Shopsmith Forums

johnheyd wrote:

dusty wrote:If I had this to deal with, I would pull the headstock off the tubes and clean the wedge locks with mineral spirits. I would then clean the Way with mineral spirits, wipe them clean and then wax and polish the Ways. When the headstock goes back on, I would expect it to slide as it did when new.

I do not believe that the extra weight should make all that much difference. A build up of wax and dust (crud) on the wedges will create issues as you describe.

The headstock lock is the only device that effects how easy or how difficult the headstock slides. It has no adjustment other than what you use every time you lock or unlock the headstock.

I do find, from time to time, that I must do as ER just suggested. Unlock the headstock and with the palm of your hand give the lock mechanism a good whack. I believe what happens is the wedges get stuck to the Way tubes (at least one of them) preventing it from sliding even though it is unlocked.

Thanks Dusty - you were right on - my way tube locks were just stuck and by tapping the wedges (wacking them) they popped lose and things move well now. Thanks for that easy fix.

JPG wrote:It will likely stick again and increasingly more often.

Now that you know the workaround, put up with it until another reason for getting at the wedges presents itself.