Shopsmith Forums

On my new purchase, the headstock is stuck to the way tubes. I've squirted penetrating fluid around everything and slugged it with a rubber mallet to no avail. Currently I have it in the upright position with the headstock propped up and have saturated the tubes with penetrating fluid; will let it sit overnight. It has not been used since the 70's and it looks as though someone has rubbed grease on the tubes at some time. The grease is very thick around the headstock and tubes. It looks as though the headstock locks are NOT pressing against the way tubes.
Does anyone have another suggestion?

I have brought some really heavy rusted way tube Shopsmiths. I remove the belt cover, motor pan & motor and the switch. I place in the drill press position and use KROIL, an excellant penetrating oil, around the way tube. I sand the way tubes to remove most of the rust so the headstock can be removed.

Since the headstock is an aluminum casing, I would not hit it directly with any metal hammer. A dead blow or rubber hammer can be used. I have used a short piece of a 2X4 and a 3 pd steel hammer to hit the headstock casing at the way tubes to get them to move on the way tubes.

After soaking the way tubes/headstock in penetrating oil overnight in the drill press position the readily came loose in the AM with a whack by a rubber mallet. PB Blaster did it's work!

Nothing like getting out the PERSUADER when thing are being difficult.......:)