Nick wrote: But I'm finding there is some new thinking here at Shopsmith, particularly with respect the headstock maintenance and table alignment, that isn't covered in the manuals. I've been getting these together and will put them up on the Academy website during the next month -- maintenance/alignment instruction with video demos.
Nick,
I'm switching hobbies and going back to my Shopsmith Tonight I start re aligning my Mark V 520 (over the years upgraded from 500 to 510 to 520). I'm out to make this as precise as as possible. What do I need to know that isn't in the manual?
I can only do so much so fast, Hal. Suggest you read the following thread: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=131. This will provide some supplemental information that isn't in your manual. Also the thread on quill maintenance may have some new thoughts: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=124. As for the rest, I'll eventually gather and post the info for you and everyone else. But not tonight.
Nick wrote:I can only do so much so fast, Hal. ... I'll eventually gather and post the info for you and everyone else. But not tonight.
[Note to self: PATIENCE, grasshopper! - was that the hot TV show when I drove to Dayton and picked up my Mark V in 1987 and took a Shopsmith class there shortly thereafter?]
Wow Nick! Actually with your schedule, I didn't think you could even get to answer this for days, if that soon. Thanks. The threads you've referenced are very helpful.
I know this thread is a bit old, but for anyone who pulls it up by doing a search like I did...the product mentioned is spelled Topcote. I was unfamiliar with it and tried to do a search for Topcoat and couldn't find the right product.
Nick wrote: ...and vacuum (DON'T blow) the sawdust out from the headstock. (If you blow it out with compressed air, some of it will wind up in the motor.)
Procedures change...in a HandsOnline video from just recently I see that you blew out the dust with the motor running.
Tonight I start re aligning my Mark V 520 (over the years upgraded from 500 to 510 to 520). I'm out to make this as precise as as possible. What do I need to know that isn't in the manual? 
