Shopsmith Forums

I think I know the answer, or at least the start of an answer to this, but I defer to the experts I know are here.

On my 510 I am having a problem with the table coming loose. I am using a jig with a bar in the bottom to fit the slot on the table to cut some smaller pieces. I set the blade to cut right at the end of the jig. None of this is particularly relevant, I don't think, but it's where I'm having a problem.

So I set the height and lock down the table with the table height lock and set the distance and lock down the carriage itself with the carriage lock. All seems wonderful, then I start working. Next thing I know the @*&(# carriage is moving, which totally screws up my cuts. So, reset and relock, and really crank the lock (which I'm not particularly impressed with the "new" style, preferring the old style that spins in and out versus this one that only goes so far and would hit the carriage base if it did spin).

Bottom line, my carriage lock is not holding. What gives?

I know I need to pull the carriage, go to the work table, start taking things apart, probably dress the wedges, etc. I can do that, but really hate to have to pull the headstock to get to the carriage, etc.

Anyone else have this problem??

fiatben wrote:I think I know the answer, or at least the start of an answer to this, but I defer to the experts I know are here.

On my 510 I am having a problem with the table coming loose. I am using a jig with a bar in the bottom to fit the slot on the table to cut some smaller pieces. I set the blade to cut right at the end of the jig. None of this is particularly relevant, I don't think, but it's where I'm having a problem.

So I set the height and lock down the table with the table height lock and set the distance and lock down the carriage itself with the carriage lock. All seems wonderful, then I start working. Next thing I know the @*&(# carriage is moving, which totally screws up my cuts. So, reset and relock, and really crank the lock (which I'm not particularly impressed with the "new" style, preferring the old style that spins in and out versus this one that only goes so far and would hit the carriage base if it did spin).

Bottom line, my carriage lock is not holding. What gives?

I know I need to pull the carriage, go to the work table, start taking things apart, probably dress the wedges, etc. I can do that, but really hate to have to pull the headstock to get to the carriage, etc.

Anyone else have this problem??

On the outside looking in on this one, but part 177????? Will it shorten the wedge spacing?

Hi,

Just a few thoughts, first did you check
a) blade is tight on arbor
b) arbor is tight on quill
c) quill is locked
d) headstock is locked
e) carriage is locked

It wasn't clear to me how you decided it was the carriage but then maybe I missed something.

The lock is adjustable, I adjust mine so the lever can go parallel to the bars, if the nut on the other side is too tight then the lever is left at some angle between and I personally have trouble knowing if it is really in a locked position. When it is adjusted to flip all the way then the visual is clear.

Anyway that is how I would approach your issue.

Ed

fiatben wrote:I think I know the answer, or at least the start of an answer to this, but I defer to the experts I know are here.

On my 510 I am having a problem with the table coming loose. I am using a jig with a bar in the bottom to fit the slot on the table to cut some smaller pieces. I set the blade to cut right at the end of the jig. None of this is particularly relevant, I don't think, but it's where I'm having a problem.

So I set the height and lock down the table with the table height lock and set the distance and lock down the carriage itself with the carriage lock. All seems wonderful, then I start working. Next thing I know the @*&(# carriage is moving, which totally screws up my cuts. So, reset and relock, and really crank the lock (which I'm not particularly impressed with the "new" style, preferring the old style that spins in and out versus this one that only goes so far and would hit the carriage base if it did spin).

Bottom line, my carriage lock is not holding. What gives?

I know I need to pull the carriage, go to the work table, start taking things apart, probably dress the wedges, etc. I can do that, but really hate to have to pull the headstock to get to the carriage, etc.

Anyone else have this problem??

I think your saying your carriage is slidding on the way tubes. If you are yes I have had that problem. I was cautioned not to tighten the carriage lock too tight as it can actually dent the way tube.

I cleaned my wedges, and I don't think I had to remove the power head or carriage to get to them. I thought there was a nut or something on the back side of the carriage lock bar that permitted me to get both wedges cleaned up.

I have also had the powerhead slide on the way tube especially when I was in drill press mode. Again cleaned the wedges, again cautioned against over tightening them to prevent denting the way tubes.

reible wrote:Just a few thoughts, first did you check
a) blade is tight on arbor
b) arbor is tight on quill
c) quill is locked
d) headstock is locked
e) carriage is locked
Ed

Yes to all the above. As I'm making repetitive cuts, the length is changing. Then I can reach up once I notice this and move the carriage/table by hand. And this is after making sure everything is locked down. It is unquestionably the carriage coming loose.

I'll look for the things you guys have suggested and report back.

Thanks

OK what is happening is that the carriage is not staying locked. This goes to the adjustment of the bolt on the back side of the lock. Again a guess, but I'd say it is way too tight and the lock handle is very vertical when "locked". If you loosen the nut say a half turn and see if that is enough to get the lever to really lock. This is one of those adjustments where you have to feel it, and when you do you will know it.

Ed

Thanks Ed. I will do exactly that when it's warm enough tomorrow to be out in the barn! Christmas is coming. Who else is WAY behind on gift projects?