510/520 Carriage slits to table post holes

[shopsmithpaul]

I was just looking on ebay and came across a 510/520 carriage for sale that had 2 narrow slits cut in it. Each one goes from the right side through where the table height locking rod goes and then into the hole for the table post. I tried to get image but had problems. Does anybody know anything about this? It must be something knew and would it be something to do to an older carriage?

Thanks Paul

[billmayo]

I believe this was an update to the 510/520 carriage. This really helps secure the table legs in the carriage. I have sawed this slot into a few 500 carriages including my milling and my metal lathe Shopsmiths to more securely hold the table legs.

[JPG]

The original design squeezed the posts with a shoulder on the pinion gear. Those slots add a squeeze around the post.

I would not add the slot unless you have a very thin saw blade.