Shopsmith Forums

Does anyone know the part # for the Hold Down Rod for the Mortising System (555810)?

I think it's also the same part used on the Router/Shaper Table-Mounted Guard SKU 515704 and the Speed Inreaser SKU 555462.

I just got off the phone with Customer Service and she couldn't find the part anywhere. In fact, she initially told me that the Router/Shaper Table-Mounted Guard wasn't offered for sale any more. When I told her it's currently on their website she was finally able to find the assembly as I talked her through how I found it by using the search function. She eventually said that none of the parts of an assembly were available for sale as individual parts. I found that unbelievable. It really seems to be hit-or-miss whether you get a good Customer Service Rep when you call. Some are very friendly and go out of their way to help; others - not so much.

Okay, so I just found the part # almost as soon as I submitted this post. It was listed in the parts list of the MKV Mortising System Instructions. The Part number for the Hold Down Rod is 514487 and guess what? I found it by searching that number on their website and it is still available for sale. Cost is $12.95. Will wonders never cease? I think they need some help up there in the Customer Support/Service Department, for sure!

https://www.shopsmith.com/product-page/ ... upport-rod

Do know that P/N 514487 is for the Hold Down Rod that has the threaded end for the current Hold Down assembly. That Assembly includes the "T" Nut and Washer for use in the Fences with a "T" Track. It can be used on the Mark 5/V 500 original Table System Fence and other Mark models like the Mark 2 or 1960's Mark VII plus the Model 10's by inverting the rod having the threads up. I don't have the part number for the original Rod without the threaded end but it is no longer available anyway. Below is a picture of different Mortising Attachments and their Hold-downs from different eras. The one on the right is the current version with the Threaded Rod and "T" Nut.

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The one on the left is from the Model 10's. It has different size Allen Wrench (3/16" & 1/8") Cap and Set Screws. There was a Goldie painted set and a gray set without the Threaded Rod, Washer and "T" Nut.

If you are going to use the "T" Nut in a "T" Track Fence don't forget the Washer. Without the Washer the "T" Nut will not lock into the track.

Russ, Okay, thanks. As usual, I appreciate your knowledge of the history of the various versions made: You're always informative! I'll add the washer if I don't already have one in my Help Kit. I'll have to check. I'm using the rod for the Table-Mounted Shaper Guard. The fence I have is an older Greenie version. I made modification to adapt it to the holes in my newly acquired 510 table top. I'd also like to use it on my Model 500 but the previous owner had removed the clamps. I'm on the lookout for some clamps (#513087) so I can swap out the mounting system as desired.

UPDATE: I just called back SS an found that they still have the clamps in stock so I went ahead and ordered them. I talked to a different rep and it was like night-and-day difference between the attitude and helpfulness of the rep that I spoke to this morning. The second rep was very knowledgeable and super helpful! What a difference!

This kinda reminds me of a previous event account mentioned by another forum member a couple of years back(before the mass retirement of all the old guard in CS).

He said: "after waiting for someone to pick up, if Dave answers, I hang up!"

For those reading this the Mortise Hold Down P/N 521900 and the Router/Shaper Table-Mounted Guard P/N 515704 both use the same Rod part number 514487. The Speed Increaser uses the same Table Mounted Guard (515704) but has a Clamp setup (5 additional parts) to be able to attach it directly to the Table. It is shown below.

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The Clamp parts are reference numbers 60 through 64 below.

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FWIW All this discussion is about a 5/8" steel rod which on the older hold down includes a flat and no threaded part.

JPG wrote: ↑Tue Oct 08, 2024 2:10 pm FWIW All this discussion is about a 5/8" steel rod which on the hold down includes a flat and no threaded part.

I have a couple of the old ones. They can be drilled and tapped to install a T-nut as shown in one of the pictures above. I thought I'd never use the morticing accessories but kept this in mind in case I wanted to. Now seeing a new one is available for 12 clams I might just get that.

The Hold Down Rod P/N 514487 is now over $3 cheaper than when I purchased one several years ago. Reverse inflation.

Now if I could just find where that Mortise and Hold Down are since moving. A few other items are missing too.

JPG is correct about the old-style Rod having the flat but since I cannot currently find my upgraded Hold Down, I cannot confirm nor deny if it has a flat side on it. I am pretty sure it does not have a flat side. The Rod for the Router/Shaper Table-Mounted Guard does not have a flat side. A flat would limit its ability to be positioned.

Yes, this is a lot of information about a rod but as we know there is a lot to know about Shopsmith things.

The purpose of the older post having a flat is so the set screw securing the hold down 'feet' will not scar the post making vertical adjustments near impossible.

The flat would not interfere with the newer router/shaper table mounted guard since the attachment clamps full circle around the post. The small void of the flat would not create a problem. That said neither does the new guard require the flat.