problem w/ horizontal way tube lock

[charlese]

... I've still got to do the PM on the headstock since I've got no idea whats inside it and what state the lubing is in (probably way overdue).. Is this easier to do while the headstock is removed or should I wait to do that until after I have things reassembled and have the headstock back on the tubes?

Once you do the PM a few times, it gets to be a pretty easy operation. Easier when the headstock is on the bench? Not really, but maybe! (it may be easier for you to see what's going on in there) I know that's not a very helpful answer, but that's my experiance.

One thing for sure -- cleaning the inside of the headstock is definitely easier on the bench! Also you can get it cleaner.

[billmayo]

A trusted friend of mine in Va Beach, VA, Jacob Anderson sells an outstanding DVD set ($29.95 + $3 S&H) on repairing the headstock and the motors. I highly recommend this DVD set for anyone interested in the insides of the headstock and motors in case you need to check/repair either. Just say that I recommended him, thanks. His Email address is jacobvb@yahoo.com
His Ebay name is jacobvb_the_s_smith_doc You can contact him directly through his Email or on Ebay.

Once you do the PM a few times, it gets to be a pretty easy operation. Easier when the headstock is on the bench? Not really, but maybe! (it may be easier for you to see what's going on in there) I know that's not a very helpful answer, but that's my experiance.

One thing for sure -- cleaning the inside of the headstock is definitely easier on the bench! Also you can get it cleaner.

[osx-addict]

Cool... I've got the Shopsmith Journals DVD, but haven't watched it.. I am assuming it's not quite as detailed as Jacob's DVD is likely to be but I'm not anticipating a complete teardown at this point (knock on wood ).

Anyway, since I don't have a workbench yet I may just remove the headstock and set it aside, fix the issue that started this thread, and then use the Shopsmith tables as my workbench for PM'ing the headstock.. That ought to work almost as good as our kitchen table (albeit a little smaller) -- and my wife will be happier!

[osx-addict]

Ok.. I took apart the way tubes and removed the headstock.. Once that was done the way tubes came out of the far right end of the machine w/o problems -- apparently the set screws were not set -- probably part of my initial problem with the way tube lock not being aligned. Anyway, I've got the way tube end piece off and tried to align it with the large lock screw w/o having the tubes in the equation and you'll see the results below:

[ATTACH]1625[/ATTACH]

Is that about as good as the two of them pair together or is there something else wrong w/ my SS? FYI -- I'm using the blue tape to hold it in place while I used the camera.. I also have the adjustment set screw on the far right tub hole down all the way (this is the set screw that adjusts the height if needed)

[charlese]

Hi Rick! The alignment looks fin and dandy! It looks like you have the locking handle (hidden from view in the photo) is up (unlocked).

My unit is snugged up a little tighter than as shown in your photo. Every time I lower my my unit from the drill press position, there is a definite catch as the way tube tie bar slot comes over the adjusting screw. Maybe that is a little too tight, but it has worked that way for years.

P.S. Remember there is that little "Hex socket headscrew" (part no. 504153) that can be used to help align the extension table to both sides of the Mark V. This is an important little screw for that purpose, as many of us recently learned from Nick.

[dusty]

I really do not see a problem indicated in your photo.

If you are expecting the head rest to come down perfectly aligned on the locking bolt you might have an issue. But my sample of one does that much less satisfactorily than yours.

[osx-addict]

Thanks Guys!

In looking at Dusty's last photo it looks like his sits a bit tighter than mine will, but that may be an artifact of the angle of the photo.. Anyway, I will proceed on ensuring all other pieces are nice and snug and put together right.. I'm sure I'll have other questions once I get back into it again..

[billmayo]

I find this problem of a slight misalignment on some of my customers Shopsmiths. I find that if I slightly loosen the bench tubes bolts at the opposite end and push on the way tubes until the tie bar is centered on the lock shaft. Then I tighten the bench tubes bolts that I loosen. This should be done where the Shopsmith will be used most of the time as moving the Shopsmith to different locations could affect this alignment.

When installing/assembling the bench tubes to the headrest and base, I use a large carpenters square to keep the base/headrest aligned to the bench tubes when tightening the bolts in the tube lock bar. All my Shopsmiths always come down aligned. Of course I do not move any of my Shopsmith once I make the adjustment.

I really do not see a problem indicated in your photo.

If you are expecting the head rest to come down perfectly aligned on the locking bolt you might have an issue. But my sample of one does that much less satisfactorily than yours.

[osx-addict]

When installing/assembling the bench tubes to the headrest and base, I use a large carpenters square to keep the base/headrest aligned to the bench tubes when tightening the bolts in the tube lock bar.

Bill --

In trying to imagine what you're describing above, I'm picturing a large square with one edge running along the bench tubes.. What are you aligning against on the vertical edge? I know you mentioned the headrest but I can't picture how you're doing it.. Hmm.. I'll have to take a peek once I get home to see what lines up...

Also -- is there an easy way to access the hex screws that hold in the way tubes on the base end of the SS? I see the base pivot rod running almost on top of the hex screws.. That pivot rod appears to be held in place with a steel pin (that you tap in).. I didn't see an easy way to remove the pivot rod or access the hex screws without some odd shaped hex tool.. And no, I haven't had a chance to look in my users manual yet..

[billmayo]

I made 2 short saw horses with half circles cut out for the bench and way tubes (3 half circles). I lay the bench tubes in the 2 widest half circles and mount the headrest and base upside down on the bench tubes. I put the square againest the bottom of the headrest or base and on top of a tube and sight down the side of the square and tubes for alignment. I do it for each tube at each end. I also mount the legs and retractable casters at this time.
All my Shopsmiths have been disassemblied for cleaning, painting and polishing before putting them back together. I flip the assemblied part and add the way tubes. I check that the way tube tie bar comes down centered on the lock shaft.

I use the long 5/32" "L" allen wrench to loosen and tighten the set screws in the base arm. Put it in the drill press position and going under the base arm pin, using a light to see inside the base arm, insert the allen wrench. It is easy to do when you can see the set screw. The older base has a roll pin that you drive into the base to remove. Then tap out the base arm pin.

Bill --

In trying to imagine what you're describing above, I'm picturing a large square with one edge running along the bench tubes.. What are you aligning against on the vertical edge? I know you mentioned the headrest but I can't picture how you're doing it.. Hmm.. I'll have to take a peek once I get home to see what lines up...

Also -- is there an easy way to access the hex screws that hold in the way tubes on the base end of the SS? I see the base pivot rod running almost on top of the hex screws.. That pivot rod appears to be held in place with a steel pin (that you tap in).. I didn't see an easy way to remove the pivot rod or access the hex screws without some odd shaped hex tool.. And no, I haven't had a chance to look in my users manual yet..