Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone else have problems with the upper saw blade cover anti-kick back cams jamming the wood as it passes through in the forward direction? Mine has been doing this for about 2 weeks now & it’s so frustrating that I just want to leave the blade cover off! But my gut and my finger scars tell me that’s not a wise decision, lol. Any suggestions?

steverboss wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 12:34 am Does anyone else have problems with the upper saw blade cover anti-kick back cams jamming the wood as it passes through in the forward direction? Mine has been doing this for about 2 weeks now & it’s so frustrating that I just want to leave the blade cover off! But my gut and my finger scars tell me that’s not a wise decision, lol. Any suggestions?

They need to rotate freely and slide upward freely in the slot, do they? Cleaning and wax on the riving knife may help with the sliding/climbing action.

Sometimes the Upper Saw Guard isn't compatible with an operation. SS also sells a "non through cut" riving knife, which is far better than nothing for kickback prevention.

- David

How thick was the lumber that you were trying to cut? There is a limit to the upper saw guard capacity where the anti-kickback pawls limit forward movement. The thread linked below may be of interest. Don't know if this is your problem or not, but sometimes the upper saw guard IS the problem.

viewtopic.php?p=259690#p259690

The lumber thickness was approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.

steverboss wrote: ↑Sat Jan 07, 2023 3:43 pm The lumber thickness was approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.

Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem, unless you had the table adjusted up too high. Are they sticking and blocking the wood passing underneath, or what is it you are seeing exactly? I know these can get stuck sometimes and become an issue. I haven't had a problem with this yet, but it has come up before on the forum with other members so I know it can happen.

The only thing I’ve noticed is that the little pin that they pivot on is sloppy. It jams up so tight that I have to shut off the saw to get the partially sawn wood out, then start over, very frustrating.

I had that issue. Called Shopsmith and they advised me to basically flex the cams. Of course it snapped the rivet and so now I don't have functioning cams. Worst part was it was a brand new upper saw guard I bought from the factory. I'll not buy another. I use the splitter almost exclusively. Some day a Shark Guard.

maybe something is sprung or twisted out of place and can be sprung back or re straightened ? .

The cams and attaching hardware aren't available separately, but it looks like you can replace the USG riving knife which appears to include them. (https://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/ ... iagram.htm) Presuming a 510 and on USG.

- David

algale wrote: ↑Sun Jan 08, 2023 3:28 pm I had that issue. Called Shopsmith and they advised me to basically flex the cams. Of course it snapped the rivet and so now I don't have functioning cams. Worst part was it was a brand new upper saw guard I bought from the factory. I'll not buy another. I use the splitter almost exclusively. Some day a Shark Guard.

Pardon my ignorance, but exactly what is the “splitter” you refer to?