Shopsmith Forums

Need help !! My carriage lock will not lock ! It turns normally but doesn't tighten up and lock the carriage in place. The carriage just slides freely up and down the shopsmith. Not sure what the problem is. Any help would be much appreciated !!

It looks to me as though the wedge lock on the right (in the photo) may be OK but the other one does not appear to be moving (all rusty). Try tapping on the threaded rod to see if it moves then oil the threaded rod (both ends) so that the wedge can move.

I had one similar to this where the threads were stripped out on the left. The right one is free to move in and out on the threads but the left does not appear to be moving.

I think that might be the problem, the threads are stripped on the side away from the handle. Is the threaded part (not sure what to call it )a replacement part of would I need a new carriage?

cousinwill wrote:I think that might be the problem, the threads are stripped on the side away from the handle. Is the threaded part (not sure what to call it )a replacement part of would I need a new carriage?

Most likely the threads are stripped on the rear wedge. Removing the carriage from the way tubes will make replacing the wedge(S) easier/possible. The wingnut will need to be removed(drive out the tension pin) if you replace the front wedge as well. Replacing both is recommended.

Will
If you can turn the wedge nearest the lock handle try to thread it all the way in to the center of the threaded shaft. Then knock the roll pin out of the handle and remove the handle by turning it to the RIGHT. This is a left hand thread. You may have enough room at this time to remove the shaft with both wedges still attached.( but maybe not) Then you can hold the unthreaded center portion of the shaft to get the rear wedge to turn enough to get it off.
All of the parts in the locking mechanism including the threaded shaft are available as replacement parts.
As long as you have to do this you may want to disassemble the table locking shaft and it's associated wedges to clean and lube them as necessary. They appear to be pretty rusted up.
However this one may do ya' http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Mark- ... 2103d66742
Bill V

161 504235 Left Hand Wedge Lock 1 8.95


162 504234 Right Hand Wedge Lock 1 8.95

http://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/5 ... s_list.htm

Thanks guys for all the awesome help !!