Anyone here using Aigner extension tables?

[Jeff Duncan]

This has been a crazy busy year for me so far and I need to start streamlining some of my processes in the shop. One thing that's been driving me nuts is extension tables! I have a shop built set for my shaper and a set for my jointer. They're not easily interchangeable due to the different heights of the machines, and being that my shop is so cramped, I cannot leave them in place when not in use. Plus the jointer tables need to be re-designed for a quicker attachment system closer to what I use on the shaper. Now I'm looking at making yet another set for my bandsaw, which of course is a much different height than the other machines! So I'm thinking about whether the Aigner extension tables may be a good way to go? Unfortunately the site doesn't have a ton of info, but I'm assuming they would have a quick adjustment for the height? If so, mounting the brackets to the different machines and sharing one set of tables may be a much smoother way to go in the long run! I'd love to hear feedback though from anyone who uses them....or maybe has seen them in use, before spending that kind of cash.

Or alternatively maybe different options that are better/similar/more affordable:rolleyes:
thanks,
JeffD

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Jeff, have you looked at the Felder extension tables?

Regards, Rod.

[Mike Heidrick]

Id be looking for or designing a DIY 8020 extrusion solution. Something like mount an 8020 piece to a machine and use connectors and T nuts to attach each extension. A few drilled holes for access holes if needed. If I needed height adjustments the attachment pieces would be vertical. They have a ton of sizes so it would be easy to beef it up as needed.

It looked like in Sam Blasco's bandsaw video (a long time ago it was posted here or on woodnet) that you just mount the Aigner bracket and they clip on. No height adjustments on the fly.

[peter gagliardi]

Jeff, I don't have their tables, but I do have several of their catalogs. From memory, I think you just mount their special bars to the table edges at in and out feed locations, then you can just drop the table itself onto the bar which it keys onto.
I believe you just get a bunch of bars, and maybe just 1 or 2 pairs of tables as they interchange.

[Peter Quinn]

I don't have them, but the tables are awesome. Very expensive for my situation, if money were less of an object, they would be in my shop. I feel you could probably copy that level of functionality in a more cost effective manner with some design work, maybe as Mike suggests some 8020, or some steel and bushings, some adjustable height legs, shop made or purchased. One set of tables for every machine that stow away neatly would greatly help my shop space, instead I make do with a miserable "git er done" ad hoc system. Plywood is much cheaper than anodized aluminum. Even phenolic faced BB, which makes decent work tables.

[David Kumm]

Aigner makes two types of tables. One type are self supporting and pretty permanent. The other sit on a rail and have a leg. I have bought some Aigner stuff from John Gubb in UK at pretty decent pricing. I can look up his email if there is a need. PM me. Dave

[Jeff Duncan]

Thanks guys, you've given me a lot to think about already! I will check out the Felder version as well as look into 8020....I'm not real familiar with aluminum extrusions:o

Peter, my own "git er done" system has been OK for the last few years.....but it just isn't going to cut it going forward. I just don't have the room for multiple sets of tables so I want to solve this sooner rather than later. I think your on to what I'm trying to do though! The bars themselves are fairly cheap, the smallest ones starting at about $10. I ideally would have these on as many machines as needed and have one pair of tables. The legs would be a quick adjust....sort of like a telescope or camera tripod. They'd have to be a little beefier, but they really wouldn't have to support a lot of weight. I would think 50 lb capacity or so should be more than enough as the main table will take the bulk of the weight. The tables I made for my shaper would actually do the job as they're not too heavy, they're flat, and I already have them. I'd just have to re-design the attachment system to something better.....something that would work with a universal rail like the Aigner. And find a quick adjust...or at least adjustable type of leg so I can use it on other machines.

David, thanks for the offer! I'd have to imagine it's going to be more expensive shipping from the UK than buying locally though:confused:

anyway I'm going to mull this over a bit more, but feel free to keep offering thoughts:D

JeffD

[Peter Quinn]

I am curious to know what you're running on that Martin shaper that requires more table? I was thinking of the universal brackets and movable tables from Aigner, saw them at a show, really well done. The telescoping legs look pretty solid. I guess one set wouldnt be too bad on a commercial basis. Real boon to a custom shop, so easy to get chocked on space as work gets assembled, tough to build anything flexible enough to handle everything.

[Steve Jenkins]

I have two of the aigner tables. They have a single telescoping leg that folds flat for storage. I mounted a rail on my bandsaw and another on my shaper. I also got a bracket to attach the tables end to end for long resaws on the bandsaw. I use them mostly when cutting circles on the bandsaw and cleaning up the same circles on the shaper. I think they work great.

[Rod Sheridan]

Hi Jeff, I have 3 Hammer extension tables and just clip them on the machine I want to use them on.

That design is very handy for using on different machines as you only have to add mounting rails to your machines.

Felder also have the longer tables with an adjustable support leg............Rod.

http://www.felder-tooling.us/8head-zub-00320/8head-zub-00120/8b-a331-05-02-01720.html

[Jeff Duncan]

Peter, I made the legs originally while setting up to run a batch of 2-1/4" door parts. I found it a lot easier to not have to stand there holding 7'+ long parts on indeed and out feed. Since then I use them for almost everything. They just make feeding work through sooooo much easier

Steve, thanks for the feedback. How long are the tables you got? The only dimension I could find seemed really short....like roughly 2' or so?

Rod, thanks for the link. Looks like the Felder version is more expensive than the Aigner though

I'm still debating whether to buy or build. In reality what I'd like is something a bit longer than what seems to be available. Given that I'd want one set to work for three different machines I'd want something in the range of 40" or so. If i do build my own I Have to keep looking for a telescopic leg for reasonable money though.

thanks,
Jeff

[Erik Loza]

Photos from Sam's shop. Personally, I would rather have the Aigner units than any other brand of extension, for the reason that Aigners can be daisy-chained. Also, those other brands seem over-priced (not that anything "Aigner" is inexpensive, LOL...)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i315/erikloza/Mini%20Max%20Combo%20Seminars/Aignerextensions.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i315/erikloza/Mini%20Max%20Bandsaw%20Works/AignerTableMounting2.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i315/erikloza/Mini%20Max%20Bandsaw%20Works/CircleJigRadiusCutting1.jpg

Just my 2-cents as always,

Erik Loza
Minimax USA

[Jeff Duncan]

Thanks for the pics Erik! I had also posted on another forum and someone referred to the catalog listed on the Martin website. Well I had only seen the Aigner stuff through the Semantec site which is what popped up when I googled Aigner tables. Let me tell you that catalog is like porn for woodworkers:D After seeing the tables in use I think I'm going to put aside some funds and invest in them. I wasn't aware of some of the other accessories that could be used with the extension tables. Also I realized I was looking at the wrong dimensions and the Aigner seem to be exactly the size I'm looking for!

JeffD