Top and Table alignment

[AndThenSome09]

When I try to align my top and table one of the notches is just a hair off, very close but still off the slightest. Should I request new parts or should this be alright?

[Eaglezsoar]

When I try to align my top and table one of the notches is just a hair off, very close but still off the slightest. Should I request new parts or should this be alright?

Why don't you send us a photo so we have an idea how big this "hair" is?

[ccavanaugh]

I ran into the same issue. I just shaved down the short edges of the tabs as needed. I would avoid touching the widths of the tabs (.25") if at all possible and leave those snug in that direction. I left the Tri-Supports alone, as they set tower locations and hold them perpendicular. I only adjusted the cross pieces as necessary. I also cut a thin piece of paper (.20" wide) and would use to as a gage to ensure I had clearance on each side of the tab to ensure no biasing of the assembly was occurring.

Also, another trick is to check perpendicularity of the pillars in all directions before setting the flathead screws into the MDF, otherwise, it's tough to square the assembly up because the screw heads follow the established countersink. I learned this the hard way and had to resort to using pan head screws and washers in a few locations to square everything up. I could make the towers perpendicular to the base radially, but all three towers had a twist that resulted in about a 1 degree error when checked tangentially.

If you look at the design, the length of the tabs over-constrain the assembly if tolerance errors stack-up. Just treat the Tri-Support as the primary locating piece and work from there.

[AndThenSome09]

Thanks, I ended up just sanding the little bit that was over hanging and seemed to have done it correctly as I was able to get everything all squared up as it should be.