spindle assembly question

[mandoboy]

While awaiting for the parts for my 81 SS, I decided to work on the 61 Anniversary model. I opened it up and cleaned and lubed everything and it works like a champ.

The only thing I can find wrong with it is that the spindle is not sticking fully out of the quill housing, it seems about 1/8 inch short. It seems to be in fully and held in place properly with the retaining ring, but it is not sticking out to the proper position. The quill housing does not retract fully into the headstock, it sticks out about 1/8 of an inch from fully seated.

I tried taping it gently with a rubber mallet from the spline side, but I was afraid to use too much pressure. The only thing I can think of is that the bearing is not fully seated on the spindle assembly.

The 61 has the 1.125 motor upgrade and the poly V belt upgrade, but appears to have the single bearing quill.

Anyone ever had this problem or know what it is?

JeffG

[Nick]

Probably a simple fix. Sounds to me like the collar on the end of your drive spindle (518204) has walked about 1/8" forward. Dig out the ackempunky that Shopsmith used to fill the hole in the collar and you'll find an allen screw. Loosen the screw, slide the collar back into postion against the quill bearing retaining ring, and tighten the screw. You don't have to replace the ackempunky. The old-time Shopsmith engineers put that there because...well, know one seems to know why they put it there. And they've all died and taken their evil little secret with them.

With all good wishes,

[mandoboy]

Thanks for the reply Nick.

I am not sure what part you are talking about. I called shopsmith and they say there is no part number 518204. If you are talking about the spindle knob, that is not the problem.

In the exploded diagram, I do not see any other part that has a set screw, so I am not sure what you mean for me to do.

JeffG

[charlese]

I didn't jump in here earlier, as I was unsure on what to say. Now, I think Nick is speaking of the silver (color) collar that is on the outside of the quill housing. It looks like a collar and it has a Allen set screw in it. I've never loosened mine so don't know from personal experience, but I reads like Nick suggests loosening this collar and sliding it back away from the tip of the spindle.

I agree with you, I couldn't find the part on the exploded diagram. Looks like to me - the diagram is in error in that they show a spindle knob out there. As far as I know - there is no knob used on the saw spindle. Kinda looks like the artist drew the knob on the wrong end of the shaft, as there is no knob shown on the other end.

[mandoboy]

Chuck,

The part that you are describing is what SS calls the spindle knob. It really is a collar not a knob. However that is not my problem. The set screw in the knob is supposed to seat on the second flat area on the spindle. Mine won't seat there as the spindle shaft is not sticking out far enough. Instead it seats on the round area between the two flats.

I really think the bearing is not seated far enough down the shaft. But I will wait for Nick to reply.

JeffG

[Nick]

If the spindle knob/collar isn't the issue, then you're right Jeff -- the bearing isn't properly seated on the spindle. Occassionally the bearing walks away from the shoulder against which it rests.

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Remove the knob/collar and the bearing retaining ring at the business end of the quill and pull the spindle-bearing assembly out of the quill. Inspect the lead bearing. You'll probably find it's not properly seated; there will be some distance between it and the spindle shoulder. Press the bearing off the spindle.

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You could just press the bearing on again, but there's a good chance that it will come loose once more. Instead, create some spurs or gauls in the spindle over the area where the bearing is seated. Grasp the spindle in a channel lock pliers, rest the bottom jaw on an anvil, and hammer the upper jaw hard. Turn the spindle 90 degrees in the plier jaws and repeat.

[ATTACH]171[/ATTACH]

Spread a drop of red Locktite over the area of the spindle you have just massacreed. Insert the shaft in the bearing, then press the shaft into the bearing until the shoulder butts against the bearing housing. Replace the spindle-bearing assembly in the quill, install the quill in the headstock, and you should be back in business.

With all good wishes,

[mandoboy]

Thanks Nick,
It is really helpfull to see the photos. I like to know what I am getting into before delving. The exploded diagram on the website is small and low resolution and hard to see.

I thought that is what might be the problem.

I will let you know if it doesn't work, but I think it will.

JeffG

[charlese]

mandoboy -- JeffG - I really didn't want you to have any problem like this, but am happy you did - and happy you asked for help on this forum and happy that Nick answered with such good pictures and explanation. Guess I'm one happy curmudgeon - if that's not a oxymoron!

This was one excellent education for me.

[mandoboy]

Nick et al,

Thanks for the help. It worked great and the problem is resolved. I also did the same thing on another machine that the spindle was loose on. It solved that problem too.

Now I am ready for the travelling academy classes next weekend. I can't wait.

JeffG