Rip Fence Scale and Other Adjustments

fibertech · Post by **fibertech** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 7:24 am

This is my first post on this site and I like what I see. I was given a very old 500 about 4 years ago and I have completely upgraded it to a 520 with the exception of the old motor. I have a two part question: can I get easy instructions on using the magnetic rip scale? My second question is: when I push the levers down on the rip fence, I lose my setting. Can it be explained how to make the fence square and keep it that way? I have checked and have the main shaft well within tolerences.
Thanks in advance. -Derek

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:34 am

fibertech,

Your timing, with these questions, is almost perfect. One of the four subjects to be covered next Saturday, November 24th, is "Using the Magnetic Rules".

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

To view this session live on the 24th, you must first register for the class. To register, enter the web page referenced above and scroll down. You'll find a place where you can..... Sign-Up for 9:00 am EST Sawdust Session or Sign-Up for 9:00 am MST Sawdust Session. If you are interested, sign up now. The session have a limit of twenty seats per session.

If you fail to get into a session, they can be viewed later whenever you wish. Browse around this web site. You'll find a lot of interesting information and opportunities to further educate yourself in woodworking.

In the meantime, this might help: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/prod ... pgrade.pdf

I'm going to open a separate thread for the second part of your question-"When I push the levers down on the rip fence I lose my setting. Can it be explained how to make the fence square and keep it that ways?"

Welcome to the forum, derek.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 8:45 am

fibertech wrote:My second question is: when I push the levers down on the rip fence, I lose my setting. Can it be explained how to make the fence square and keep it that way? I have checked and have the main shaft well within tolerences.
Thanks in advance. -Derek

Derek (aka fibertech) asked this question in an earlier post and I feel that it can be better answered by the forum than by me so I have created a separate post. His first to this forum.

My 520 was created by installing the upgrade kit onto a 510. The 520 fence came to me prealigned and I have not had to mess with it at all. That is why I am turning this over to the forum for discussion.

The rip fence on my 520 is one of the features that makes me so satisfied with my Shopsmith. There is no reason why you, derek, can not be equally satisfied. The members of this forum will do that for you, I am sure.

mandoboy · Post by **mandoboy** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 10:36 am

Welcome Derek,

The magnetic rule is a great tool. While I still always double check with a ruler, it always is spot on from my measurement with the magnetic rule.

It is quite easy to use. Here is what I do:

Push the fence up against the blade (with the SS turned off of course). Then line up the 0 on the magnetic rule with the edge of the black plastic marker under the fence (and over the rule). Now you are set to 0. slide the fence so that the marker is over the measurement you want to make and lock down the fence. The distance that you measured is the distance between the cutting edge of the blade and the fence. Double check with a rule before you cut until you feel confident with it.

This is a really cool addition to the shopsmith.

Jeff

fibertech · Post by **fibertech** » Sat Nov 17, 2007 11:45 pm

Thanks to both of you. I also got the other post that was started for me. Since I work nights and live north of Seattle, my time is limited to typically Monday and Tuesday in the daytime. My shop is in a one car garage and I have to move most of my tools outside. That is why my Shopsmith is so valuable. I will take both of the responses and use them. I also plan to be around here a lot. -Derek

jimthej · Post by **jimthej** » Sun Nov 18, 2007 10:29 pm

mandoboy wrote:Welcome Derek,

Push the fence up against the blade (with the SS turned off of course). Then line up the 0 on the magnetic rule with the edge of the black plastic marker under the fence (and over the rule). Now you are set to 0. slide the fence so that the marker is over the measurement you want to make and lock down the fence. The distance that you measured is the distance between the cutting edge of the blade and the fence. Double check with a rule before you cut until you feel confident with it.

This is a really cool addition to the shopsmith.

Jeff

Somewhere I got an idea for a setup block. I made a 1" x 2" x 3" block of MDF. Squared it carefully, sealed it with polyurethane. Stays in my apron pocket. I use that at the 2" width to set the scale like Jeff said but to the 2" mark. That way I don't have to remove the upper saw guard.

fibertech · Post by **fibertech** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 7:31 pm

I just wanted to say thanks to all that have responded. I am still anticipating printing the suggestions and taking them down to my shop. I work nights for a major wireless company and have had partial days off. I wanted to let everyone know that I plan to incorporate the ideas soon. Thanks again. -Derek

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