New casters

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 6:50 pm

The piston bore is NOT parallel to the side. The piston is canted about 1/8" in the pix. It measures 1/4" inside.

Actually the bore is vertical when casters are mounted.

fgrule · Post by **fgrule** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 9:56 pm

In any event, here is another shot taken with the camera absolutely level and parallel to the floor so one can see the actual angulation of the installed caster (in loaded position with 1/2" clearance). Whew!!:)

[ATTACH]16404[/ATTACH]

Fred

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:24 pm

Okay a wheel is a wheel is a wheel. I looked at the new picture then walked out to the shop to compare the Shopsmith version. For you I feel certain you have made an appropriate choice. For my use the Shopsmith wheel has both heavier frames and wheels. Given that I have purchased wheels such as yours and had them fail over a couple of years, then replaced them with the beefier more costly wheels such as the Shopsmith upgrade, I will go ahead and purchase a second set next week for a second 520 in my shop. No offense intended simply a different approach and preference. Thank you for posting so I can compare, it is appreciated.

Incidentally I had a conversation with Jan at customer service this week. She asked me pointed questions regarding the instructions and potential issues with the install process. I suggested they need to review their instructions and clarify first that the template does not currently state which direction is top of page and secondly the install is intended to be accomplished with the machine turned upside down. She also pointed out that the template does not work with some older machines. To which I suggested they need to make that additional clarification. Jim

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:13 am

fjimp wrote:She also pointed out that the template does not work with some older machines. To which I suggested they need to make that additional clarification. Jim

How much older? How about 1982?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 7:28 am

fjimp wrote:Okay a wheel is a wheel is a wheel. I looked at the new picture then walked out to the shop to compare the Shopsmith version. For you I feel certain you have made an appropriate choice. For my use the Shopsmith wheel has both heavier frames and wheels. Given that I have purchased wheels such as yours and had them fail over a couple of years, then replaced them with the beefier more costly wheels such as the Shopsmith upgrade, I will go ahead and purchase a second set next week for a second 520 in my shop. No offense intended simply a different approach and preference. Thank you for posting so I can compare, it is appreciated.

Incidentally I had a conversation with Jan at customer service this week. She asked me pointed questions regarding the instructions and potential issues with the install process. I suggested they need to review their instructions and clarify first that the template does not currently state which direction is top of page and secondly the install is intended to be accomplished with the machine turned upside down. She also pointed out that the template does not work with some older machines. To which I suggested they need to make that additional clarification. Jim

I'm confused. If the casters work on older machines as well as on newer machines, why are the instructions effected by the age of the machine.

trainguytom · Post by **trainguytom** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 9:56 am

Could she have been referring to a 10er when she mentioned older machine?

wiredone · Post by **wiredone** » Thu Feb 23, 2012 12:35 pm

trainguytom wrote:Could she have been referring to a 10er when she mentioned older machine?

I bet that's it.
The Mark 5s seem to all share the same leg stampings. I have an 83 and a 56 here in the shop and other than color, they're identical, but I'll take a closer look.

kellyjons · Post by **kellyjons** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:18 pm

Just a quick FYI - as of last Saturday I have now installed four sets of the new casters on my Model 500 machines. One is full sized, three are Shorties, of various ages (not that it really matters, I guess). I followed the Shopsmith caster directions exactly and used their clearly marked templates.

Every single caster set works perfectly, with plenty of clearance for the wheels when retracted and plenty of lift when the wheels are lowered. It's a ridiculously simple job that takes about a half-hour per machine. No steel washers or swear words were needed.

I am dumbfounded that others seem to be having so much trouble with these new casters. I think they are one of the best, most cost effective upgrades you could make for your Shopsmith machine. Moving the Mark V really is SO easy now!

The casters are very robust and seem to be of very high quality. I know that we could save a few bucks with other casters, but these work so well and look so good (love the Shopsmith red!), and I think we should support our good friends down in Dayton as much as possible.

Kelly

Road Dawg · Post by **Road Dawg** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:26 pm

I was going to wait and see if SS engineers may have "corrected" all the reported difficulties, but kellyjohns' report helps me make the decision to go ahead and buy.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:19 pm

kellyjons wrote:Just a quick FYI - as of last Saturday I have now installed four sets of the new casters on my Model 500 machines. One is full sized, three are Shorties, of various ages (not that it really matters, I guess). I followed the Shopsmith caster directions exactly and used their clearly marked templates.

Every single caster set works perfectly, with plenty of clearance for the wheels when retracted and plenty of lift when the wheels are lowered. It's a ridiculously simple job that takes about a half-hour per machine. No steel washers or swear words were needed.

I am dumbfounded that others seem to be having so much trouble with these new casters. I think they are one of the best, most cost effective upgrades you could make for your Shopsmith machine. Moving the Mark V really is SO easy now!

The casters are very robust and seem to be of very high quality. I know that we could save a few bucks with other casters, but these work so well and look so good (love the Shopsmith red!), and I think we should support our good friends down in Dayton as much as possible.

Kelly

Very well stated Kelly, I am planning to add two more sets to my shop. Although I have no interest in picking on those who are intent on buying the cheapest solution available, I enjoy spending wisely. the Shopsmith version meets that goal. Jim

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New casters

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