Shopsmith Forums

Should the cutter head be able to free spin, when not hooked up to headstock? If I try to spin mine it just stops as soon as I take my hand off the shaft. Thanks for your input.
Paul

When I give mine a spin, it keeps turning, about 1 or 2 revolutions. How long has it been since you did maintenance on it?

New bearings will give the same effect. The bearings normally need replacement when the cutter head will spin many times after letting go of the shaft. If you feel no restrictions, rough spots and/or hear no clicks, ticks or other strange noise when turning by hand, I would not worry about it. Ball bearings will normally let you know when there is a problem starting to occur.

Bill Mayo

thewriteturn wrote:Should the cutter head be able to free spin, when not hooked up to headstock? If I try to spin mine it just stops as soon as I take my hand off the shaft. Thanks for your input.
Paul

Let me ditto Bill's response. Mine was free spinning for a long time, and I thought that also was normal. When the shaft began to wiggle up and down, during holding the shaft, I knew I had trouble. Duh!

My particular problem was a worn shaft, beneath the bearing. Had to purchase a new head, as a new bearing didn't solve he problem.

If it makes noise when powered by the headstock, the bearings are probably packed with sawdust and need replacement.

Hi and thanks for all your responces. I don't hear noises or feel any clicks or ticks when turned by hand. I bought it brand new about 6 years ago, and it seems to me it spun free when it was new. Maybe I'll just change the bearings to be safe. Again thanks.