Shopsmith Forums

wa2crk wrote:Thanks Guys. I am the only owner of this one so I guess I am the 800 pound gorilla that caused the problem.
Bill V

I think a 100# weakling could cause this. The part is just plain weak(too maleable).

charlese wrote:The quadrant is easily distorted by tightening too much. I gotta remember that only a small amount of force is needed to secure the fence to the bar.

I'm another one that had to replace the quadrant after about 20 years. So now I don't tighten it to much and when I'm done with the jointer, I loosen it to the point that it just holds the fence so that it doesn't slide when I put the jointer away.

beeg wrote:I'm another one that had to replace the quadrant after about 20 years. So now I don't tighten it to much and when I'm done with the jointer, I loosen it to the point that it just holds the fence so that it doesn't slide when I put the jointer away.

I also had to replace the quadrant on my eBay jointer. The term "pot metal" comes to mind.

Unlike steel, I know that aluminum will fatigue at stress levels far below 50% of its yield strength. Pot metal is probably worse yet. As I understand it, fatigue failures are caused by stress cycles, not by steady-state stress. So no matter whether the quadrant is aluminum or pot metal, it's probably better to leave it snugged up than 'tis to cycle it.

I am not sure it is 'pot metal'.

The open throat design(necessary) is naturally weak.

Ok so I replaced the jointer fence quadrant and now my fence looks like JPG's fence when the clamp is tightened. Not overtightened. I have decided to leave the lock handle loose until I need the jointer again. Just a guess but it looks like the constant pressure on the quadrant from the fence being lifted off the table could cause the quadrant to bend. Guess it will take about 20 years to find out though.
Bill V

wa2crk wrote:Ok so I replaced the jointer fence quadrant and now my fence looks like JPG's fence when the clamp is tightened. Not overtightened. I have decided to leave the lock handle loose until I need the jointer again. Just a guess but it looks like the constant pressure on the quadrant from the fence being lifted off the table could cause the quadrant to bend. Guess it will take about 20 years to find out though.
Bill V

Just 'snugged' should keep it from sliding astray. I would tighten it slightly before moving the jointer on/off the SS. However removing the fence makes it lighter!!!;)

wa2crk wrote:Ok so I replaced the jointer fence quadrant and now my fence looks like JPG's fence when the clamp is tightened. Not overtightened. I have decided to leave the lock handle loose until I need the jointer again. Just a guess but it looks like the constant pressure on the quadrant from the fence being lifted off the table could cause the quadrant to bend. Guess it will take about 20 years to find out though.
Bill V

I guess my setup must also be correct because it also looks just like JPGs]25108[/ATTACH]

Minimal force raises mine off the table.

[quote="JPG40504"]Just 'snugged' should keep it from sliding astray. I would tighten it slightly before moving the jointer on/off the SS. However removing the fence makes it lighter!!!]

Yeah, I replaced my quadrant too, thanks to some clod overtightening it. But when I read here about fatigue and such I dang near had a panic attack thinking of that jointer sittin on a shelf with the fence mounted and cinched (lightly) down. Just about ready to run down to the shop and loosen up the fence while it sits there, then JPG's post popped up.
Of course the jointer is lighter w/o the fence, for install/remove. So from now on I'm going to remove the fence altogether whenever it's off the machine.
Whew! Now I can nap peacefully again.

keakap wrote:Yeah, I replaced my quadrant too, thanks to some clod overtightening it. But when I read here about fatigue and such I dang near had a panic attack thinking of that jointer sittin on a shelf with the fence mounted and cinched (lightly) down. Just about ready to run down to the shop and loosen up the fence while it sits there, then JPG's post popped up.
Of course the jointer is lighter w/o the fence, for install/remove. So from now on I'm going to remove the fence altogether whenever it's off the machine.
Whew! Now I can nap peacefully again.

Whoa there, cowboy! For the record, metal fatigue is caused by repetitive cycling between high stress and low stress. Sitting for a million years in a state of high stress will not cause metal fatigue.

However, if the stress exceeds the ultimate yield strength of the metal, it will bend. Right now. Even if it be a brand new component.