From what I understand the depth stop is the weakest link on these machines. I know there is some info about when you thru mortise you may break the stop and it is not warrented. Is there a probllem with using a split shaft collar on one of the post to use as a depth stop. The collar has to be modified (clearance ground ) so it does not hit the housing. Maybe the spring and the bellows would have to be cut or two on one side. It appears that this would be simular to the swiss pro ksp16/20 depth stop. I am wanting to avoid a problem down the road I have not broke it yet but it did jerk one time and slamed into the depth stop.