Shopsmith Forums

How do I fix this?
I have to tighten the table height crank/handle as tight as I can and it still doesn't securely hold the table. I can put downward pressure on the table and it will creep lower.

Any ideas how to make it hold more securely?

This is generally caused by the locking wedges becoming worn. The system is similar to the lock mechanism for the table carriage. My suggestion is to disassemble the table locking mechanism and make sure that all of the parts are still there and that they have been assembled in the proper order.Clean any old grease and accumulated sawdust from the mechanism. One of the wedges may be bound up and not tightening enough or the wedges are worn. There may be debris preventing the locks from being effective. A good cleaning and inspection can fix a lot of things. If anything looks suspicious take a pic and post it here for more help.
Bill V

Correct washers in the right places?

171,175?
http://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/5 ... iagram.htm

Especially 171!!!

this generally happens to me right after a good waxing of the way tubes! I have a 2x4 that I use for support that clears that problem right up.

It also sometimes happens with dull bits or drilling at the wrong speed.

wa2crk wrote:This is generally caused by the locking wedges becoming worn. The system is similar to the lock mechanism for the table carriage. My suggestion is to disassemble the table locking mechanism and make sure that all of the parts are still there and that they have been assembled in the proper order.Clean any old grease and accumulated sawdust from the mechanism. One of the wedges may be bound up and not tightening enough or the wedges are worn. There may be debris preventing the locks from being effective. A good cleaning and inspection can fix a lot of things. If anything looks suspicious take a pic and post it here for more help.
Bill V

IIUC the problem is with the table 'lowering'. Ain't no wedges there except for the pinion gears. They are not soft like the wedges. The wingnut must cause the gears to pull together and 'squeeze' the support posts. That force is conveyed through the hub to the 'front' gear.

JPG wrote:

wa2crk wrote:This is generally caused by the locking wedges becoming worn. The system is similar to the lock mechanism for the table carriage. My suggestion is to disassemble the table locking mechanism and make sure that all of the parts are still there and that they have been assembled in the proper order.Clean any old grease and accumulated sawdust from the mechanism. One of the wedges may be bound up and not tightening enough or the wedges are worn. There may be debris preventing the locks from being effective. A good cleaning and inspection can fix a lot of things. If anything looks suspicious take a pic and post it here for more help.
Bill V

IIUC the problem is with the table 'lowering'. Ain't no wedges there except for the pinion gears. They are not soft like the wedges. The wingnut must cause the gears to pull together and 'squeeze' the support posts. That force is conveyed through the hub to the 'front' gear.

Maybe that is why SS modified the carriage with slots so when you tighten down the lock it not only squeezes the gears but also the casting around the table tubes.

jsburger wrote:

JPG wrote:

wa2crk wrote:This is generally caused by the locking wedges becoming worn. The system is similar to the lock mechanism for the table carriage. My suggestion is to disassemble the table locking mechanism and make sure that all of the parts are still there and that they have been assembled in the proper order.Clean any old grease and accumulated sawdust from the mechanism. One of the wedges may be bound up and not tightening enough or the wedges are worn. There may be debris preventing the locks from being effective. A good cleaning and inspection can fix a lot of things. If anything looks suspicious take a pic and post it here for more help.
Bill V

IIUC the problem is with the table 'lowering'. Ain't no wedges there except for the pinion gears. They are not soft like the wedges. The wingnut must cause the gears to pull together and 'squeeze' the support posts. That force is conveyed through the hub to the 'front' gear.

Maybe that is why SS modified the carriage with slots so when you tighten down the lock it not only squeezes the gears but also the casting around the table tubes.

Not having one nor had my hands/eyes on one, I do not understand how that would help. The gears float in the carriage casting bores. Exerting force on the casting takes away from the 'squeeze' force to the gears.

I guess I would have to look at the geometry but SS certainly did ir for some reason. Pictures comming.