Shopsmith Forums

I got my Mark 7 recently, and am slowly learning whats what on it. Today I needed to trim down some shelving boards and decided to try the table saw. However, when I went to lower the table, the front and rear edges of the lower guard were stopping the table from going lower due to the mounting tube connect points hitting the guard (and denting them slightly!). I've looked at it, and with the guard connected to the quilll rather than the table, I can't figure how its supposed to move lower. I'm sure I'm overlooking something, just can't see it.

I'll call support tomorrow, but thought I'd ask the forum to see if anyone else has run into this.

Ken

What you are most likely overlooking is the fact that the lower guard has two knobs that allow it to be adjustable for width.

What I do is adjust the outer part of the guard close to the blade by loosening the knobs, lower the table, then expand them back out until they just touch the plastic bit (tie bar guard) that is mounted to the main table. Tighten them and make sure the table still moves up and down with out catching. If needed adjust until it works smoothly.

Hope this helps.

Ed

By the way, I just noticed you are new here so let me welcome you to the Forums! Great to have more posters here and as some like to say the only dumb question is the one that doesn't get ask.

Ed

Been there, done that. I don't remember what I was doing wrong, but I do remember smacking myself of the forehead when I figured out what it was. . Just to be sure, new Mark 7 or old Mark VII? There is a difference...

kenharry wrote:I got my Mark 7 recently, and am slowly learning whats what on it. Today I needed to trim down some shelving boards and decided to try the table saw. However, when I went to lower the table, the front and rear edges of the lower guard were stopping the table from going lower due to the mounting tube connect points hitting the guard (and denting them slightly!). I've looked at it, and with the guard connected to the quilll rather than the table, I can't figure how its supposed to move lower. I'm sure I'm overlooking something, just can't see it.

I'll call support tomorrow, but thought I'd ask the forum to see if anyone else has run into this.

Ken

Does the attached photo show a lower saw guard (though terribly dirty) that is similar to yours? If so, your problem is as reible already stated. You simply need to adjust the lower saw guard width. If I understand your problem, the interference occurs just below and to to either side of the wing nuts (which you won't have).

I typically operate with the lower saw guard adjusted to less than half of its' possible width. There are varied opinions on what this does to (for) dust collection efficiency but if I turn my DC on, it works very well.

[ATTACH]25978[/ATTACH]

What you see here is what happens when you cut wood with the dust collector connected but turned off. I seem to do that a lot.

This is a very loosely connected thread regarding a modification to the lower saw guard that is intended to improve dust collector efficiency. I think it works very well, if the DC is turned on.

kenharry wrote:I got my Mark 7 recently, and am slowly learning whats what on it. Today I needed to trim down some shelving boards and decided to try the table saw. However, when I went to lower the table, the front and rear edges of the lower guard were stopping the table from going lower due to the mounting tube connect points hitting the guard (and denting them slightly!). I've looked at it, and with the guard connected to the quilll rather than the table, I can't figure how its supposed to move lower. I'm sure I'm overlooking something, just can't see it.

I'll call support tomorrow, but thought I'd ask the forum to see if anyone else has run into this.

Ken

Does the attached photo show a lower saw guard (though terribly dirty) that is similar to yours? If so, your problem is as reible already stated. You simply need to adjust the lower saw guard width.

[ATTACH]25978[/ATTACH]

What you see here is what happens when you cut wood with the dust collector connected but turned off. I seem to do that a lot.

Here is a short video by Doug Reid on installing the lower saw guard. His other videos are also good.

Welcome to the Forums,

Mike

kenharry wrote:I got my Mark 7 recently, and am slowly learning whats what on it. Today I needed to trim down some shelving boards and decided to try the table saw. However, when I went to lower the table, the front and rear edges of the lower guard were stopping the table from going lower due to the mounting tube connect points hitting the guard (and denting them slightly!). I've looked at it, and with the guard connected to the quilll rather than the table, I can't figure how its supposed to move lower. I'm sure I'm overlooking something, just can't see it.

I'll call support tomorrow, but thought I'd ask the forum to see if anyone else has run into this.

Ken

Do hope you got the lower saw guard figured out so that you can start making some saw dust.

Thanks for the replies all. I figured it out this afternoon. I was looking at in wrong - I had to reduce the width of the guard and tighten the guard screws. Being too wide interfered. After figuring that out, I got the shelves trimmed and ready for the cabinets.

Stopped at my local Woodcraft store and spent my allowance on pen making supplies. Faceplate due via Fedex tomorrow. Gonna have some fun.