Shopsmith Forums

I've had my Mark V since the '90s. I recently lubricated the head stock lock using a spray can of "Graphite Dry Lubricant" which turned out NOT to be dry. The lock quickly started binding and is now frozen unlocked. I cannot turn the lock handle in either direction. Is there any solution?
Thanks,

Is the front wedge protruding out and contacting the end of the wing nut?

If one of the wedges is jammed, it may require dismounting the headstock to gain access and observe 'what' is jammed. A likely culprit is the front(left hand threaded) wedge.

The graphite is not likely the culprit, even though I would not use it- messy. The liquid is simply the carrier for the graphite and will quickly evaporate. Like JPG said, pull the headstock and re-examine the wedges. The locks are a simple but tricky system. Have to be aligned just right.

ChrisNeilan wrote:The graphite is not likely the culprit, even though I would not use it- messy. The liquid is simply the carrier for the graphite and will quickly evaporate. Like JPG said, pull the headstock and re-examine the wedges. The locks are a simple but tricky system. Have to be aligned just right.

Especially true if some one who did not understand has been there before you. Or, you preceeded yourself.

You brought up the subject, Chris. Am I to assume you are about to provide insight into the "right way".

Well, OK, I would recommend that the procedures below be followed:
http://allinonewood.com/?page=shop/serv ... 26e639a3b9
Start with #18...This is part of the first "sticky" in this section. Lots of good information there...

Wedge lock does not appear to be extended. Disassembly appears to be my next step.
Do you recommend any particular kind of penetrant (WD-40, etc) to unstick things?
Thanks,

Chris,
Thank you for the post. Looks interesting.

I would approach this by trying to better understand what the problem is. Headstock lock does not work right????

I wouldremove the motor belt, drop the motor pan and disconnect the switch wires.

I would then CAREFULLY go into the drill press mode. Do not rely on headstock lock.

Now you can see the threaded rod and wedges. The wedges, when the headstock is locked should each be about equal distance from the unthreaded section in the middle of the threaded rod. Check the rod for rust and/or debris.

Debris? I once had the locks seize due to aluminum shavings in the threads. I had cut and drilled a lot of aluminum for use on my RV renovation.

Now --- what do you see.

My approach.

Dusty,
Thanks for the reply. The problem is that the head stock lock mechanism is frozen. I can neither tighten nor loosen it. It acts as if the rod is frozen within the lock wedge. If I crank on the lock handle the whole interior assembly rocks slightly on the wedge.
When I get through with a current project I'm going to open the head stock and see better what's going on.
On a related subject, Chris posted

Well, OK, I would recommend that the procedures below be followed:
http://allinonewood.com/?page=shop/serv ... 26e639a3b9
Start with #18...This is part of the first "sticky" in this section. Lots of good information there...

I pulled the #18 paper and it is much less than helpful. The first five steps are just a verbatim copy of the #21, "Removing the Head Stock". The instructions for replacing the Lock are rudimentary and incomplete. For example, what do you do if the wedges are frozen to the rod? How do you set the "timing" of the wedges if that has been lost?
Anyway, thanks again for the reply.

Is the Headstock locked in a specific location or can it be moved.

The answer really does not effect the procedure for getting the locks to work correctly but it is important to know if you might go into drill press mode during this recovery process.

I'm hoping the Headstock can be moved (wedges frozen in an unlocked position).