NOV/DEC 2003
Volume 46/Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• California Dream Toys
• The Mantel Clock
• Christmas Tree Ornaments

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
 
Academy Notes
Clean Cuts - Pt. 3 - All About Router Bits
 
Service Pointers
MARK V Saw Guards
 
Safety Tips
Proper Workshop Lighting

What's New
When accuracy counts Incra Rules

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

Copyright 2003.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

ASK SMITTY!
Here are the questions . . .
and SMITTY’S answers for this issue!

Identifying MARK V speed ranges
 
From Ron Jolly, via email:
 
Do you have a chart that gives the corresponding RPM for each of the “letter” designated speeds on the MARK V Speed Dial?

Here ya' go!

Speed Dial Problems
 
From “Gene”, via email:
 
Recently, I called Shopsmith with a speed dial problem. Since I've owned my Shopsmith, the speed dial has been difficult to turn; I've even had it come off the worm gear shaft in my hand. I've tried tightening the set screw that fits into the half-moon area on the shaft, but it still seems to work loose. Is this normal?

I also asked about lubricating the “quadrant” and was told two different things. First, I could lubricate the quadrant with bee's wax. I have found that bee's wax is difficult to find; I checked at Home Depot and Ace Hardware. I was also told I could use “bearing grease”. Which should I use? Additionally, if I can use bee's wax as a lubricant for the “quadrant”, can I also use it in other gear-driven areas on the machine; such as the pinion for raising and lowering the worktable and on the pinion for the quill?

I would say BOTH wax answers are wrong. Both bees' wax and cup grease (or bearing grease) will attract sawdust...though the bees' wax will be less sticky than grease. We use a commercial stick wax during assembly that probably attracts dust too. I like paraffin wax myself because it is readily available, not sticky and will melt around the parts, leaving a thin film of lubrication (must be used in moderation).

If you have had trouble “since you bought the machine”, (however long that may be) then the problem is bigger than wax (or lubrication) will solve. I suggest that you remove the speed control assembly and send it in to us for evaluation and repair or replacement. Call 1-800-762-7555 for instructions on how to return parts for repair. The set screw loosens because of over use that has worn the patch-lock from the threads. Any more that a couple of adjustments will render the patch useless and will require a new set screw or some thread-locking compound to secure it. Be sure you're getting the set screw seated properly in its recess on the shaft.

Continue . . .