Bent Miter Gauge Bar?

[fishrman]

I have an older Mark V. I believe around 1981 or so is when I bought it. I haven't thought it glided in the grooves like it should and was looking at it yesterday. It has clearly be bent. Not sideways but vertically. I might be able to take it off and try to bend it back but I usually cause more problems trying to fix something than just replacing. Does anyone know if the bar is still available and if so can you put up a link to it? Thanks for any help.

[DLB]

The new version is available: https://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/ ... iagram.htm Item 280 Part Number 51814. It is not clear to me if the old version for Model 500 and earlier is available, but you can call Customer Service and ask them. The new part should work for you, I think the only difference is a cutaway for Item 283, the washer for the T-track on newer Marks.

- David

[fishrman]

The new version is available: https://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/ ... iagram.htm Item 280 Part Number 51814. It is not clear to me if the old version for Model 500 and earlier is available, but you can call Customer Service and ask them. The new part should work for you, I think the only difference is a cutaway for Item 283, the washer for the T-track on newer Marks.

- David

Thanks!! I will give them a call!

[edma194]

I've been meaning to get back to this. It's a common issue, and it can be easily solved in many cases by just leaving the miter gauge lying in the track over time. It will try to conform to that space it is in. I'm not sure why but perhaps the bottom side in contact with the table tends to stay colder than the top and ordinary ambient thermal changes bend it down flat again. I didn't believe it when I heard it but it has worked for me.

[fishrman]

I've been meaning to get back to this. It's a common issue, and it can be easily solved in many cases by just leaving the miter gauge lying in the track over time. It will try to conform to that space it is in. I'm not sure why but perhaps the bottom side in contact with the table tends to stay colder than the top and ordinary ambient thermal changes bend it down flat again. I didn't believe it when I heard it but it has worked for me.

Who knew!!! Thanks!! So far, so good. I put it in the vise and thought I had not much to lose anyway. I got it bent back to where it needs to be.