Where Does All the Precision Come From?

[davebodner]

This is why it is imperative to always lock prior to any measuring.

I had never thought of that, but it makes perfect sense. That's one more step I'll add to my procedure.

[dusty]

I went one step farther and checked the gap in the Carriage for the Table Legs. It is about the same as for the Way Tubes - .003" - .005". Thankfully, that gap is nullified when the locks are applied.

I am unable to quantify the movement that is made available by leaving the locks unlocked but it it visibly noticeable. Needless to say, the locks should all be secured whenever doing any work on the Shopsmith, including for table alignments.

Once the Shopsmith is properly aligned, it provides, IMHO, far more accuracy and repeatability than is generally needed in a home work shop. The tables and fences can easily be maintained at +-.005".

I am not quite that positive about it when in the drill press mode. That might be a subject for another day.