Shopsmith Forums

My bandsaw fence got away from me and did a dance across the garage floor. The handle broke and I sent off to Shopsmith for another.

When it arrived it wouldn't screw into the fence. It seemed like either the thread diameter was a bit too big or the pitch was wrong. Anyhow, rather than mess with sending it back (when SS was at the worst of their layoffs), I waited a few months and ordered another. It just arrived and it too wouldn't screw in properly.

I called Shopsmith and spoke with a CSR (guy- Dave?) who was uncharacteristically unhelpful. He didn't seem to know if there were two different types. He suggested that I look the part number up in the manual. Of course I don't have the original manual, as this was an ebay purchase.

Anyhow, Does anyone know if there truly are 2 models of handle and have a part number or source??

Attached is a photo of both. The broken handle is the shorter one. The replacement is the longer one.

Thoughts??

Your broken/bent handle is from the 'original' bandsaw fence(no rear clamp). The 'replacement' sent is meant for the newer 'upgraded bandsaw fence'.

Yes there are two versions.

The older one(the one you need) is threaded all the way up to the plastic handle and is shorter. The newer one is longer and is not threaded all the way to the plastic handle.

Tell that turkey Dave you need the older version!!! Tell him to ask Linda if he doesn't understand!!!!


It has been said by another forum member, that "if Dave answers, he hangs up!".

According to my 'manual' this is the part you need.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... =Find+Item

If that price is 'correct' I would be making one out of 5/16-18 all-thread and 'make' a handle!

Thanks soooo much! That is the information that I needed. No way I'm paying $60 for a handle. I think I'll work on "Plan B" and will update the post when I'm done.

scooters wrote:Thanks soooo much! That is the information that I needed. No way I'm paying $60 for a handle. I think I'll work on "Plan B" and will update the post when I'm done.

Plan C: Cut an additional inch or so of threads to one of the two 'wrong, too long, incompletly threaded' ones.

SDSSmith wrote:Or straighten the bent one.....or try to replace the all thread in the old handle. You can definitely do better than the replacement part cost.

Rob::::: The handle is broken/cracked......

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SDSSmith wrote:I cannot speak to your vast experience, but I have replaced the handle on a bandsaw fence. I cannot tell from the picture the original or you 'improved' version, that the old handle is not functional. If it is not, I know Rockler has a nice handle. And as I noted, you can definitely do better than the replacement part cost.

Vast experience my A..!:D I was 'objecting' to your suggestion to using the old handle which is at least cracked/chipped if not broken completely.


YES Anything improves upon $60. I do wonder if that is the 'correct' price. Or if they even have any currently - can't be too much 'demand'!:)

For that amount of money you might be able to get a NIB bandsaw fence on ebay.

There is another one there that is not as nice but it has a handle.

BTW that handle part number (516569) does not cross at Shopsmith.com so I don't know where the $60 came from.