Shopsmith Forums

Wes7373 wrote:Bill,
the pictures didn't make it easy to see, but in the vertical position, the strut, at full extension, is several inches short of the mounting points. I wonder if i have the wrong strut.

Wes

I believe there is only one length strut. There are actually 2 different struts but the difference is in the lifting capacity not the length. The Power Pro head stock is heavier than the conventional head stock so requires a stronger strut.

There is a strut for the table raiser in drill press mode. I can measure mine if you want but I think it is shorter than the lift assist strut.

Mine measures 17 1/2" or 26 1/4" (horizontal/vertical).

I must ask! What are you doing to extend the cylinder to its full length. Without the mechanical advantage of an installed cylinder I cannot move it.

Try moving the way tubes so that you can engage the ball on the lift cylinder with the lift assist bracket. It may be a stuck lift cylinder piston or rust on the piston holding it. Also check the part number on the cylinder with the manual.
Bill V

Ok, I tried to attach the strut I was given when I bought the new SS; I lifted the way tubes up about halfway so the strut would attach. It would go down, but I had to pretty much lift it up myself without any help from the strut, and the strut would only allow it to go up a little over halfway to the full vertical position. It provided almost negligible assistance.

My theory: I think this is a strut for the trunk/decklid of a car. It's about the right size for that, but doesn't do anything for the SS, and doesn't have the extension to allow it to go up all the way. It doesn't have a SS part number on it; I'll call SS tomorrow.

Wes7373 wrote:For those with the lift assist installed, how long is the hydraulic strut when fully extended? I just picked up a new machine and was installing the lift assist but the strut I have is only 20 inches long at its full length,and won’t span the distance when the machine is raised into the vertical position.

Thanks
Wes

Did you "pick up" this new machine direct from Shopsmith" or is there a third party involved?

I can not imagine Shopsmith having what you describe in stock to ship in error.

I really think that you have the wrong strut. Call SS customer service and compare the part numbers.
Bill V

wa2crk wrote:I really think that you have the wrong strut. Call SS customer service and compare the part numbers.
Bill V

Good idea BUT

he has reported that there is no part number on the suspect part.

Furthermore, we are still waiting to hear if this was a purchase made from Shopsmith. It is my opinion that we point to Shopsmith much too quickly when there s a problem.

There are numbers on mine and a manufactuer's name I will try to get the nomenclature today. Sciatica permitting.
Bill V

OK Got some numbers

Part number is 06692U 0660N 003/05 A 6

the 003/05 might be a date code which would be consistent with the age of my stuff.

Manufacturer's name appears as:
UWF Rack Tech
USA Gaston NC 28052
Bill V

Thanks, Bill and Dusty. Bill, those numbers don't match my strut, which did not come directly from Shopsmith, came with the SS used. I called SS customer service earlier this week, they directed me to email them with the question which I did, waiting on a response.