Shopsmith Forums

I have searched through this forum about various aspects of quill maintenance but, so far, haven't been able to find what I am looking for. If this question has been answered previously, please point me in the right direction.

I have just noticed that when in drill-press mode and drilling pen blanks at close to full extension of the quill, that the whole quill is wobbling which gives me out of round holes. I removed the quill and after closer examination I have found that the quill has some lateral movement on the inboard bearing end. So, it appears I have a bad bearing. However, the Shopsmith website does not have any reference to bearing part numbers or their replacement. A couple of questions:

1- Can I order individual bearings from Shopsmith?
2- I do not have a snap-ring tool. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what they use to remove the snap-rings on the quill?

Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

Oh, forgot to mention, my SS 510 was purchased new in 2005 and been been used quite a bit in turning pens and spindle projects over the past 9 years of service.

I just spoke with SS customer service. They tell me they do not sell the bearings separately due to multiple manufacturers being used over the years. They do recommend replacing the entire quill assembly with a new unit #555088 currently priced at $127.69.

Any advice on doing the replacement versus trying to find and change the bearings myself?

Just pull the quill and read the numbers on the bearings or measure them with a dial caliper. I order mine from VXB bearings. VXB is very prompt on their mail and delivery times.
Bill V

You could also look into upgrading the quill with a two bearing unit. It supposedly stabilizes it well.

Dick

As stated in my earlier posts, this is a SS 510 bought in 2005. It has already has a two-bearing quill in it. After pulling the quill out, I can see the one bearing on the outside part. It has a number on it of "6203R5C" along with "Poland" and another mark of what appears to be three non-English characters but I can't make them out. I have gone to the VXB website but can't find anything with the 6203R5c number on them in their search section.

I cannot get to the internal bearing since I need a snap-ring tool to remove the snap-ring. None of my limited local stores around here carry snap-ring removal tools. Can someone point me to an on-line resource where I can order one?

Thanks!

W3DRM wrote:I have searched through this forum about various aspects of quill maintenance but, so far, haven't been able to find what I am looking for. If this question has been answered previously, please point me in the right direction.

I have just noticed that when in drill-press mode and drilling pen blanks at close to full extension of the quill, that the whole quill is wobbling which gives me out of round holes. I removed the quill and after closer examination I have found that the quill has some lateral movement on the inboard bearing end. So, it appears I have a bad bearing. However, the Shopsmith website does not have any reference to bearing part numbers or their replacement. A couple of questions:

1- Can I order individual bearings from Shopsmith?
2- I do not have a snap-ring tool. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what they use to remove the snap-rings on the quill?

Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

Oh, forgot to mention, my SS 510 was purchased new in 2005 and been been used quite a bit in turning pens and spindle projects over the past 9 years of service.

I am going to assume you have a two bearing quill (based on stated purchase date).

The best way to ascertain the required part numbers would be to pull the quill apart and read the numbers right off the bearings. But the ineer bearing is likely to be a 6003ZZ (17mm x 35mm x10mm) and the outer bearing is likely to be 6002ZC3 (15mm x 32mm x 9mm).

If you have a single bearing quill, use 202KDd5 C1 if you can find one. If not, use 6202ZZ, 6202-RS-5/8" or 6202-10-2z.

Yes, by all means, get yourself a set a snap ring pliers. The job can be done without but not without cussing.

W3DRM wrote:None of my limited local stores around here carry snap-ring removal tools.

Check any major auto parts store in your area. I got one at Advance Auto Parts because I needed it right away. Advance will let you barrow a tool for free if they have it in their lender tool cart.

W3DRM wrote:Can someone point me to an on-line resource where I can order one?
Thanks!

Then I ordered a complete set on Amazon.com

W3DRM wrote: . . .

I have just noticed that when in drill-press mode and drilling pen blanks at close to full extension of the quill, that the whole quill is wobbling which gives me out of round holes. I removed the quill and after closer examination I have found that the quill has some lateral movement on the inboard bearing end. So, it appears I have a bad bearing. However, the Shopsmith website does not have any reference to bearing part numbers or their replacement. A couple of questions:

1- Can I order individual bearings from Shopsmith?Nope!
2- I do not have a snap-ring tool. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what they use to remove the snap-rings on the quill?

Thanks in advance for any help on this matter.

Oh, forgot to mention, my SS 510 was purchased new in 2005 and been been used quite a bit in turning pens and spindle projects over the past 9 years of service.

The 'quill' is that 1 3/4" diameter part that moves in and out of the headstock. I believe you are referring to the quill shaft.

Not sure what you meant by inboard bearing end, but the output shaft end should not exhibit excessive runout. The splined shaft end can be wobbly. A single bearing quill is really wobbly at the splined shaft end.

The two bearing quills have indeed been in different configurations and bearings.

I do not recommend Horror Freight as a source for retaining ring pliers!

JPG - I am referring to the splined quill shaft. The spline end has a fair amount of lateral play in it which indicates to me that the bearing (6003Z) on the spline-end is worn. I can detect no play in the other end where a chuck or other attachments go.

I did go to Horror Fright and picked-up their 4-piece set of snap-ring pliers. Wow talk about sloppy workmanship and poor quality but, they did the job of removing the snap-ring. Now I just hope I can get it back together when I am done with the repairs. At $3.99 for the set, I guess I can't complain too loudly. However, I will seek a much better quality set for future usage. I couldn't find any local auto shops in the area who carried them in stock. All of them offered to order them for me.

I have now been able to remove the splined shaft so I can more easily see the bearings. The smaller bearing has "6003Z" stamped on it. The larger bearing has "6203RSC" on it.

While poking through the SS forum, I found another thread that discusses the quill bearings. It can be found at the following link:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=3543

VXB does not seem to carry the "exact" part number for either of these bearings. However, since the size and description appears to be the same, I am going to assume they can be used as replacements for those that SS used on their quills. VXB p/n's are 6203-2RS and 6003ZZ. Can someone confirm that these two bearings will work on the SS quill?

Assuming these replacement bearings are valid, I have one remaining question - "How do I get the bearings off of the shaft? I'm not a machinist and have no bearing pulling capabilities. Do I have to take my quill to a machine shop or is there some way I can do this myself?

Again, thanks for all the help on this matter. I can't imagine I am the only one who will benefit from this conversation.