Shopsmith Forums

I have a headstock manufactured around 1980. I seem to recall, and a picture in PTWFE shows that the feed stop is supposed to rest flush against the headstock, so that the markings are right next to the notch. Since having a two-bearing quill installed (by Shopsmith), the feed stop rides approximately one-eighth of an inch away from the headstock. This made setting the depth value visually difficult at times due to the gap. Taking things apart, I see that the retaining ring on the quill feed pinion is also located out from the headstock by approximately this same amount. I found that removing the inner serrated washer allow the feed stop to go back against the headstock, and the depth control seemed to work fine, so I have been running it like that. But I believe every part was designed for a purpose, and so the second washer should probably be used.

So, my questions are: 1) Is it a problem for the quill feed pinion retaining ring to be located out from the headstock and 2) is it a problem using the feed stop without the inner serrated washer?

Can you provide some pictures?

I just came from the shop but was unable to get photo images. The camera battery needs charging. Photos will follow.

Edited Comment: I shall post no additional photos. Bucksaw has shown what needs to be shown.

The gap between the Feed Stop (5013149) and the headstock housing is undeniable but is not enough that it should cause problems reading the dial when setting it.

The first thing I would suggest is ascertain that the components that comprise the feed stop mechanism are installed in the right order.

In the not too distant past I found that I had reassembled my Feed Stop incorrectly. I had the two serrated washers installed face to face behind the Feed Stop. That is incorrect.

Coming away from the headstock housing you should have first a thin flat washer, then a serrated washer with the serrations on the outside, then the feed stop, then a serrated washer with the serrations on the inside, then the feed stop handle.

In other words, the Feed Stop is sandwiched between the serrated washers with the serrations against the mating surfaces of the Feed Stop.

Installed in this manner, the gap is minimal (with the feed stop locked) and a variable when the feed stop is unlocked.

With the outside serrated washer installed in the proper location it occupies space on the outside of the feed stop and therefore, does not contribute to the size of the gap.

Take a look at these posts.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

bucksaw wrote:Take a look at these posts.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... quill+feed

If the quill LOCK (wing nut on OPPOSITE side as stop dial) is not SNUGGED up there WILL be end to end 'looseness' which allows the shaft and dial etc. to move away from the headstock etc..

tryinhard wrote:Since having a two-bearing quill installed (by Shopsmith), the feed stop rides approximately one-eighth of an inch away from the headstock. This made setting the depth value visually difficult at times due to the gap.
So, my questions are: 1) Is it a problem for the quill feed pinion retaining ring to be located out from the headstock and 2) is it a problem using the feed stop without the inner serrated washer?

1) My retaining ring is flush to the headstock.
2)Without the serrated washers, I'd think you could knot use the depth stop properly.

We don't know whether the problem described by tryinhard has been corrected or not.

Since I have not had my quill lock assembly apart I'm just guessing here. But it seems, from what has been said, that if one simply loosens the set screw, loosens the Feed Stop and tightens the Quill Lock - the entire mechanism will be pulled into place so that the stop ring is flush with the headstock and the unwanted gap would be gone. Tighten the set screw and test the Feed Stop.

Gap is gone and hopefully all works well.

Am I right or wrong.

beeg wrote:1) My retaining ring is flush to the headstock.
2)Without the serrated washers, I'd think you could knot use the depth stop properly.

I agree. The serrated washers are the key to the entire Feed Lock (as I discovered when I found that I had mine installed incorrectly. Those little pictures in the exploded views (parts lists) can be really helpful.

Thanks for all your help and messages so far.

From what you all have provided, I believe I need to loosen the setscrew that pins down the spring housing. I cannot get to the setscrew because of a plug that has been inserted in the hole. Before I had the quill upgraded, there used to be nylon plugs in the setscrew holes. Now, there appears to be some kind of soft metal plug with a very small hole in the middle. I really don't want to damage the plug, since I want to put it back in. Is there some specific method for removing the plug, or can I just drive a very small screw into the small hole and pull the plug out?

Thanks again.

I've used liquid solder to fill the plug holes after removal. Some times if you are careful, you can re-insert the original plug but I've never been that lucky. You can leave the fill out completely after repair work is complete if you want. (as mentioned in one of the Shopsmith repair videos.