Quill refurbishment

rte66 · Post by **rte66** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 5:20 pm

The quill on the '86 hesitates 5 times per revolution when rotated by hand. I suspect the bearings are shot. I know this involves variables that aren't readily apparent, but, in general, should I even attempt to find a local machine shop to replace the bearings, or just return to Shopsmith? I don't have the skill or equipment, so it has to go somewhere. Is this a difficult task, or can a Cajun mechanic (all I'm likely to find around here) make it happen?

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 5:34 pm

The quill itself usually doesn't need special tools in order to change the bearing. The bearing itself, you'll need to be careful to get the right size; outer dimension is metric but inner is Imperial on many of the older units.

If it's not the quill, then some headstock bearings, harder to get in and out, may be bad.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 6:58 pm

Try it with the belts removed(or the quill disconnected from them).

It may be the belt has 'set' that creates the 'hesitation?'.

Belt conditioner will 'ease' the set.

ChrisNeilan · Post by **ChrisNeilan** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:45 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Try it with the belts removed(or the quill disconnected from them).

It may be the belt has 'set' that creates the 'hesitation?'.

Belt conditioner will 'ease' the set.

Good point... Kinda like my pick-up truck. I may not use it for a month or two... flat spots develop on the tires. Have to run it hot to get the balance back!

rte66 · Post by **rte66** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 10:14 pm

The machine is in pieces, the quill is screwed up on its own.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 12:28 am

rte66 wrote:The machine is in pieces, the quill is screwed up on its own.

The bearing is easily replaced. A puller/press is not needed.