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What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 4:34 pm
by ExtraMile
And yes, the lock is loosened.
It won't move, even if I put it in the drill press mode!
What now?
Please advise!
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 5:02 pm
by dusty
I disconnect power and then disconnect the wires between the switch and the motor. I then drop the motor pan and lift the Shopsmith into drill press mode so that I can see what is going on (with the headstock lock mechanism). Be careful not to allow the headstock to slam down on the end when you go vertical. With the headstock lock loose, tap on the ends of the threaded shaft that holds the locking wedges. Sometime moving that shaft with a light tap will free the wedges from the tubes. AGAIN...CAREFUL. If the headstock slams down, something is likely to get broken.
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 5:15 pm
by ExtraMile
Will do!
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:43 pm
by ExtraMile
The underbelly of my stuck Mark V
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:47 pm
by ExtraMile
Here is the other side!
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:49 pm
by ExtraMile
Threaded end.
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:53 pm
by ExtraMile
The headstock is within 1 to 2 inches from the locked table, at this point in time, so if it slides down, it will only go that far.
I think I will tinker with the threaded bolt to see if I can get the locking wedges to free up!
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 8:11 pm
by dusty
If all else fails, you can cut the threaded rod and order replacement parts from Shopsmith. Hope that does not happen.
I had the same situation as you but mine was caused by aluminum shavings or dust getting into the threads and into the wedges.
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 9:08 pm
by ExtraMile
After studying the anatomy of Mr. Smith, I came to the conclusion that it was not his wedges causing Mr. Smith to be stopped up!
What I found, might strike you as a tad bit alarming.
I use the rubber sticks, to clear out my abrasives and this same rubber (shards) stick to most surfaces.
Mr. Smith, only needed a little persuasion to the front of his headstock, with "light" taps, with a rubber mallet, in order to get him, in good working order again.
I have since cleaned his way tubes and applied some light weight oil to them.
(I have yet to locate, Johnsons Paste Wax) it is almost like non existent, round these parts!
So, I have success. Mr. Smith is back to, in perfect working order
Re: What do you do, when a headstock is stuck on the way tubes?
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 9:15 pm
by ExtraMile
And those photos that I supplied were the table wedges and not the headstock wedges. Dang Rookie, mistake
