False rotary table with two sliding plates

A false rotary table use in handling tubulars comprises a base plate 575 having a hole therein disposed above a wellbore and at least two sliding plates 515A, 515B slidably connected to the base plate. The two sliding plates are remotely and independently slidable over the base plate to alternately expose the hole or narrow a diameter of the hole. At least one of the sliding plates comprises a substantially flat surface to support an elevator when the hole is exposed. The plates may be slidable to a position adjacent to one another to form a guide 580A, 580B to narrow the diameter of the hole. Also disclosed is a false rotary table comprising a fixed guide and a sliding plate, a link spreading apparatus and a lock for an elevator.