Shopsmith Forums

The thumbscrew on my shaper dust shield guard (part number 515707) does not go past a fitting right at the split in the metal where it goes over the table mounted post so the screw cannot reach the threads on the other side of the split. I tried forcing it, but the plastic thumb piece started to strip out of the screw part. Is there a way to remove the fitting that’s in my way, or any other suggested fix? See circled area on drawing I “stole” from another post.

If I am understanding you correctly from your description, since the "stolen" drawing you reference is not in your post, you are talking about the knob indicated by the arrow in the picture below.

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If this is the case, I am guessing the Knob on yours has too short of a threaded stud. The correct Knob with Stud P/N 516325 is shown below for comparison.

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A Washer is used there also as seen in the parts drawing below. The Washer is part reference number 57.

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The picture at the top of this post and the parts drawing above are for P/N 515990 the Guard and Support Assembly for the Speed Increaser. It is similar to another Shaper Guard that doesn't have the clamp assembly parts references 60 to 64.

Original file didn't upload. Here is a photo showing a closeup of the "split" area on my guard. The thumb screw is on the left and the correct one.

Here's the same photo with mark-ups.

So, it appears that the holes are mis-aligned for some unknown reason. Or is it something in the hole blocking it? It is not that the Knob with stud is too short.

If it is mis-aligned I would suggest this fix. Drill the non-threaded hole slightly larger, enough to allow the Knob and Stud to go through and align with the threaded side.

If it is blocked is the blockage on the threaded side or the smooth hole side? Either way you would have to clear the blockage.

The other option would be to buy a replacement Guard Support part number 515543 which would be $54.95.

I have two of these, both came from Shopsmith and both have the same problem. One came with the speed increaser, the other with the tenon/mortising jig. But it was a couple of years ago at best, so returning them is not a real option. I never used either one. Looking more carefully, it looks like the unthreaded holes were not fully drilled out. Maybe they had a machining issue during this time frame? So is the non-threaded side supposed to be wide open for the full depth to the slot? If so, I will just drill it out myself. Thanks for your help.

Be careful to not drill into the threaded hole.

I'm thinking of putting some kind of metal in the slot to stop the drill bit. Maybe something like a fender washer.

MDeBonis wrote: ↑Thu Jan 02, 2025 9:57 pm I'm thinking of putting some kind of metal in the slot to stop the drill bit. Maybe something like a fender washer.

You can start a Sacrificial bolt in from the back side if you have one in your spare parts drawer.

Yeah, I though of that too and also a combination of both so the bolt clamps the washer or disc in place.