacher Gearheart Table
(if I were asked AGAIN…)
This table uses the *exact same* legs as the hardware store/amazon/eBay available “Ridgid FlipTop” table.
Why modify it? (There is nothing “wrong” with this table but if it can be better so why not?)
Removing the large wood mount increases table real estate, we don’t use the tilt ability so nothing lost (other than moving table in two pieces over one), and doing this makes the table top easier to transport truly flat. For more info on modifications see the other rigid fliptop table post or see this INSTAGRAM POST
This is a great table foundation offering height adjustment not otherwise available out there.
Keep you CSM table balanced by hanging your heel weights on a removable metal hanger under your table. Easy access!
Also on INSTAGRAM
ADDING A SHELF TO YOUR TABLE
Inspired some of the other CSM tables out there, this shelf can be completely disassembled.
Also on INSTAGRAM
UPGRADING THE TABLE TOP
This photo below is of the most recent paint - this table has been painted teal before and is now this color. I used a product called “Unicorn Spit” in a custom hand done technique to match the new handle upgraded by Dave Lord of Chambord CSM. Also posted on INSTAGRAM
See many other topics or tables by category on the quick lookup page INDEX
Another seller of these table legs:
