Shopsmith Forums

I've got a scary situation going on! I've recently ordered the parts to use my old Model 500 for some overhead routing. The problem is when using the table saw, the arbor set screw keeps coming loose, obviously screwing up my cuts. If this is due to vibration, what is running at 9500-10,000 rpm as opposed to only 3600 rpm going to do? I haven't attempted this yet due to these concerns. I don't need a super sharp router bit taking off!

1) Correct set screw(flat).

2) Mounted correctly(centered on flat and all the way on). Obtained by rocking the arbor as the screw is tightened.

3) Dusty says get a new set screw.

3.1) JPG says tighten it correctly and snugly.

4) Angled set screw threads is another 'factor'.

5) Newer arbors have a brass tipped set screw.

Technique when tightening is IMHO the most important of all above.

I agree with everything JPG says.

Just to illuminate, I rock the arbor with the allen wrench as I'm tightening. And I've got a nice T-handled allen wrench, which just might make rocking the arbor easier.

I also agree with all that JPG said. The biggest thing is TIGHTEN the set screw not just merely run it down snug. I use Eklind T handle allen wrenches. They have a lot of flex since they are 6"+ long. Even the stock L shaped SS allen wrench has a fair amount of flex in it. Along with rocking I tighten the set screw until the allen wrench pretty much stops flexing.

davebodner wrote:I agree with everything JPG says.

Just to illuminate, I rock the arbor with the allen wrench as I'm tightening. And I've got a nice T-handled allen wrench, which just might make rocking the arbor easier.

A drop of Blue LocTite on the treads, which does not need a release agent like Red Loctite.

On the ER, I'm just glad I've got the upper pulleys to
grab hold of. Mount the arbor, and as I tighten the
set screw, I'm twisting the pulleys, while tightening,
just to make sure it's sitting square on the flat.

Never had a set screw come loose, but I've got less
power than you guys do.

steve

ERLover wrote: A drop of Blue LocTite on the treads, which does not need a release agent like Red Loctite.

THreads, maybe?
(Or, you use loctite for better traction on your car?)

Lover, just bustin' your chops!

steve

Re blue loctite, does it do any good after tightening screw, loosening screw(to remove arbor) then reattaching and tightening days later?

I'se skeptical of the utility of this.

Also the effectiveness of uncured loctite.

skou wrote:On the ER, I'm just glad I've got the upper pulleys to
grab hold of. Mount the arbor, and as I tighten the
set screw, I'm twisting the pulleys, while tightening,
just to make sure it's sitting square on the flat.

Never had a set screw come loose, but I've got less
power than you guys do.

steve

Nice to hear from ya Skou, back again and not just "lurking"!!!!
I dont think it is about power or RPMs as much as vibration.

skou wrote:

ERLover wrote: A drop of Blue LocTite on the treads, which does not need a release agent like Red Loctite.

THreads, maybe?
(Or, you use loctite for better traction on your car?)

Lover, just bustin' your chops!

steve

4600+lb of Krupps Steel on the road, does not need LocTite for traction, just good Yokohoma tires, W speed rated!!!! Best of Europe and the Pacific Rim
https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/detail/yk580