Shopsmith Forums

I recently picked up a 1956 or 1957 greenie. It's not in horrible shape, but needs some work. One possible issue I have is the Carriage Stop Ring.

It is intact with no cracks. I cleaned and waxed it. However, it barely slides across the way tubes. I have gotten both the headstock and the carriage to slide properly, but this darned ring will not move without moderate pressure on it.

I thought the best thing to do was to replace it. On the SS website, it is part #516666. When I click on it, it says ITEM NOT FOUND. So it looks like SS no longer carries this part.

Looking for suggestions on how to best proceed with what I've got. Is it supposed to slide smoothly or is the resistance I feel normal. If not, should I lightly sand the inside to allow it to slide smoothly?

sand the inside. OR cut a piece of pvc pipe 3/8"(?) long, cut out about a fourth of it and slip it onto the way tube,

The carriage on my 500 is from an old Greenie, and it is threaded on the side facing the headstock for a stop bolt which does the same job the spacer ring does. The stop bolt is adjusted to provide the correct spacing, then locked down with a nut. Maybe your old carriage is threaded also?

Loosen the way tubes so that they can be rotated. Of they are belt ever so slightly, sometimes this will allow the cariage and headstock to side end to end much more easily. Don't fotget to resecure the way tumes.

The part is #516667 - $4.95. It's available. I use PVC pipe though. It can be split and snapped over a way tube with out removing it or the headstock.

I think lightly sanding and using it will be the best option, along with "tuning" the way tubes. After all, all it needs to do is provide proper spacing between the carriage and the headstock. The website says part 516667 is for Mk V 510 and up. The carriage stop ring on my 520 looks very different and I don't think they are compatible.

I see now. You're looking for the 500 part that has a different carriage. Sorry, should have realized that right away. If the one you have doesn't move on your tubes maybe it's not the original. I think a piece of PVC pipe is the simplest solution. I also like what Ed from Idaho did with a bolt because it could allow very fine adjustment. However, let me look and see if I have an 500 ring somewhere.

It would be great to have 1-3/4" adjustable stop collars to use for the fine adjustments. I looked into that with a company that may have provided the adjustable smaller diameter stop collars Shopsmith sells. It would require a custom production run amounting to many, many $$$$$. I wonder if some lower cost threaded tubes with mating internal and external threads exist to make something like that myself.

By October of 1956 they started using the Carriage Stop Collar as opposed to the headless screw and jam nut on earlier Mark 5's. I agree if it is that tight on the Way Tubes it probably not original. Your best bet is to make one from some plastic pipe.

I found one. I think it's the right one, it's about 3/8" height sitting flat. I could sell it for $1000 on eBay but I'm lazy and that sounds like too much work. However, if you really want an original part you can PM me your address I'll mail it to you.