Shopsmith Forums

I just got a two bearing quill (yay!) And just got a speed reducer (bigger yay, as the amount thereof is directly proportional to the expense, of course).

So, I figured I'd be set for large hole boring & drilling. Once I get big bits, of course.

Only now that I have it I realize the speed reducer has to be used just mounted to the quill and not to the way tubes fir drilling. Right? Does this cause wobble or accuracy problems? I can't get to my machines to check (construction, landlord fixing hidden leak in bathroom, shop between bathroom and living room, shop covered in crap).

If so, what about making a slide that turns the way tubes into linear bearing surfaces, I guess even a thick, rigid wooden mount with uhmw plastic lining the way tube holes? Or is there another solution, or lack of a problem?

Thanks

You still use the way tube clamp when drilling with the speed reducer. Just make sure the way tubes are waxed and back off the clamp pressure on the speed reducer until the whole things glides smoothly on the tubes as you extend the quill.

I agree with Al. I have used my speed reducer exactly that way. However, realize that the quill will probably not retract with the spring due to the added weight when in the vertical drill position. You will have to urge it to retract.
Bill V

Odd, may not have hit submit. In any case, thanks. I'm glad it works more easily that feared.

Here is how I use my speed reducer for drilling operations:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?p=97568

You can look down to post 97568 to see the description and photo.

Ed

Thanks Ed. I didn't remember they even made tape from the stuff, only thicker sheets. Clearly works, but I'd like to hear more about the tape: is it really a thin, fragile tape? Apparently not.

It also occured to me that play could be reduced if need be by making a wooden mount that mirrors the thick sheet metal one, since there are holes to mount it on on each end of the speed reducer.
Any idea why the two sets of mounting holes?

fitzhugh wrote:Thanks Ed. I didn't remember they even made tape from the stuff, only thicker sheets. Clearly works, but I'd like to hear more about the tape: is it really a thin, fragile tape? Apparently not.

It also occured to me that play could be reduced if need be by making a wooden mount that mirrors the thick sheet metal one, since there are holes to mount it on on each end of the speed reducer.
Any idea why the two sets of mounting holes?

The tape I used, and it is still in place, was called "Stick Strip" in comes in a roll that is 3" tall and just over 10ft. long. I believe the thickness is .010". It is self-adhesive and in my experience it has worked well.

If you go to a place like Amazon and search for uhmw tape you will find all sorts of type and sizes.

Can't help you with the other question as I have not really looked in to other mounting situations.

Ed