Lift Assist, should I buy it?

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 3:32 pm

Hey, Ed in Tampa has a pretty entertaining signature line lately!

jbooher · Post by **jbooher** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 5:49 pm

My lift assist has been on back order for two months. I was told not to expect it until first of December. I find it interesting that they are shipping new orders. Guess it will require another call to SS.

tom_k/mo · Post by **tom_k/mo** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:11 pm

jbooher wrote:My lift assist has been on back order for two months. I was told not to expect it until first of December. I find it interesting that they are shipping new orders. Guess it will require another call to SS.

I ordered mine on 7/17/08 and just got it a couple weeks ago.

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:31 pm

jbooher wrote:My lift assist has been on back order for two months. I was told not to expect it until first of December. I find it interesting that they are shipping new orders. Guess it will require another call to SS.

Something is wrong with your order... I just ordered this AM and already have a tracking Number!..

Better call SS again and see what's up! Never know, your may be on it's way too.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:44 pm

Call customer service and tell them what is happening. One of the ladies in customer service will have to fix it or it will never get resolved.

I did a search for a cable assembly for my Crafter's Station (which was discontinued several years ago) and got a reply. It told me the quantity was limited and gave me a price. I ordered one and then watched it for over two months. Status never changed from In-Process for that entire time. I really doubted that a cable was going to be available but I called customer service last Friday to check. Linda answered the phone and was baffled when I told her my story but she said she would go check it out. Later I got a call from Jan and she reports my cable to be in shipping.

If the situation is at all fixable, Customer Service will do just that. It is just a shame that Customer Service has to get involved in the simple process of filling an order from the warehouse.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 6:57 pm

Iordered my lift assist thinking that one day I may need it. Before it arrived I fell and injured a shoulder. It has been surgically repaired yet will never gain sufficient strength to lift the headstock without the assist. I wouldn't be able to use my beloved tool without one.

Worth the money, you bet tis thankfully used daily. fjimp

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Nov 19, 2008 11:49 pm

pinkiewerewolf wrote:Congrats on getting the deal for the lift assist.

I hadn't heard of the torsion-rod-lift-assist either... Ed! Are you funn'in us?!:D

Pinkie
Yeah a little. actually I was dreaming out loud. However I don't know why it couldn't be done. A torsion rod for the piviot would do the job. Or as someone else mentioned a torsion spring would work also.

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:46 am

jbooher wrote:My lift assist has been on back order for two months. I was told not to expect it until first of December. I find it interesting that they are shipping new orders. Guess it will require another call to SS.

Just a thought here, perhaps the Lift-Assist you have on back-order is the for the SS Mk V that was manufactured before 1972! That part number is 555998. If that's the case, there is a back-order status but, if your profile is correct and you have a 520, the part number needed is 555975.

Best to call SS and at least verify the part number ordered!

jbooher · Post by **jbooher** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:26 am

Called today and talked to Linda. SS shipped the lift assist on Monday and it should be delivered today.

James

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:41 pm

Lift Assist installed! Works Great! Took about an hour from start to finish. Instructions were clear and simple (for me).

Tools called for were 7/16, 1/2 OE Wrench and an adjustable wrench, small SB screwdrive (only needed to take the piston off). I opted for additional tools such as large heavy hammer, crowbar and hack saw.. Naaaa just kidding bout thoes.

All parts were a good fit and only minimal adjustments were required as indicated in the instructions..

Was however a little dissappointed to find a "made in China" sticker on it. peeled it off first thing!

After complete install, I tested it's complete operation and it works as advertised. Did howeever, discover my table carrage didn't want to slide when unlocked. Thought something was twisted and became a little concered. The carrage would slide if I banged it with the back of my hand. Discovered the carrage lock was impacted with sawdust and wouldn't fully unlock.. Took the locking assembly apart, cleaned out the sawdust, reassembled and works great. BTW if you deceide to clean your carrage assy lock, be careful of the big spring. Kinda tricky to reassemble but with patience and a helping hand (a wood clamp for me) everything worked out.

In summary, don't know why I didn't add this lift assist sooner!