Shopsmith Forums

As you can see, I may be in need of parts to finish getting my jointer to function. My problem is that I can't seem to lock the jointer fence on the slide rail. This is an older jointer that I got when a fellow woodworker who died a few years ago. Also, if I were to be able to lock the fence on the rail, there is nothing to keep the fence from moving while the jointer is in operation. And, I could use a blade shield with a spring for safety. Please take a look and see if you can help. Thanks.

The screw in picture two should push against a pin inside the threaded tube, and the pin presses against rail to lock the fence in place. This is one thing that you need to take care not to tighten too much as it deforms the clamping mechanism.

Have you checked the exploded parts diagram at Shopsmith? I always reference it when I am not sure if I am missing a part or not. By comparing what you have to the exploded parts diagram you should be able to identify which parts are missing and then cross-reference them with the parts list to get their Shopsmith part # for ordering. Hope this helps.

Exploded Parts Diagram:
https://www.shopsmith.com/service/joint ... iagram.htm


Jointer Parts List:
https://www.shopsmith.com/service/joint ... s_list.htm

Do you realize the lock handle is two position? Push in and turn to lock the tilt. Pull out and turn to lock the fence position.

My problem is that I can't seem to lock the jointer fence on the slide rail.

bgeagle,

It appears that you are missing the pin-dowel, part #P1673. Commonly people don’t realize this small part is in there, and as a result when talking it apart, this small dowel slips out and falls on to the ground, unnoticed. Without this small dowel, the fence will not lock to the rail. The goods news is, if you cannot find one in-kind to replace it, one can easily be fabricated.

…I see on Shopsmith’s website it is part Ref #46, part #50672, and now called a Dowel Pin.

You need the older blade shield or upgrade it to the newer design.

FWIW the pin is a standard 1/4 x 1" dowel pin.

The others have given you information on correcting your problem of not being able to lock the fence on the Fence Bar. The dowel is metal and so if substituted with a piece of wood dowel you will have to check for crushing of it over time. Wood may work temporally but it would be best to get the metal dowel if yours is missing. Another problem that develops with the Jointer Fence is the Jointer Quadrant Assembly and the "fingers" that go around the fence bar spreading out due to over tightening and no longer able to get behind the fence bar as well. The Jointer Quadrant Assembly is one of the more common Shopsmith items that need replacing. Even though your Jointer was made in late 1977 the replacement parts are mostly the same today as found on new Jointers. The dowel pin will be the same. Should you need a new Jointer Quadrant Assembly at some point it is the same.

JPG mentioned the Blade Guard and if missing you could find a used replacement or change to the upgrade Feather Guard as shown in the parts diagram and on new Jointers shown in the Shopsmith online catalog. Another consideration to get is the Jointer Dust Chute Retro-fit Kit which includes a dust chute and a rear blade guard for the fence. This upgrade will help keep your shop area cleaner and the rear blade guard will provide extra safety while using your Jointer. I upgraded my 1979 Jointer with the Feather Guard and Dust Chute Retro-fit Kit which will work on all the Shopsmith/Magna 4" Jointers except the original Model 4E which cannot use the Dust Chute from these upgrades..

Thanks Chapmanruss for the great reply and information. I really appreciate you taking a minute to give me some advice. I plan to purchase those items you indicated I need. If you have a minute, I would like some additional advice. I have a chance to get a used 500 to 520 upgrade kit with the upgraded table and the various floating table and the better fence. A fellow woodworker that is nearby has everything I think I would need. My question is would it be a good investment and would it make things easier for me? Here's a link to the items if you don't mind taking a look for me: https://www.ebay.com/itm/284472624709?m ... nl%3Dmkcid

I think you will be very happy with the upgrade. There is a world of difference between the 500 and the 520 IMO. There are a few here that will disagree but they are the very small minority. The parts look to be in very good shape and the price is not too bad. I would certainly go for it.