Shopsmith Forums

Has anyone had a problem with the casters on a mark V 500. When I step on the lever to lower the wheels the opposite end of the rod pops out of the hole.

If you look at the "feet" where the rod fits into, you'll see that there should be an Allen head machine screw in the end of the rod. One of two things has happened:
A) The machine screw worked its way out and needs to be replaced
B) The machine screw head snapped off and the threads are still in the end of the rod

My guess is that "B" is most likely; if that is the case, good luck getting that broken machine screw out of the rod. Yes, I speak from experience here in saying that it is not easy to get out… though I eventually did. I think I would have been money ahead to have just bought a new rod and replaced it.

One more thing… whichever the case, whether you have to replace the rod, replace the screw, whatever… make sure to put some grease in the cup that the rod seats in and don't over-tighten the machine screws (as per SS telephone technical help.)

A common problem that I find on the Shopsmiths I buy and repair. I have been able to remove the caster frame, use a clamp to bend the sides of the leg together some (trial and error method). I have used a 1/4" threaded rod above the casters (existing holes) to hold the sides of the leg together. Adding a custom shelf between the legs helps hold the sides together too.

efmaron wrote:Has anyone had a problem with the casters on a mark V 500. When I step on the lever to lower the wheels the opposite end of the rod pops out of the hole.

The Lower of the 2 bars going across keeps the casters pulled together. You will want to look for a sheared or missing roll pin on either side. You could also try and bed the legs of the machine inwards to try and hold it tighter together. Mine had both sheared and missing roll pins along with the sides being spread out alot. Hope it helps. Josh

Thanks for the info. After post this question this mornig, while working one of our horses in the round pen I got to thinking about bending the leg in on each side. I will give that a try tomarrow, also check to see if any pins came out.

efmaron wrote:Thanks for the info. After post this question this mornig, while working one of our horses in the round pen I got to thinking about bending the leg in on each side. I will give that a try tomarrow, also check to see if any pins came out.

What kind of horses are you working.

I recently got thrown from a cutting horse when he got confused about what knee pressure I was applying. Dumb horse stopped cold and all I was doing was squeezing tight to stay on.

The kids won't let me ride anymore; don't know why.

Dusty,
My wife and I breed and sell APHA & AQHA registered horses. We have 4 quarter horses and 4 paints. One of our quarter horses was just recently broke, so I have been working her on her ground maners. My wife took this same horse that I worked yesterday on a trail ride a few weeks ago, the mare did a hinde quarter squat and turn that put my wife on her butt, she was sore for a few days. We bought this ranch about 3 years ago when I retired so most of my time so far has been spent getting the place setup. Now I can start working in my shop.

efmaron wrote:Dusty,
My wife and I breed and sell APHA & AQHA registered horses. We have 4 quarter horses and 4 paints. One of our quarter horses was just recently broke, so I have been working her on her ground maners. My wife took this same horse that I worked yesterday on a trail ride a few weeks ago, the mare did a hinde quarter squat and turn that put my wife on her butt, she was sore for a few days. We bought this ranch about 3 years ago when I retired so most of my time so far has been spent getting the place setup. Now I can start working in my shop.

Wow, eight horses to feed, groom, train, exercise and cleanup after. Do you really believe you are going to have time for woodworking.

I don't really ride anymore. My physical limitations make it a bad idea. This last episode has proven that to me. I should not have been onboard at all but I was trying to make a point. I failed. Well, I made a point but it was not the one I had in mind.