What is this stuff, and do I need more of it?

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 2:22 pm

Hi,

I guess it would be interesting to know why the putty was put used in the first place. My take was that it was to prevent new users from getting mixed up on what hole had the set screw they should be using for normal operation.

I don't know if it was intended for holding the screw in place but I've never had a problems with it not being there.

Ed

calver · Post by **calver** » Tue Feb 24, 2009 4:00 pm

I would not suggest using locktite as a replacement for the putty. It cetainly would keep the set screw from vibrating but if you have to remove it you would have a good chance of stripping out othe allen recess with the torque required to remove it. And I am speaking of the light stuff not the heavy locktite.

Dave C.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:05 am

I can knot say why it is there, but might it knot be to prevent other materials from filling the hole which might be difficult to get out?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:20 am

woodburner wrote:The putty used with the set screw that is in the top of the headstock is there for a reason.

It keeps the set screw from vibrating loose, and if this happens, it can either tighten into the groove on the quill and prevent it from moving in and out, or in most cases, will loosen out of the groove which can cause the entire quill to start spinning.

It is best to replace this "putty?" and not ignore it. It is put there for a reason. If I ever do need to remove the putty, I do so by screwing the end of a wood screw into the putty and then pulling it out. The putty will stay on the screw. I can keep it there while doing any other headstock maintenance I am doing, and then put the putty back in place by pushing it back into the hole while it is still on the screw. This works for me every time.

Everything I have read about maintenance when it pertains to this putty is that you should always replace it when you are finished. They really focused on this point at the Traveling Academies.

You seem very emphatic in this statement. Please, I would like to read the references that bring you to this position.

2manband · Post by **2manband** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:02 am

reible wrote:Hi,

I guess it would be interesting to know why the putty was put used in the first place. My take was that it was to prevent new users from getting mixed up on what hole had the set screw they should be using for normal operation.

I don't know if it was intended for holding the screw in place but I've never had a problems with it not being there.

Ed

I'm pretty sure that there are two formulas of loctite on the market, one being removable, and the other being permenant. I'd use the removable variety. Is this one also really difficult to break loose?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 10:24 am

If there was an answer to any of the questions regarding this putty I would expect that they could be found in the following link. However, I don't think you'll get a clear answer as to what it is or why it is there. The putty that was in mine was more like a soft lead. Removing it was a chore and I have not replaced it.

Nick never talks about replacing it.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Archives/SS107/SS107_Quill_Maintenance.htm

bucksaw · Post by **bucksaw** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 12:49 pm

I don't think it would be possible for the quill to spin if the set screw was missing for the quill. What I do think could happen is that it would be possible to over feed the quill in drill press mode and it could drop out of the head stock.

A little plumbers putty for this set screw might be a good idea.

2manband · Post by **2manband** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 1:19 pm

Hmmm - plumbers putty is something I hadn't considerd, and I know I have a little tub of that sitting around somewhere. I may put a little in there just for good measure.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:43 pm

You know, if it is lead, or something similar, has anyone tried making a plug out of lead wheelweights, solder, etc.? It might be something to consider.

BPR

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 9:14 pm

reible wrote:Hi,

I guess it would be interesting to know why the putty was put used in the first place. My take was that it was to prevent new users from getting mixed up on what hole had the set screw they should be using for normal operation.

I don't know if it was intended for holding the screw in place but I've never had a problems with it not being there.

Ed

From what I was told by Shopsmith long ago Reible is 100% correct. It was put in so a user would not get mixed up when trying to remove the saw blade.