Shopsmith Forums

I just installed my double tilt and powerpro upgrades.
The double tilt went fine. The PowerPro went on the way tubes fine. However, it does not slide well. When I move the headstock I need to put my foot at the bottom of the leg so the entire Shopsmith does not slide on the floor.
Anyone have any suggestions?

--- A L ---

When you did the double tilt you more then likely rotated the tubes, when I did mine I marked them so they went back the same way they were. If it doesn't loosen up with some wax and polishing then you may want to start rotating the tubes looking for the best "fit".

Also keep in mind the headstock gained some weight and will not slide as easy as before due to that.

Ed

To avoid way tube rotation, align the original set screw marks under the set screw holes before tightening. If you have two sets of marks, you might try aligning to the other 'set'(one tube at a time etc.).

I do think fresh waxing(assuming a new headstock) will help.

When I got my PP several years ago the finish of the way tube holes in the headstock casting were very rough. I polished them with some 600 grit sandpaper and then waxed the way tubes. This helped but the PP still was harder to move. Just remember that the PP is about 20 pounds heavier than the conventional headstock.
If you want to check the alignment of the way tubes remove the small casting on the tubes at the latch of the way tubes and look to see how the welds inside the tubes are positioned. The welds can be aligned both to the left or right. They should NOT be aligned one left and one right. The weld can cause a slight bow in the tubes and if they are set one right and one left it MAY cause a slight binding of the headstock as well as the table carriage. Bill V