Shopsmith Forums

I just bought a 1980 Shopsmith V 500 and am in the process of learning how to use it.

I am trying to re-install the saw blade guards. I am having difficulty trying to get the lower unit to fit. When installed, the blade sits up against the right side of the guard; the teeth of the blade catch on the guard cover. The blade seems to be about 1/2" too far to the right, yet everything seems snug (possible exception-the knurled spindle knob, which has about 1/8" clearance from quill).
The only part that seems "out of whack" is the arbor. It appears to be original and was on the saw (without the guard) when I bought it. However, the ones pictured on this website seem significantly shorter. If it is the wrong arbor, does anyone know what this arbor is? If it is not the issue, does anyone know what my difficulty is? See photo. Thanks...more questions to come in other posts.

Sorry - picture didn't upload. Will try again, when I figure it out.

Ok - trying again. Didn't realize the photo requirements.
This should be the arbor....
From blade to end of arbor is 1.5" and I presume the reason my guard doesn't fit.

The MK V 500 has a smaller table than the 510/520 models. As a result the 500 arbor is shorter than the 510/520 arbor. I suspect your arbor is for the 510/520. The arbors are on eBay all the time but be careful. Some sellers do not say which model the arbor is for. Of course you can always get the correct arbor from SS.

Hey! Thanks! Finally, something that makes a little sense to me.
Now, I've got to go back to playing with the UPPER guard!

Having the correct arbor for your machine is the first step. Shopsmith also offers an aluminum spacer to put between the guard and the cover, which increases the amount of space for the blade. I tried making a heavier duty version for my 500 lower guard, and discovered why to NOT try to make it wider than 1.25", which is the width of the Shopsmith version. Here is the post where I explained why:

https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/view ... 75#p181075

Since the upper guard attaches to the lower guard, having the blade on the correct arbor and in the correct position is important for getting upper guard aligned properly. I was never fond of the solid aluminum upper guard, so I found a used clear upper guard upgrade and installed it (it mounts to the table carriage instead of the bracket on the lower guard)