Service Pointers

Service Methods and Tips

JAN/FEB 2004
Volume 47/Issue 1

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• A New Kitchen
• Wooden Utensil Rack & Knife Block/Cutting Board
• Gallery Rail Paper Towel Holder

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

Academy Notes
Clean Cuts - Pt. 4- Using Oriental Waterstones

Service Pointers
Keeping Your MARK V Running Smoothly

Safety Tips
Router Safety

What's New
Bandsaw Cover and 6" Drum Sander Sleeves

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
Keeping Your MARK V Running Smoothly
Printer friendly PDF copy of article (692K)

Here's an easy, 8-point maintenance program that you can perform yourself to keep your MARK V in tip-top operating condition. By performing these simple procedures, you'll enjoy improved operating efficiency and long-term dependability from your MARK V.

This schedule is based on normal operation. If you run your MARK V unusually hard, you'll need to perform some of these operations more frequently. Check your MARK V Owner's Manual for additional detailed procedures.

NOTE: Although these photos show the procedures for an earlier, Model 500 MARK V, there is virtually no difference to the procedures for later Model 510 or 520 Machines.

Basic preparation begins as follows:
Unplug the MARK V. Remove all blades, cutters, bits and accessories. Place the machine in the horizontal position with the Headstock locked and centered. Move the Table Carriage away from the Headstock for improved access.

*Perform as needed...*
1: Remove the Worktable from the Table Carriage and lay it upside-down on a benchtop as shown here. Using a soft bristled brush or an air compressor, clean the sawdust from the teeth of the Table Rack. Perform the same procedure on the Quill Rack, located on the underside of the Quill. Lubricate the racks using powdered graphite or a spray-on dry lubricant such as Dri-Cote. NOTE: NEVER use oils, greases or other conventional lubricants in these areas, as they can collect sawdust, creating sludge that will gum-up the operation of your machine.
*Every 10 hours of running time...*
2: Clean the Way Tubes and Worktable surface thoroughly with mineral spirits.
3: Wax the Way Tubes and Worktable surface with paste-type furniture wax...or use a sealant such as Top-Cote...then buff.
4: Use an air compressor, the outlet of a shop vacuum or a small diameter hose and some down-home “lung power” to blow and sawdust out of the Headstock. Lubricate the Control Sheave with three or four drops of lightweight machine oil.
5: Lubricate the Floating Sheave with three or four drops of lightweight machine oil.
*Once a year...*
6: Clean and wax the Worktable Tubes, Extension Table Tubes and the holes in the Bench Ends and Table Carriage. Again, use paste-type furniture wax or a special lubricant such as Dri-Cote.
7: Lubricate the Headstock Lock, Table Carriage Lock and Rip Fence Lock Rods with powdered graphite or a dry, spray-on lubricant such as Dri-Cote.
8: Check the tension of the Poly-V-Belt. If you can push the belt in more than 1/8" when applying heavy pressure, the Belt needs to be tightened. Check your MARK V Owner's Manual for the proper procedure.