Shopsmith Forums

When using the table saw and guard, the back of the guard behind the blade is offset about 1/4 inch, and causes stock being cut to catch on it. I cannot figure out how to align the blade and back of the guard. Any help?

Also, when using one of my saw arbors, it threw the set screw into oblivion. I can see a need for spares. Anyplace to get a few for storage?

Dan

Dan
What model of machine do you have? On a 510 or 520 the lower saw guard and splitter is adjusted by removing the lower saw guard and adjusting the small set screw on the headstock side of the guard to provide proper clearance. Set screws can be purchased at a well stocked hardware store. Should be 5/16 by 18 TPI. Use a flat point or a ball end set screw only n the quill. A cup point screw will cause burrs on the quill shaft.
Bill V

I have a 510. I will look today... thank you.

Is the saw blade closer to the quill or further away? Using the arbor for the original (500) table system would cause it to be about a 1/4" closer but the blade would hit the retracting part of the lower guard. The 1-1/4" and 5/8" Saw Blade Arbors for the larger (510/520/M7) and original (500) table systems are about a 1/4" different. If it is further away from the quill there must be something out of place. Is the upper guard going into the lower guard correctly? Is the lower guard mounted on the quill directly against retaining ring? If the bumper ring is between the retaining ring and the guard it will move the guard about an 1/8" causing the blade to be closer. Is the arbor going all the way on the spindle? Is the spindle Knob all the way on? There should be about an 1/8" between the end of the tapered flat and the Spindle Knob. Just for reference this picture is the 1-1/4" Saw Blade Arbors for the 510/520/M7 and the Original Mark V 500 Table systems. EDIT: I was looking at something this morning and the above picture caught my eye. I had mislabeled the Arbor on the left as 555118 instead of the correct part number of 555130. Below is the corrected picture.

In addition to the quill shaft etc., the position of the carriage also affects alignment. The spacer on the way tubes controls that positioning.

FWIW the guard is adjusted to the blade, not the blade adjusted to the guard.

JPG wrote:In addition to the quill shaft etc., the position of the carriage also affects alignment. The spacer on the way tubes controls that positioning.

FWIW the guard is adjusted to the blade, not the blade adjusted to the guard.

In his response JPG said

the position of the carriage also affects alignment. The spacer on the way tubes controls that positioning.

It is true for the Mark 5/V 500 with the Original Table System but not so much for the 510/520/M7 Larger Table System. JPG has owned his Mark 5 Goldie since new. He has seen a number of changes in the Blade Guard Systems over the years. With some of those, table position affects the Upper Guard's alignment since there are Upper Guards that mount to the Table not the Lower Guard. There is only one version of the Saw Blade Guard that has been made for the Larger Table System of the Mark V 510/520 and Mark 7. The correct components assembled correctly align the Blade and Blade Guard. Table position does not effect the alignment of the Guard to the Blade, only the position of the Blade going through the table slot, unless somehow the table is pushing against the Guard. With that being said there is an adjustment screw on the part of the Lower Guard where it clamps against the Quill's retaining ring which is for some fine adjustment to the Lower Guard's position on the Quill. Sorry I neglected to mention this before. This can move the Lower Guard up to about a 1/4" away from the Headstock. This will also cause the Splitter of the Upper Guard to move to the right of the Blade. In the picture below it is screwed out but I have it in all the way for proper alignment on my Shopsmith during use.

chapmanruss wrote:

JPG wrote:In addition to the quill shaft etc., the position of the carriage also affects alignment. The spacer on the way tubes controls that positioning.

FWIW the guard is adjusted to the blade, not the blade adjusted to the guard.

In his response JPG said

the position of the carriage also affects alignment. The spacer on the way tubes controls that positioning.

It is true for the Mark 5/V 500 with the Original Table System but not so much for the 510/520/M7 Larger Table System. JPG has owned his Mark 5 Goldie since new. He has seen a number of changes in the Blade Guard Systems over the years. With some of those, table position affects the Upper Guard's alignment since there are Upper Guards that mount to the Table not the Lower Guard. There is only one version of the Saw Blade Guard that has been made for the Larger Table System of the Mark V 510/520 and Mark 7. The correct components assembled correctly align the Blade and Blade Guard. Table position does not effect the alignment of the Guard to the Blade, only the position of the Blade going through the table slot, unless somehow the table is pushing against the Guard. With that being said there is an adjustment screw on the part of the Lower Guard where it clamps against the Quill's retaining ring which is for some fine adjustment to the Lower Guard's position on the Quill. Sorry I neglected to mention this before. This can move the Lower Guard up to about a 1/4" away from the Headstock. This will also cause the Splitter of the Upper Guard to move to the right of the Blade. In the picture below it is screwed out but I have it in all the way for proper alignment on my Shopsmith during use.
510-520 Guard back.jpg

YEP!

Nothing to do with the guard not aligning up but a word of caution when using thin kerf blades , I have one that is not wide enough for the mkv 500 splitter .

I adjusted screw to move the lower guard housing away from the head and it lines up, now. I find it odd that a standard blade does not line up with the guard. The lower guard is now partially on the retaining ring but feels secure. I will be cutting some cedar today and will see how it goes. I am making a trellis.

Dan