Shopsmith Forums

JPG40504 wrote:Make sure the mating surfaces are flat and square. Lubricate(sparingly) between the knob and washer(only).

Hmmm. A like the idea of a little wax between the two washers that Ed points out should be there.

algale wrote:Ed, nice pick up. The exploded view clearly shows two washers under that knob. http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/partscat/mitergaugeexpview.htm There's only one washer under my miter gauge (like Dusty is finding). I know I have never had it apart, so either it didn't come with one or the previous owner lost one.

Whether the second washer will make the difference remains to be seen. If one washer reduces he transfer of rotation directly to the protractor, then two may be twice as good, or not. I'll put a washer in (after the football games are over) and give it a try.

Thanks all who have responded. I will document any "findings" I may make when I take it apart.

Am I crazy for thinking that Shopsmith could have solved this problem by reversing the 90 degree stop pin and set screw location?

No, if the stop were on the other side it would do what you are proposing but without having been involved in the design and manufacture process in is hard to tell what other problems it might cause.

This machine is a very complex machine for as simple as it is. If you limit its functionality, you can make all sorts of changes but then when you reconfigure you may find that things are all screwed up.

Example: I developed almost perfect dust collection with the table saw by modifying the lower guard assembly but by doing so I restricted table tilt. I was totally blind sided by that. I still sweep a lot.

FYI

I went out to the freezer(now 40 degrees), I mean shop, and looked at my original miter gauge from 1976, it has two washers. I also have the original parts list for the gauge and it also shows 2 washers.

As Dusty pointed out the parts diagram for the current version shows two washers.

Earlier models may not have had the second washer, perhaps someone with a pre 1973 model can let us know about that.

As far as redoing the stop I don't see that would be necessary, I hold the gauge against the stop and never see any problem with it holding, besides there are all the other settings between 90 and 45 that you have to hand hold anyway, so that is my opinion.

I also you all know that the cross holes in the knob are for and make use of them when necessary.

Ed

reible wrote:FYI

I went out to the freezer(now 40 degrees), I mean shop, and looked at my original miter gauge from 1976, it has two washers. I also have the original parts list for the gauge and it also shows 2 washers.

As Dusty pointed out the parts diagram for the current version shows two washers.

Earlier models may not have had the second washer, perhaps someone with a pre 1973 model can let us know about that.

As far as redoing the stop I don't see that would be necessary, I hold the gauge against the stop and never see any problem with it holding, besides there are all the other settings between 90 and 45 that you have to hand hold anyway, so that is my opinion.

I also you all know that the cross holes in the knob are for and make use of them when necessary.

Ed

Good discussion. I'll note my 2007 unit had a parts-list for 2 washers, but was made with only one washer. Not exactly sure why.

nuhobby wrote:Good discussion. I'll note my 2007 unit had a parts-list for 2 washers, but was made with only one washer. Not exactly sure why.

Good question! But then -- Why two???

reible wrote:FYI
As far as redoing the stop I don't see that would be necessary, I hold the gauge against the stop and never see any problem with it holding, besides there are all the other settings between 90 and 45 that you have to hand hold anyway, so that is my opinion.

I also you all know that the cross holes in the knob are for and make use of them when necessary.

Ed

The thought of redoing the stop did occur to me, but I agree it isn't worth it.

My gauge came with a 520 made in 2001 (IIRC) so I guess it should have two washers per the drawing. It would be interesting to hear what others (you and Dusty have already responded) what others are finding -- one washer or two and whether it is an age (of the machines) thing.

As it so happens, I do not know what the cross holes in the knob are for, so please explain.

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judaspre1982 wrote:They are for inserting your 5/32 Allen key to get leverage when tightening the knob.At least that's what I use it for.

Dave

That is why they are there. I use a small phillips screw driver though.

judaspre1982 wrote:They are for inserting your 5/32 Allen key to get leverage when tightening the knob.At least that's what I use it for.

Dave

Looks like you already have an answer. And if you do tighten it with the wrench you will need the wrench to loosen it!

Ed

reible wrote:Looks like you already have an answer. And if you do tighten it with the wrench you will need the wrench to loosen it!

Ed

It does seem like you could put a lot of torque on that knob.