flexible mounts for sanding table

[Glot]

I considered a lever action to reduce the travel but not worth all the trouble to make something reliable. I haven't dismissed the idea though.I was just trying to make one with out spending money. The best option is a crank but then I need to spend a fortune of belts and pulleys. I have more ideas up my sleeve. Just wish I had the time to try them.

[Frank S]

You if you had an old cox 30 airplane engine you could cut it up attach the piston to he plate, chuck the crank in a drill and have the perfect amount of stroke and speed

[Glot]

I eventually decided to try reducing the travel with a lever but the whole lot is just too wishy washy. A rotating shaft with a wheel on it and a crank pin will give an elliptical motion. As the shaft is moved away from the centre, the travel will increase. I need to go back to the start. Might have triggered an idea for someone though.

[suther51]

I feel that this suggestion is a bit incomplete as i do not have a good feel for the srength of spring to use, but that said, a spring between the saw and the table (as part of the linkage connecting the saw to the table) will dampen the action. The spring would work in both compression and extension and should soften the motion. An adjustable preload on the spring may help with choosing the right spring rate or strength. More preload, stiffer action. Less preload softer action. Keep at it, I like your idea.
Eric