What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 4:34 pm

And yes, the lock is loosened.

It won't move, even if I put it in the drill press mode!

What now?

Please advise!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 18, 2015 5:02 pm

I disconnect power and then disconnect the wires between the switch and the motor. I then drop the motor pan and lift the Shopsmith into drill press mode so that I can see what is going on (with the headstock lock mechanism). Be careful not to allow the headstock to slam down on the end when you go vertical. With the headstock lock loose, tap on the ends of the threaded shaft that holds the locking wedges. Sometime moving that shaft with a light tap will free the wedges from the tubes. AGAIN...CAREFUL. If the headstock slams down, something is likely to get broken.

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 5:15 pm

Will do!

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 6:43 pm

The underbelly of my stuck Mark V

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 6:47 pm

Here is the other side!

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 6:49 pm

Threaded end.

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 6:53 pm

The headstock is within 1 to 2 inches from the locked table, at this point in time, so if it slides down, it will only go that far.

I think I will tinker with the threaded bolt to see if I can get the locking wedges to free up!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon May 18, 2015 8:11 pm

If all else fails, you can cut the threaded rod and order replacement parts from Shopsmith. Hope that does not happen.

I had the same situation as you but mine was caused by aluminum shavings or dust getting into the threads and into the wedges.

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 9:08 pm

After studying the anatomy of Mr. Smith, I came to the conclusion that it was not his wedges causing Mr. Smith to be stopped up!

What I found, might strike you as a tad bit alarming.

I use the rubber sticks, to clear out my abrasives and this same rubber (shards) stick to most surfaces.

Mr. Smith, only needed a little persuasion to the front of his headstock, with "light" taps, with a rubber mallet, in order to get him, in good working order again.

I have since cleaned his way tubes and applied some light weight oil to them.
(I have yet to locate, Johnsons Paste Wax) it is almost like non existent, round these parts!

So, I have success. Mr. Smith is back to, in perfect working order

ExtraMile · Post by **ExtraMile** » Mon May 18, 2015 9:15 pm

And those photos that I supplied were the table wedges and not the headstock wedges. Dang Rookie, mistake

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What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?

What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?

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