Shopsmith Forums

Ed in Tampa wrote:I have never had a problem leveling my inserts to my table. All my SS inserts have a slight bend in them (I think Shopsmith calls it "coining") so when the back is tighten down the front of the insert is proud of the table about 1/8" or so. I then tighten the front hold down screw down until the insert is level with the table.

I've read that but the insert on my table (circa 2000) is flat as a pancake. There's no coining and the front doesn't spring up no matter how hard you tighten the back.

With the modification, this is no longer a problem for me.

pennview wrote:To strengthen the threads in wood, plywood, hardboard, etc., use some thin CA (super glue) on the threads. After it dries, add another coat or two, and then clean up the threads with the tap and you should get some solid threads in those materials.

Nice tip, Art, thanks.

Al

algale wrote:I've read that but the insert on my table (circa 2000) is flat as a pancake. There's no coining and the front doesn't spring up no matter how hard you tighten the back.

With the modification, this is no longer a problem for me.

I wonder if the coining is something that has gotten forgot about through the years? If the inserts are perfectly flat now I would guess the designer of the SS included it and then over time that step in manufacturing was forgotten. Either that or quality control is shot!

Could you use Tee nuts on the backs of the zero clearance wood inserts, instead of trying to thread the wood itself?

videobear wrote:Could you use Tee nuts on the backs of the zero clearance wood inserts, instead of trying to thread the wood itself?

Do they make T-nuts that small?

algale wrote:Do they make T-nuts that small?

Thread size, yes. That short, no.

The 'coining'(more like intentional warping) was done on the Mark 5 etc. I have not seen much coining on the very few 510 inserts that I have.

Another use for CA (super glue) is to use it like thread locker if you have a problem with the set screws loosening up from vibration with use of the modified metal table insert. After alignment of the insert, simply allow some thin CA to wick down the threads. Clean the threads first with alcohol, adjust, and add the CA. Acetone will dissolve or debond the CA (as does heat) should you need to remove the set screws.

pennview wrote:Another use for CA (super glue) is to use it like thread locker if you have a problem with the set screws loosening up from vibration with use of the modified metal table insert. After alignment of the insert, simply allow some thin CA to wick down the threads. Clean the threads first with alcohol, adjust, and add the CA. Acetone will dissolve or debond the CA (as does heat) should you need to remove the set screws.

Thanks again, Art. But why not just use loctite or some other thread locker?

algale wrote:Thanks again, Art. But why not just use loctite or some other thread locker?

Tis nice to have 'options'.

It's just a matter of versatility. I always keep thin CA around for repairing defects, etc., in wood, so that's why I'd use it. But if I wanted to secure something with difficult access, I'd likely use loctite or another thread locker.