The co-axial arrangement of the locking screw shown in the photo depends on the friction between the threads to hold position. Tightening the two screws against each other forces their threads apart, hopefully locking the surfaces of the screws’ external threads against the internal threads of the tapped holes. Unfortunately, how well they “lock up” is dependent on the coefficient of friction between the metal surfaces. If the hole was drilled slightly oversize, or if the metal surfaces of the threads are rather smooth or lubricated, they are less likely to “lock up” successfully. As the end faces of the two screws contact each other, rotation of one against the other will tend to rotate the other as well. Where one rotates away from the other, the contact is likely to be lost, allowing both to turn freely.
To demonstrate this problem, try turning the locking screw in without holding the micro-adjust screw stationary. The screws become one single screw and tend to rotate freely. The amount of force you can apply between the two screws is limited by the diameter of the knurled heads. If you have very strong fingers, you are more likely o get a solid lock-up.
I checked the current 3D images listed for the WE120 and WE130, as well as the Pro Pack II and III (but not the Gen 3 Pro) appear to have the jam nut arrangement. The images seem to show socket micro-adjust screws with an external jam nut, but the screws appear to be shorter than I’d prefer. In any case, I think the jam screw vs jam nut issue is a design flaw by WE - something really unusual, but something needing to be fixed. No mention of warranty fixes offered yet.
I’m sure that WE has the ball-joint couplings made special with the socketed screws and that replacing all of them represents a significant cost to them. I would hope that a complaint to them would be responded to with some form of a fix.
SDMF74, I have used the older larger “L” brackets that you have with the locking screw against the adjuster screw threads. I have also used the newest mini “L” brackets with the knurled thumb wheel locking system. Both these locking systems have their good and bad points. Nonetheless the WEPS models are the the heart of this fine precision knife sharpening system. With out them we’d have nothing. We have simply adapted and modified our set-ups to help us to use them better.
I prefer to use and continue to use the old style larger “L” brackets. I had been using them with paired hex thumb screws on both sides to locks the “L” brackets position on the square bar and paired nylon locking screws, again one on either side to lock the angle adjuster screw. The nylon locking screws hold well and never damaged the adjuster screw threads. See the picture below:
I continue to use this older modified WE130 model. I have recently began using the micro angle adjuster adapters I purchased from forum member Ed, “NotSharpEnuff”. These adapters with the old style “L” brackets are the best angle adjustment and locking system combination I have ever used. I have installed these adapters on all four of my WE Models WE120, WE130, Gen 3 Pro and a custom two Vise Setup with twin WE130 vises.
Here is the angle adjuster mod on my customized WE130:
In this photo, above, I am using the older, first version, steel adjusters Ed was making. They were quite expensive because they were hard for him to fabricate. Now Ed is making a plastic knob adjuster set-up that works just as well, exactly the same, and they are much less expensive.
I have also used both the twin or paired locking screw setup, (top photo) and the micro Angle Adjuster Mods, (bottom photo), with the newest mini “L” brackets W.E. now provides with the latest versions WE120s and WE130s . Both these adjuster and locking methods worked just as well with these smaller more compact “L” brackets and hold very securely and allows for easy angle adjustments with secure “L” bracket positioning and angle locking.
SDMF74: If you are having good results with your current old style larger “L” brackets then I’d suggest you continue to use them. There is no advantage to update to the newer smaller mini “L” brackets. If you’d like extra square bar locking screws and nylon angle locking screws I’ll be glad to send these to you. Private message to me your email address so we can continue this conversation.
I do not have a problem with the micro adjustment coming loose on my gen-3.
I put some large diameter weed eater line in the L-Bracket where the jam bolt hits the threaded part of the universal joint.
This weed eater cord was purchased about 10 years ago and came in the form of a 3 pound spool. It is .155" thick I cut the cord to between 1/8" & 1/4" lengths.
i just wanted something like nylon that would not catch on the threads in side the L-Bracket.
Thanks for the info guys. I will probably hold off on the newer L-brackets for now & see how mine hold up, Ive already spent so much on this system on upgrades its ridiculous. I personally believe we should be allowed discounts on these expensive upgrades from W/E especially since at least for me some of them came almost right after I purchased my W/E.
@tcmeyer thanks for the detailed info although I had a somewhat dificult time with what you were describing. It appears that some people are having issues with the screws on the main adjustment bar coming loose & others are having issues with the screws on the micro adjustment. So far I havent really made large adjustments on the micro adjustments during sharpening but I will keep an eye on it & possibly test it out as I am due for a touch up on my ZT0393 and my Mora bushcraft as well as some others Im sure.
I’m having the same issue with my Gen 3 P I just got. I’m just trying to be fastidious checking the tightness/adjustment between grits. I don’t want to use pliers and stuffing something between the bolts doesn’t seem right.
Welcome to the Wicked Edge Forum “SquatchSharp”. The Gen 3 Pro micro-angle adjustment screws working loose is an issue some Wicked Edge users have experienced. “Stuffing something between the bolts” may not seem right. It can be a quick, inexpensive, and simple fix, nonetheless. It’s worth trying however wonky it seems, if your looking for a simple and free work-around to the loosening adjuster screws issue.
Welcome to the forum @SquatchSharp, hope you’ll like your Gen 3. I have the same issue on my WE 130 micro adjusters, though I’m using my “tricked out” ones. My solution was a set of belleville spring lock washers (https://www.mcmaster.com/91235a112) between the bracket and the screw. I’m hoping that will work but I just got the washers and haven’t had the time to play with the WE yet.
Use a jam nut between the thumbscrew and the arm hole. I wind the thumbscrew to firm tightness. Then turn the jam nut until it hits the arm hole. Use a thin profile spanner to give it a small cinch up. Done right, it doesn’t mark, and the holding power is high enough you won’t be able to turn the thumbscrew by hand let alone it vibrate loose.
