New PowerPro head won't slide

[charlese]

Has anyone gone the new PowerPro head route? I went to put mine in yesterday, and first the lower (jointer) shaft was pushed in during shipping. Called Shopsmith and Dave walked through how to get it back where it belongs. Unfortunately it was after they closed that I finally got the head on the tubes. Cleaned and waxed the tubes (really needed it) and got the head started on. It's so stiff that it's all I can do to slide it on the tube. I have to stand behind the machine and pull the head back to 'raise' it. And to 'lower' I have to lock the table and raise the machine and let the head slide down! I pulled the pan and there's nothing binding on the tubes that I can see. Do I need to do some honing on the casting? Don't want to but this isn't right.

Paul

Hi Paul, I'll dd this to the above list of posts. Although the PowerPro is heavier and takes more effort to move along the way tubes, it shouldn't take a real strong effort.

Rather than suspecting way tubes, it is my guess that the problem lies with the tightening wedges or perhaps the plastic wrap around the wedges screw interfering with one of the wedges.

I would remove the way tube tie bar and slide the headstock nearly off of the tubes. This will give you a view through the holes (flashlight) to check the position of the wedges. You may also be able to see if any end of the plastic rap is near one of the wedges.

[alisfair]

I would suggest you call SS headquarters and demand a different one. I purchased a planer years ago and it was damage at company or inroute. It did not look damaged as outside of carton was ok. When trying to raise and lower the bed it was easy to move. After several attempts rocking the crank back and forth we got it working. About a year later the power table motor stopped working. Reason I am saying this as if it looks bad think what else may have been overlooked. I am sure they will make it right and do the right thing.
FYI
Tom alisfair

[pshortjr]

I took some pictures before I started adjusting. Didn't think to take after shots but like I said above it does work a little bit better.

[JPG]

I took some pictures before I started adjusting. Didn't think to take after shots but like I said above it does work a little bit better.

What your pix appear to show is wear marks on the 'bottom!' of the bores. That would likely only occur if binding against the top was occurring.

IIWM, I would inform SS CS of the existence of these pix on the forum, and request further instructions regarding what action you should take.

Although the finish is not perfect(nor atypical:mad: ), I believe the bores are too small top to bottom.

A less likely cause is way tubes out of round or too large(but with no evident history of being so).