Service Pointers

Service Methods and Tips

MAR/APR 2004
Volume 47/Issue 2

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• Strip Laminate Bending
• The Turned Hall Tree
• Two Great Kitchen Gift Items

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
• New Baby Workshop Calendar

Academy Notes
Clean Cuts - Pt. 5 - Sharpening Jointer, Molder & Shaper Knives

Service Pointers
Troubleshooting the Shopsmith Lathe Duplicator

Safety Tips
Safety Cans for Flammable Liquids

What's New
Check out our New Shopsmith Website

EDUCATION
• Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH

ONLINE CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online Replacement Parts Catalog

MARK V INFORMATION
• Find A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request MARK V Information Package

LINKS
• Links Worth Visiting
• Free Woodworking Tips

FEEDBACK
Contacting Shopsmith

Service Pointers
Troubleshooting the Shopsmith Lathe Duplicator
Printer friendly PDF copy of article (10K)

Most Lathe Duplicator problems have simple solutions. Under normal use, you should rarely have to service a component. Most problems can be corrected by performing periodic maintenance, alignment and adjustment tasks...and by changes in work habits.

This Trouble shooting Guide should help you diagnose and remedy the most common occurring Lathe Duplicator problems.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
Quality of cuts is poor (rough or torn surface)	Cutter is above workpiece centerline Lathe speed too slow Cutter is dull Cutting too aggressively	Lower Table to bring down to centerline; or down to 1/16" maximum below centerline for certain types of wood. Check Speed Chart & increase speed Replace the Cutter Use a lighter touch
Inexact diameters	Improper alignment of Lathe Centers - or Follower to Cutter Using wrong Follower Way Tube Clamp improperly positioned Alignment not checked when remounting Duplicator	Check alignment and adjust if required Change to Follower with same shape as Cutter Check that recessed ends of both Clamps engage Way Tubes properly. Reposition as required. Check alignment and adjust if required.
Good cuts on one end of turning, but poor cuts on the other	Lathe Centers not parallel to Table Way Tube Clamp improperly positioned	Chekc Table-to-Lathe Centers parallelism & align Chekc that recessed ends of both Clamps engage Way Tubes properly & re-position if required.
Cuts are tapered	Template not centered properly or centerline not drawn squarely on template Way Tube Clamp improperly positioned	Straighten template on centers or redraw centerline on template Check taht recessed ends of both Clamps engage the Way Tubes properly & re-position, if required.
Excessive vibration (whip & chatter) when turning thin spindles	Cutter is positioned below workpiece centerline Cutting too aggressively	Raise Table so Cutter is on centerline Use a lighter touch
Excessive vibration when turning larger spindles or bowls	Workpiece Centers improperly located or wood is unbalanced	Check for proper centers and balance. Relocate center(s) or cut off stock until workpiece is balanced.