Shopsmith Forums

How much play is normal in quill pinion shaft? Not the quill, but the shaft that goes through the head stock that advances the quill. I have 1987 with no play, 2005 with just a tad of play and now a brand-new power pro with play in in the quill pinion shaft. I will be contacting the Mother Ship tomorrow, but I'm just curious. I’m ordering a run out gauge tonight.

I've had the opposite problem, resulting in binding. There is a little play where the quill return spring housing is installed in the headstock (aka smart motor ). What I did is loosen the setscrew that holds the housing in, repositioned the pinion shaft where I wanted it (from the lock end), then tightened the setscrew. IIRC you need to use the depth stop to prevent the return spring unwinding while you do this.

- David

I took it apart and put it back together, this did the trick. When I first received the new headstock (last week), I extended the quill and the quill came out. Alan screw not properly installed. I attended the 75th anniversary get together. Everyone at Shopsmith was very nice. Quality control has been lacking for a while. I wish Nick all the best and if he improves quality control, I will call it a smart motor or what ever he wants. Thank you for your help. One other thing, I did cut a piece of oak, wow, I love the new headstock. Maybe I will call it a smart motor.

Just call it a smart buy.