If you use an allen Key to turn in the screw - yes you can move the rotating base away from the screw. This screw is supposed to be tightened by hand (finger) pressure only.tgamel wrote:... but the process seems pretty 'idiot' proof (maybe not).
The only thing I noticed is that when I turn the set screw, the carriage move just a slight bit away from the screw leaving about 1 1/8" gap on the side with the set screw. I could place a wood wedge on the other side when placing the SS in drill press mode, but I know it was designed to not have to do this.....Still kinda stumped. However, I will say one thing, after cleaning lubricating and aligning the Mark V, I really learned where all the locks were and what they did. This thing is built like a tank, and I can really understand why they last so long. I know once I figure this little hiccup out, this baby is gonna last a long time and give me a lot of enjoyment.
Not a good idea to put in a wood block to avoid the shift. Here's why---
Oh my! It is not idiot proof:eek: I see you have that deep gouge on the side of the indent. Someone did what I did, to lower the machine to horizontal position without first turning out the screw. Yes, it needs a tug, but who said I was not an idiot. The only fix I have thought of is to make sure the screw is tightened tightly by hand. This way the machine will stay upright unless forced down.
That gouge would have been deeper if the base had not shifted to the other side.