Jointech for Shopsmith 520

[fixit]

Those who have the Jointech and a 520 need to know about an issue when using the Jointech on a 520 machine that has been upgraded to the magnetic strip equipped front rails.

See the difference in rail configuration in the attached pictures. (Picture 1 shows the original 520 rail; picture 2 shows the new rail with the mag strip).

The Jointech accessory was designed for the 520 before the magnetic rail system was introduced by Shopsmith. Shopsmith changed the front rail to accommodate the mag strip and stainless steel rule. The change created a problem with the clamping system used to lock the Jointech to the new Shopsmith rails. I think several people on this forum may have bought their Jointech system before the magnetic strip 520 rails were introduced and may not be aware of the need to retrofit their setup if they have upgraded to the new mag strip equipped rails.

The small ledge on the front of the rail platform where the mag strip is mounted and the width of the stainless steel rule that is placed on the mag strip create the problem. (See picture two) These two things combine to make it difficult to properly secure the Jointech to the 520 rails (with the mag strip feature) and might cause cuts to be inaccurate. If the Jointech slips because it is not adequately secured to the rails the depth/width of the cut might change during the machining operation and ruin a workpiece.

Over the past week or so I’ve worked with the folks at iTools to find a “fix” for this problem. They have changed the design of the clamps to accommodate the new 520 front rails. The new design eliminates the problem and works with either the original or the new 520 rails. iTools is starting to make the clamps with the new design and folks there say they expect to have clamps ready for sale in about ten days to two weeks.

If you upgraded your 520 to the new magnetic strip rails and have the Jointech setup you will be able to retrofit your machine using the newly designed clamps. If you have the ORIGINAL design 520 rails (without the mag strip – see picture 1) you do NOT need to retrofit your clamps.

You could use double sided tape to secure a 1/8” piece of aluminum bar stock to the old rails. This would solve the problem temporarily until you can get the modified clamps from iTools. I do not have information on what iTools will charge for the modified clamps.

I have no connection to either Jointech or iTools except as a satisfied customer.

[Ed in Tampa]

This is the first anyone is finding this problem??????
Sure isn't a lot of jointech being sold.

[tdubnik]

I bought my Jointech back in December but I have the old style rails and have not experienced a problem.

[reible]

Hi,

This is a known issue and it has been for a couple of years now. I personally brought this to their attention after getting my system. They were up to their necks in alligators at the time (just after the owner died, name change, moving and lots of "other" things. They promised to put it on "the list" after my assessment found it was not a critical issue.

I've had the set up for a couple of years now and still have yet to see any problem other then "seeing it is not right". No movement, no slips, no problems at all. In fact I have not even been thinking about it because it has been working fine.

Yes it would be nice to have it fixed and yes it is likely I will do the upgrade if the cost is low enough.

I have yet to see any reason to panic or attempt to do anything to fix this as like I said it has not been an issue during use. If you have found it other wise in use well then your system is different then mine. You can also blame me for not pushing for this update harder... and for my early assessment that let them slide.

Ed

[fixit]

I have no idea where my second post went. I sent (or at least I THOUGHT I sent) an answer to Ed (Tampa) saying I had come across this problem after having used my Jointech over several years.

I also posted that every time I visit iTools they have the front of the store loaded with packages waiting for the UPS guy to show up. So it seems to me they are selling quite a few systems. Probably just aren't selling many to SS owners.

No need to place blame anywhere Ed. I should have known you would have already found this "problem" and reported it to iTools folks. But then mine did "move" and your's didn't. Otherwise I would never have noticed it.

[reible]

Hi,

I really don't know the extent of the shopsmith sales but I talked to them around the first of the year over a late item and they indicated they were backed up due to so many orders... In fact they seem surprised at how many orders they had.

If you happen to hear when they get the parts done please post here... No reason to have a bunch of people bothering then on the subject.

Ed


I have no idea where my second post went. I sent (or at least I THOUGHT I sent) an answer to Ed (Tampa) saying I had come across this problem after having used my Jointech over several years.

I also posted that every time I visit iTools they have the front of the store loaded with packages waiting for the UPS guy to show up. So it seems to me they are selling quite a few systems. Probably just aren't selling many to SS owners.

No need to place blame anywhere Ed. I should have known you would have already found this "problem" and reported it to iTools folks. But then mine did "move" and your's didn't. Otherwise I would never have noticed it.

[fixit]

I'll be sure to post when I find out when they have the newly designed clamps available for sale.


Hi,

I really don't know the extent of the shopsmith sales but I talked to them around the first of the year over a late item and they indicated they were backed up due to so many orders... In fact they seem surprised at how many orders they had.

If you happen to hear when they get the parts done please post here... No reason to have a bunch of people bothering then on the subject.

Ed

[fixit]

I talked with the iTools folks today and they tell me the modified parts will be available by next week. The clamp for the fence will cost $43 and the one for the bridge will be $73. So if you are thinking about buying I bet they would take your order as soon as they get to work tomorrow morning.

I'll post a review of the new clamps soon. I expect to be one of the first to get them since I live just outside San Antonio where they are made.

For those who are interested, while I was talking to them I found out iTools had a very successful weekend at the Houston Wood Show and have lots of orders to fill this week.