View Full Version : Shopsmith Newbie - Miter Bump
racerchris
04-18-2009, 01:12 AM
Setting up my like-new 510... Noticed Miter Bumps when entering the table. What I mean is that once the miter is fully on the table, 9" from the blade, it operates smoothly. if you make a cut greater than 9", then the Miter is off table and bumps over the edge of the table when it reaches the table. Don't see how to correct this. Is this normal?
Nice machine, btw. Have been taking a crash course and amazed with the infinite possibilities! Overwelmed actually...
charlese
04-18-2009, 01:59 AM
The bump you are feeling is probably caused by the adjusting screws called glides, in the bottom of the miter gauge. These are covered with a black substance, rubber like plastic I think. These screws look like bolt heads containing a flat screwdriver slot.
Go gently when adjusting these glides. In fact, it may be best to not do any adjusting until you have replacements. These are part number 270 on this exploded diagram. http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/partscat/mitergaugeexpview.htm
The stems of these glides are actually a substance that acts like rubber. They are easy to twist off. I did this dastardly deed a while back. I found no metal at all in the shaft of the screw.
Evidently after they have been set for a long time they become stuck. If one breaks off in the hole, it is easy to dig out because it is so soft, but a replacement will cost around $14.
racerchris
04-18-2009, 11:15 AM
Chuck,
Thanks for the reply. I spent the better part of last night setting up the saw. Very interesting procedure. I am so glad I returned the "Greenie" and purchased this one instead. The SS I purchased is in great condition and came with EVERYTHING a new 5in1 tool comes with. In fact, practically all accessories were brand new and sealed. So many of the used ones were missing parts that I would have never realized I needed...
Anyways, squaring the miter was an interesting procedure. My miter seemed to have some corrosion where the miter attaches to the bar. So I took the whole thing apart and polished the bar where it contacts the miter. Now the miter moves freely through all the angles, but it seems the screw turns with the miter which concerns me because it seems like it would come loose with time. Is this normal?
Also, I noticed something different about my miter than what is shown on the exploded diagram. Part 279 which is listed as a "Taper Screw" is missing and in its place is a nut that seems to be locked into the bar. The nut does not have threads, instead it has a 5/32 hex. Am I missing something?
One more thing, I went through the rip fence adjustment. The first step is to loosen the adjusting set screw, but no where in the instructions does it seem to tell me how to properly adjust this set screw... It's not obvious to me the purpose of this set screw.
Thanks! You guys are great!
For what it's worth I use a black 6/6 nylon bolt that I cut a straight screw driver slot in to replace the miter gage glides. 5/16x18x1/2 at $10.70 a box of 50. I use several different miter gage setups and the glides are usually worn or missing by the time I get them so this has been an economical way of repairing them.
ldh
fixit
04-18-2009, 12:04 PM
Idh,
What is your source for the nylon bolts?
robinson46176
04-18-2009, 12:09 PM
Also, I noticed something different about my miter than what is shown on the exploded diagram. Part 279 which is listed as a "Taper Screw" is missing and in its place is a nut that seems to be locked into the bar. The nut does not have threads, instead it has a 5/32 hex. Am I missing something?
It sounds to me like the taper screw is there... It is made like that so you can tighten the taper setscrew (which is not very tall) and lock the miter gauge bar in the table slot so it will not slide. Note that the threads in the hole are also tapered. It is just used on a few special setups like as a stop for holding angle when drilling. You could also use the miter gauge as a fence on the old bandsaws that had the extra cross slot in the table
Try the Allen wrench in it to see if it will turn a little. If so then put the miter gauge in the table slot and tighten it to see if it will lock the bar in place. The taper of the setscrew spreads the split center of the bar to make it bind against the sides of the table slot.
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It will all sort out eventually... :)
racerchris
04-18-2009, 12:58 PM
It sounds to me like the taper screw is there... It is made like that so you can tighten the taper setscrew (which is not very tall) and lock the miter gauge bar in the table slot so it will not slide. Note that the threads in the hole are also tapered. It is just used on a few special setups like as a stop for holding angle when drilling. You could also use the miter gauge as a fence on the old bandsaws that had the extra cross slot in the table
Try the Allen wrench in it to see if it will turn a little. If so then put the miter gauge in the table slot and tighten it to see if it will lock the bar in place. The taper of the setscrew spreads the split center of the bar to make it bind against the sides of the table slot.
-
It will all sort out eventually... :)
Ah, that explains what that taper screw is for! and it works! Thanks!
Idh,
What is your source for the nylon bolts?
Leonard,
McMaster-Carr #91244A179. I have a little jig setup with a 5/16 all-thread coupler in it that I use to cut the slot.
ldh