Bandsaw Fence Questions and Opinions

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:19 pm

I am considering getting the bandsaw fence, but the manual isn't online and neither is a parts diagram. The online catalog picture doesn't show how it attaches to the aluminum bandsaw table (see attached). From the picture it doesn't appear to even attach to the infeed side of the table. So how is it attached, and if is not attached to the infeed side of the table does it have a lot of flex, and can it be adjusted for blade lead?

Sincerely,

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:08 pm

Ron;
I just looked at my bandsaw fence and it has a screw lock like the one in the picture and also a lever lock similar to the 520 fence.
The screw lock locks the outfeed side of the fence and the lever locks the infeed side of the fence. The fence is very similar to a 500 model fence and I think that the 500 fence if you have one is worth a try.
Bill V

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:15 pm

Ron;
Sorry I missed one of your questions. Yes it can be adjusted for drift. There are two set screws in the mounting casting just like the old fashioned 500 fence. The fence mounts to an extruded aluminum rail that should come with the kit and is the same as the front rail on a 500 table except for a notch that enables the miter gauge bar to clear the rail.
One other thing, this fence is only for the aluminum table but I figure that you know that already.
Bill V

anmius · Post by **anmius** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 8:55 pm

Ron309753 wrote:I am considering getting the bandsaw fence, but the manual isn't online and neither is a parts diagram.

Here is a link to where you can purchase the manual (none of their current products have a free on-line manual): http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... sindex.htm

And here is a link to the parts diagram (which is free): http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/part ... tslist.htm

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:08 pm

So if I get the aluminum rail (part # 516687) the 500 fence will work without modification? That would be awesome.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

RobertTaylor · Post by **RobertTaylor** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:17 pm

shopsmith does offer two different fences for the bandsaw (aluminum table) in my opinion they went backwards after the saws with a cast iron table. the best/easiest fence to use (cast iron table) is the miter gage. very simple to use, just tigthen the setscrew and very easy to adjust for drift.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 9:45 pm

Ron
I am going partly by memory but I seem to remember when I had a 500 that I was refurbing for my son that I took the front rail off a 500 table and it fit on the bandsaw table. If you have the 500 table you may want to try and see if it fits the bandsaw table, I think that it will. I like the fence but I can't remember if the fence came with the rail or not. Sorry
Bill

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Dec 27, 2010 10:00 pm

The aluminum extrusion that mounts on the out feed side of the table is the same profile as the 500 table front extrusion, therefore a 500 fence will work, although it will only clamp on the one side. The 500 fence will extend past the infeed side of the table.

The extrusion has reliefs cut in it to allow miter gauge bar clearance, and is a different length.

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 3:25 am

Ron309753 wrote:So if I get the aluminum rail (part # 516687) the 500 fence will work without modification? That would be awesome.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Here is some interesting reading on another forum:
http://www.ssug.org/index.php?option=co ... mid=100007

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Tue Dec 28, 2010 3:42 am

Thanks fellas! I think I'lll wait for a bandsaw accessories sale.

Sincerely,

Ron309753