Shopsmith Forums

I replaced my 510 with a new Power Pro head some time ago. I know the Power Pro is heavier then the 510 and is more difficult to slide on the Way tubes, but it seems like as time has gone by, it is more difficult to slide now. I keep the way tubes cleaned and waxed per the guide but still at times it seems the power head is nearly stuck - and was wondering if there is someway to release the pressure on the way tube clamps so that there is less resistance when I unlock the clamps. Any clues?

I have one that even after loosening the HS lock, I have to give the lock handle a push in to release the wedges, try that, just a thought.

If I had this to deal with, I would pull the headstock off the tubes and clean the wedge locks with mineral spirits. I would then clean the Way with mineral spirits, wipe them clean and then wax and polish the Ways. When the headstock goes back on, I would expect it to slide as it did when new.

I do not believe that the extra weight should make all that much difference. A build up of wax and dust (crud) on the wedges will create issues as you describe.

The headstock lock is the only device that effects how easy or how difficult the headstock slides. It has no adjustment other than what you use every time you lock or unlock the headstock.

I do find, from time to time, that I must do as ER just suggested. Unlock the headstock and with the palm of your hand give the lock mechanism a good whack. I believe what happens is the wedges get stuck to the Way tubes (at least one of them) preventing it from sliding even though it is unlocked.

The wedges wear and acquire 'troughs'(for lack of a better description) that prevent the wedge from 'retracting'. The application of force to the wingnut causes the wedge to become free from the way tube.

I bought my Power Pro headstock assembled from the factory and yes it is more difficult to move along the way tubes. I commented here that the finish on the inside of the way tube holes on the headstock were much more rough than the the same holes on the original headstock. Just an apparent lack of the same level of fit and finish as on the original. Also the PP headstock is reported to be 21 lbs heavier than the original, however it will slide. Since I have installed the upgraded casters the machine has to be down on the floor in order for me to move the headstock because the unit moves very easily now.
Over the past few years it seems to be more easily moved. Maybe the casting mating surfaces are be getting smoothed out.
Bill V

OK, my elder brother has adopted 2 of my Model 10s.
Yesterday, I (FINALLY) rebuilt and cleaned this headstock
and carriage. (Just worked on the sliding stuff/way tube
interface here,) Cleaned off the tubes, drizzled some lacquer
thinner on the tubes, then slid over the moving parts, to clean
out the bores, and then sanded off the upper surface of the tubes.)

I was amazed! Headstock, WITH a speedchanger, slid easily!
Carriage, could slide it back and forth, just by hitting it with a
finger. Yes, I still needed to whack the headstock with a dead
blow ($3.99, orange, Harbor Fright) hammer to release the lock.

Oh, he POLISHED the way tubes, on the unit we mounted to the
shop wall, for a dedicated drill-press. Now, the locks don't.
I'll need to regrind the wedges.

steve

Steve, nice you showed up to the party!
Have a good TG!!!

On my 2 dedicated ER drill presses I put split stop rings on the way tubes to hold the HS and the table in place. I had too much up movement on the HS or/and down movement on the table just having used the wedge locks when using large Fostner bits.
At times a PITB but nothing moves with them.

Just a quick comment and pic. The photo shows the inside of the way tube bores on my new (at the time) Power Pro headstock Could be contributing to the problem.
Bill V

dusty wrote:If I had this to deal with, I would pull the headstock off the tubes and clean the wedge locks with mineral spirits. I would then clean the Way with mineral spirits, wipe them clean and then wax and polish the Ways. When the headstock goes back on, I would expect it to slide as it did when new.

I do not believe that the extra weight should make all that much difference. A build up of wax and dust (crud) on the wedges will create issues as you describe.

The headstock lock is the only device that effects how easy or how difficult the headstock slides. It has no adjustment other than what you use every time you lock or unlock the headstock.

I do find, from time to time, that I must do as ER just suggested. Unlock the headstock and with the palm of your hand give the lock mechanism a good whack. I believe what happens is the wedges get stuck to the Way tubes (at least one of them) preventing it from sliding even though it is unlocked.

Thanks Dusty - you were right on - my way tube locks were just stuck and by tapping the wedges (wacking them) they popped lose and things move well now. Thanks for that easy fix.