Shopsmith Forums

- I know I am stepping far out on a limb on this one. I just picked up a free Mark 2 - Serial Number 8589. The old "Wards Power - Kraft" motor is good and runs smoothly, the bearings seem good (yes it's an old 1/2 HP motor).
- The problem is the quill is stuck solid and will not move. The shaft will spin freely, however the quill will not move in and out.
- Anyone out there ventured into the realm of the Mark 2? Or have any suggestions?
- I got the whole green frame, table and lathe rest. I thought of making it a "shorty" (or a mini) and just setting it up to run my SS Jig saw or a disc sanding / grinding station.
- Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks to everyone for a great site!

I don't know how the quill lock mechanism is designed on a Wards unit, but if the lock is seized internally, that could explain why the quill won't move.

If you can remove the motor and pan, move it in to drill press mode and examine it from the inside.

I know I am not much help, but I have never seen one before in person.

Do post some photos as you go, for someone will want to know more just as you do.

Everett

I looked through some of my archives from a time when I was exploring doing a Mark 2 manual, but I never could find one. I found limited materials and have attached a couple of pieces that might help.

The headstock lock is somewhat like the original 10E / 10ER series locks. Those were first one piece, some were two piece brass, and some were two piece aluminum alloy. Some were known to strip out the threads on the handle of the lock with it seized. That's why they made the production change on the 10E / 10ER series locks.

I suspect now, that's where your issue is centered.

Everett And yes, the design looks backwards to me. Look at the saw blade and table, and consider the operating control of the quill etc. are only on the other side.

You can purchase a photocopy of a Mark 2 Reference Packet from Shopsmith.

They state:
Informational pages for the Magna Mark II Units produced in the late 1950's and early 1960's.

Includes copies of the Owners Manual & Parts Listing.

Trouble shooting & common repair information.

877084 Mark 2 Reference Packet $11.99

I may buy a copy of one some day. The quality is not likely going to be something I could use to build a manual restoration from, but if someone has one of the original printed manuals in good shape and can make 600 dpi scan in PDF or JPG format, I might do it some day.

No personal experience with this model.

I did find an exploded parts diagram here on the forum. http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=17593

I don't see a quill wedge lock on the diagram. It looks like the lock just tightens against the side of the quill.

It is possible that the grease or oil on the outer surface of the quill has hardened over the years, glueing it in place. A bit of solvent might help free it up.

I agree now that I see the part exploded diagram. It does not look like a lock mechanism at all. Maybe something is jamming up the teeth in the quill advance.

I wish I knew more. Like most, I have not seen one. If you will post pictures here we can all learn more together about the Wards Mark 2 model.

Everett

I know that the common perception is that Only Montgomery Wards sold the Mark 2, but I found a May 1958 Popular Mechanics Ad that suggests Magna sold the Mark 2 as well as Wards. That's at least what the Ad says.

I know there is a different PowrKraft branded one, that I believe was even more cheaply made. I will dig up a picture of one of those too.

Everett

I'se gonna guess the quill feed shaft is galled/corroded in the headstock bore.

Bob84 I picked up a Mark 2 just last weekend and I’ve been tinkering with it and fixing what I find broken.

My quill was quite stiff and the return was slow and wouldn’t go all the way back up without help. It took some doing but I got it apart, cleaned, oiled and rewound the clock spring. Now it seems to be working good as new - except I don’t have a handle for it...

If you’re interested, I’ll take pictures of it and post them for you.