Mark VII shaper Fence Breakdown

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed May 29, 2013 1:37 am

One of the 'extras' that came with the my Mark VII was a shaper fence. I do not know if it did so when new, but that would make sense with the dual tilt.

It is different from both the earlier Mark 5/V,500 and the later Mark V,505 - 520.

It is a hybrid between the other two versions. It is closer to the later 505-520 models than the earlier Mark 5. Both fence 'halves' are 'micro-adjustable'. It mounts to the Mark VII table with two screws, but they are spaced closer together. The Mark VII table pivots +- 90 degrees so the mounting holes for the shaper fence are to the right of the table insert. The 505-520 table accomplishes the same thing by reversing the table.

I realize this is almost identical to later models, but this will expose the few differences and could be referenced for working on the later models.

Before breakdown. Notice the location of the mounting screws.

: shaper fence 1.jpg (208.64 KiB) Viewed 3508 times

A 'design' modification common to later models with which I grumble! The casting was(and still is) dimensioned for 1/4-20 screws and square nut. When screw sizes became 'standardized', the 1/4" screw was no longer available with a 5/32" hex socket so the screw was changed to a 3/16 -24.
The 'standard' 3/16" square nut is too small to fit snugly into the notch intended for the nut. That causes the nut to turn in the notch when adjusting the screw. I call that a PITA.

: shaper fence 2.jpg (459.1 KiB) Viewed 3512 times

With removal of the clamping screw and mini nut, the fence half can be removed by adjusting the knob until the fence separates from the knob screw. Notice the clamping screw hole is proper for the 3/16" screw. The earlier Mark 5 version had a 1/4" screw hole.