Shopsmith Forums

After a general cleaning & oiling of the sheaves, I did a couple of hours of projects on my 'new' used Mark V. The speed dial seemed to get stiffer during the projects so I tore the sheaves compleatly down and cleaned out the little bit of gunk that was there. I know it is recomended to use a couple drops of oil on the sheaves but has anybody every used a paste wax buffed out first or alone? I havent put it back together yet...

moggymatt wrote:After a general cleaning & oiling of the sheaves, I did a couple of hours of projects on my 'new' used Mark V. The speed dial seemed to get stiffer during the projects so I tore the sheaves compleatly down and cleaned out the little bit of gunk that was there. I know it is recomended to use a couple drops of oil on the sheaves but has anybody every used a paste wax buffed out first or alone? I havent put it back together yet...

stick with the oil only! More than 2 drops when assembling. It should slide very freely. Wax not a good idea!

Just wondering if anyone uses spray silicone anyplace on SS.

burkhome wrote:Just wondering if anyone uses spray silicone anyplace on SS.

Some do! Avoid areas that it might transfer to a workpiece(messes with finishing).

burkhome wrote:Just wondering if anyone uses spray silicone anyplace on SS.

I've used silicone spray only on the headstock locks - using it from the outside only. Shopsmith recommends powdered graphite. I've found silicone is easier and cleaner.

Other than the headstock, I use silicone on the rubber wheels in the bandsaw and also on the blade tension screw.

For sure - Keep silicone off of the tables. It may contaminate wood and possibly have undesireable effects on finishes.

I use it on the table trunions and threads. I really didn't know if there was any long term problems or not.