Aftermarket Fence for 510?

[JazzLuthier]

Hello,

I have a 510 and am looking for a more cost effective upgrade than the kit to the 520. I'd like to retain the function of the tubes and extension table(s). I've seen that some manufacturers, like the Vega models, may work. However, I cannot find anyone online that can confirm compatibility.

What are my options? I greatly appreciate the input!

[algale]

I had a Vega (on contractor saw). Nice fence, but I don't think it will mount on the 510, unless perhaps you permanently mount its rail to the main table and the extension table and that will mean ditching the 510 rails and losing the flexibility you say you want to keep. Even if you could mount it somehow, I think you would lose some of the Vega functionality on a Shopsmith; the permanently mounted scales aren't a good match for a machine with a blade that moves depending on the relationship of the headstock, quill and main table.

If you are set on a different fence, there's an Incra-made fence system that Shopsmith sells a version of that is specifically adapted to the 510. I think there are a few members who have one and like it. But I think it's even more expensive than going to the 520 system!

Wish I had better answer for you. What is it about the 510 fence system you either aren't satisfied with or are trying to improve on?

[JazzLuthier]

Thanks. Not interested in the incremental scale, just a fence that locks relatively square.

My 510 fence has never squared to the table since it was purchased in 1987. It seems there's an issue with the extrusion. I contacted SS again a few months ago, but they have indicated that it looks like mine is damaged, despite the fact that there's no way to damage that spot, in that way, without completely disassembling it. And yes, I am fully aware and familiar with adjustments and using or removing the set screw all together.

SS has offered for me to send it to them for an assessment. However, I never seem to have a time when I can do without it for any period of time. It is also cumbersome to clamp a straight board or other temporary fence.

Even with the set screw completely backed out, the fence has a pretty severe angle making it 3/32" off or more on the other side of the table. In order to cut anything straight, I have to put it in a bind. As a result, I often have to reposition it in order to get my right distance from the blade for the cut. Because this is so much drama, I often use the carraige to reposition. However, this operation means I lose a lot of accuracy since I also have to loosen my stablizing tubes to avoid deflection or tilting of the table. I know it isn't much, but with my projects, it can have a significant impact as the error continues to compound itself, by a factor of 30 at times.

Ultimately, I don't want to pay for parts to help repair the fence which is clearly not operational without major effort. As such, I'm looking for a viable alternative. Since I've been cutting fairly dry hickory as of late with one of my projects, the vibration is causing the fence to slip. That's why, now after all of these years, I'm ready for an alternative.

Being of humble means, I can't afford the $500+ for the upgraded 520 fence.

I hope this provides some clarity for the situation. I wish I did have the money to just upgrade, but times are tough.

[algale]

If you haven't already done so, you might consider posting a pick of your problems. People around here are pretty good at diagnosing and offering suggestions for fixes. One thing is for sure, repair it (even if you need a new extrusion) will probably be less expensive than any aftermarket fence.

[reible]

The other option might be checking eBay for another fence, then with another one to use send yours back to shopsmith for evaluation.

Ed

[JazzLuthier]

It is difficult to see, but I have loosened the locking mechanism to show the issue. When the one side mates to the surface, it introduces a cant and an overall angle. Haven't measured the degrees, but there's no way to shim and because the difference is so much, it isn't really an option to file the opposite side.

[reible]

examples:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Comp ... Swnw9Z7CZj

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Rip- ... SwY~lZ6F~W

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Mark ... SwRqxZ4NOx

I found these three right off the top but there might be more and of course condition and final cost is an unknown.

Ed

[JazzLuthier]

I'm not a fan of the double locking mechanism either which is why I'm looking for a different option. I do have some money, but not 520 or incra upgrade money. The incra isn't an option anyway because of the reconfiguring time and removal for certain functions using the SS.

[JazzLuthier]

Thank you for the links. My budget is much higher than this, in the $250 to $300 range. After all, I've been planning to replace and setting aside funds for quite some time.

[JazzLuthier]

Here is an example of recent work with the hickory. Since this has 16 staves and 32 mating edges, even small differences can really create a headache for me.