Shopsmith Forums

I am looking for suggestions to free up stuck wedges that hold the blades in place. I decided to sharpen the blades for the first time on an 80s vintage joiner that I have been using for about 3 years. The Allen screws that hold in the wedges were a real bear to get loose. Now the wedges are frozen in place. The blade leveling screws turn and I have cranked on them going ccw but the wedges won't budge. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Mark

Try a little,again a small amount of heat from a propane or MAPP torch.
You can also try some WD40. But NOT at the same time as the heat as it is highly flammable.

You may have to get in under the blades with something (small screw driver) to pry with. This may mean you have to take the cutter head out to gain access.

If you go that route, be careful. Even dull jointer blades can slice you bad. Ask me how I know.

Mix about a teaspoon of Automatic Transmission Fluid and a teaspoon of Acetone in a small glass or metal container, shaking it to mix it well.

Gently drip some drops of that mix into the area, and give it a minute to flow in, then turn to the 2nd and the 3rd Blade.

It is one of the best penetrating oil mixes you can have.

As the Acetone evaporates, it will allow the ATF diluted by it to flow far deeper into the spaces.

You may also wish to pour some into the Setscrew holes, and then put in a new flat bottom setscrew to help force it into the area.

Gently tighten the setscrews to see if you can influence even a micro movement, then take out the set screws and let it work.

The acetone component has a lower flash point so it is flammable. Be cautious with the mixture.

Don't mix much more than you can use as the acetone will evaporate rather quickly.

It may take overnight to loosen. IF severe, it may take more than one treatment.

Everett

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I kept reapplying liquid wrench and they finally broke loose. Thanks again.

MarkNeal wrote:Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. I kept reapplying liquid wrench and they finally broke loose. Thanks again.

aka Kerosene!