Shopsmith Forums

The complete upper and lower guard Ed is referring to is still shown as available in the service parts section but costs almost $376 new. $155.39 for the upper guard and $220.42 for the lower guard. Still much cheaper than a visit to the Emergency Room. One bit of information to note is that Shopsmith is no longer making replacements parts for some of the original 500 table system. I found that out when I was restoring a Greenie. The front and rear trunnions are 2 of the parts no longer available. I believe they prefer us to upgrade to the 510 or 520 table system instead of repairing the old ones. I mention this because if you are thinking at all about upgrading your table system to the 510 or 520 at some point the 500 guards will not work with the upgrade. The 510/520/MK7 guard will not work with the original 500 table system either.

The guard I suggested is simpler to initially install. The upper guard attaches to the lower guard and the lower guard attaches to the end of the quill. But with the solid metal upper guard you cannot see the blade. The guard system Ed refers to is harder to first install. The upper guard attaches to a mounting block that is attached to the rear table post with screws. Parts of the lower guard attaches to the table tie bar. There is some drilling required to install these upper and lower guard parts. This guard system gives you a clear upper guard over the blade and also has better coverage around the blade plus improved dust collection.

If you want the original guard for the Greenies, as Ed pointed out, they leave something to be desired. The discharge for saw dust is square so not very good for dust collection. Also they are made for a 9" blade and you will likely use a 10" blade. I have one for a Greenie but it is more of a display part.

In addition to the good advice you have already gotten, one other option if you anticipate staying with a 500 system is a hybrid ... the lower metal guard for a 500, and the upgraded clear upper guard that attaches to the table post. The lower guard is fairly easy to find on ebay ... the clear upper guard is not seen as often, but they do appear there from time to time. Be sure to look for one with the mounting block. For the lower guard, there was also an accessory spacer made of thin aluminum that is handy for use with dado blades, and for me, makes blade changes easier. The original is rather flimsy, so I made one from an aluminum bar. Many will say dust collection is not as good as the 2 piece plastic lower guard, but I'm content with my hybrid system.

I need to correct some of the information I gave you before.

The complete upper and lower guard Ed is referring to is still shown as available in the service parts section but costs almost $376 new. $155.39 for the upper guard and $220.42 for the lower guard.

Shopsmith still sells the Model 500 clear plastic upper guard but not the mounting block. If you wish to go with that guard system or the hybrid suggested by br459 above you will have to find a used mounting block for the upper guard.