No, I do not use the HeliCoil thread repair kit as they are expensive. They require a special tap, insertion tool and a tang breakoff tool. I only do a couple a year so went with what I think is a cheap method that works. I had used self tapping metal inserts but have not found any lately. I will use the following insert from McMaster-Carr.com .
90259A139 Steel Self-Locking Thin Wall Insert 5/16"-18 Int Thread, 7/16"-14 Ext Thread, 7/16" L In stock at $10.25 per Pack This product is sold in Packs of 10
I will drill the 5/16" set screw out with a 1/4" drill bit. Remove the item it was holding and try to chisel the remaining shell out. If not able to, then I will drill for the 7/16 tap. I will use a 7/16" - 14 tap and a 5/16" bolt and nut to insert the self-locking insert. If any of the steel insert is left showing, I will grind it level with the surrounding surface.
I have found the set screw in the Poly-V pulley on the Drive Sleeve shaft has loosen a few times on customer's Shopsmiths allowing the pulley to spin on the shaft. I remove the set screw and the pulley and use red LocTite to put it back together again. I do this on the Drive Sleeve Assy that I remove and install for customers and on all drive sleeve assy that I stock. I found that Shopsmith has made the Poly-V pulley and drive sleeve shaft as a one piece unit on a 1998 Shopsmith headstock that I repaired recently.
Bill Mayo
ldh wrote:Bill,
Do you use the HeliCoil thread repair kits? Glad to see you also use the blue loctite for a little extra security. I have never found any use for the red on any Shopsmith equipment. Great tool and great forum.
ldh