The part number is actually 555294 and is available from Shopsmith for $58.70. The lower guards I have seen for sale at online auctions are generally the complete or mostly complete upgrade version that you want but may not save you any money if you have to buy the entire lower guard with the two 2-1/2" ports. Check both options, new and used, out to see which is best for you and remember to include the shipping costs in your decision. I have found the shipping costs vary widely at the online auctions.djscruggs wrote:In answer to the question "what kind of sawguard assembly", I just learned from searching this thread that I have an assembly form the mid 80's that has only a 1 1/4" hose attachment, and there is a lower sawguard upgrade available (#55294 - 500) which I am now looking for!
If your Lower Guard is complete or at least has all the parts that are not replaced by the upgrade then it may be for you. If you are missing parts you will have to replace them also and need to compare their costs in the new vs used decision.
Since you are changing from the 1-1/4" dust collection outlet version to the upgraded two 2-1/2" dust collection outlets no modifications, ie. drilling mounting holes for the upper guard mount, are needed. Anyone wanting to change to this Upper and Lower Guard system from the older Aluminum Mark 5 guards will have to do some modifications to the table parts.