Custom Fence for Cast Iron Bandsaw Table

[benmcn]

While browsing eBay looking at Shopsmith parts I came across a listing for a custom made bandsaw fence for the older cast iron table. The modified fence was done by seller with the handle “thompsonjoedeals”. The attached photos were included with the listing. It looks like a great use for an old 500 fence.

[chapmanruss]

I have seen the ad too. I thought it was a creative idea also. He has another ad for "homemade" Double tilt ends.

[edma194]

Interesting. I was thinking of working out a magnetic fence for the cast iron table. I have a dial indicator with a switchable magnetic base that holds down tight. Maybe a magnet like that at both ends.

[DLB]

Interesting. I was thinking of working out a magnetic fence for the cast iron table. I have a dial indicator with a switchable magnetic base that holds down tight. Maybe a magnet like that at both ends.

Carter makes one called MAGFENCEII that Scott Markwood demo'd a while back. There is at least one other brand. It's not for me, but I think Scott gave it good marks. Sounds much like what you are thinking of.

- David

[reible]

See this post for some information on what I have in the way of a fence that I can use on my shopsmith and my other bandsaw. Yes the Carter Magfence II. Also a few things you can add to it........

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=18531&p=216171&hili ... CE#p216171

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17786&p=206109&hili ... ce#p206109

These posts were back some years but that is still how I do things.

Ed

[edma194]

I've seen mentions of Magfence before and for simplicity is the likely way to do this. OTOH, I have extra 500 fences and I was thinking of using one as was done in the OP.

[DLB]

I've seen mentions of Magfence before and for simplicity is the likely way to do this. OTOH, I have extra 500 fences and I was thinking of using one as was done in the OP.

I don't have my pre-500 fence handy, so I'm not completely grasping this 'design', but isn't the setscrew for biasing the fence off-square normally on the opposite side right of the lock handle? More importantly, isn't that where it is needed for 'typical' SS bandsaw blade offset?

- David

[edma194]

Not sure what you are conceiving. I wouldn't require the crossbar to be in contact with the side of the table. It would be a simple way to align it but the magnets hold the fence down on the tabletop. I figured independently switchable magnets at either end of the fence to make alignment easier, just switch off the magnet at one end of the fence or the other to pivot the fence to the preferred angle.

[garys]

That looks like a good use for a leftover 500 fence for anyone who has an extra one. I just did mine the old fashioned way by making a fence from scrap wood. I have an entire box of "jigs" that I make up as needed to do jobs that are a bit difficult without a jig. My bandsaw fence is just another "jig".

[DLB]

Not sure what you are conceiving. I wouldn't require the crossbar to be in contact with the side of the table. It would be a simple way to align it but the magnets hold the fence down on the tabletop. I figured independently switchable magnets at either end of the fence to make alignment easier, just switch off the magnet at one end of the fence or the other to pivot the fence to the preferred angle.

Sorry, I didn't communicate that well (if at all). I was talking about the modified 500 fence that's the original subject of this thread and this pic in particular:

SS Cast Iron BandSaw Fence.jpeg (150.98 KiB) Viewed 4850 times

My pre-500 fence (Greenie) doesn't have a setscrew in the circled location IIRC, and I was thinking he had flipped the casting or something as part of the mod. Now I think somewhere along the line Shopsmith added this second setscrew location to the fence casting.(?) Though I'm unaware of its use or purpose. (I knew the upgraded 500 fence had two setscrews, but don't know why.)

I agree regarding ease of aligning the magnetic fence. If I was currently using a cast iron bandsaw table that is what I'd go with. The SS fence for the Aluminum table is also very easy to align for blade drift using a setscrew.

- David