Here's a simple trick for aligning parts.

[A/C Guy]

Usually when we make a table, the legs are 2 x 2 and the cross members are rectangular, i.e. 1.5 x 2.5 or similar.

To center the cross member in the legs, I lay the parts flat on the table, then place several fender washers on the cross member as shown until the washers are flush with the top of the leg:
Attachment 1280

I then take half of them and place them under each end of the cross member to center it in the leg:
Attachment 1281

[ScratchStart]

nice tip! simple, but how many of us would have thought of it?

do you build lots of tables? welding tables cutting tables?

pics?

[Jason]

That's a good tip and I have used that method plus others when I did not have enough washers or needed to gap more than I would try with washers. Washers are handy to have around with how many things you can use them for. They work as quick shims to..

[aaxiss]

awesome Idea, I always head to the table saw and slice off a piece of Oak, I must have about 30 little pieces of oak with 3/16, 1/2, 5/8 etc marked on them. Of course I will be able to use them for other things in the future ( Like when I build my smoker ) Ill toss one in the firebox every 30 mins till they are gone LOL

[wruehl]

Nice Trick! Can we see more pics of your tables?

[Nikola Tesla]

Thanks,

Thats a great idea. I had actually used all sorts of things. Fender washers are nice and flast though. I had been keeping my eye out for some sheet metal shims. Ide be completley crooked without my caliper. Center punch also saves me a lot of time. I use one of those push in punches on my first mark. Then go in with a heavier hammer punch. All this stuff makes a master.

Thanks again

[Oxide00]

Great idea!! I'll try that on my next project!