Shopsmith Forums

I have owned my Mark V-500 for 34 years and I have just ordered my second set Wedge Locks, due to damaged threads. Sixteen years ago when I replaced the original parts, I had to cut the Lock Rod in half, in order to remove the handle and rod assembly. Fortunately, today I was able to unscrew the rod, even though the L-H Wedge Lock's threads were partially stripped.

Per the recommended maintenance, I have used graphite to lube the threads, but since this has now happened again, I am wondering what others use. Do you use graphite or oil or grease?

beeg wrote:I use Graphite. I'm afraid that oil or grease wood compound the problem.. How tight do you tighten the lock?

I don't lubricate the threaded rod or the wedges; I clean the rods regularly (especially after I have cut aluminum). The only time I have had a problem, the threads were compacted with aluminum deposits.

Blame the gorilla, not the graphite!:D

Are adjusted correctly?