Shopsmith Forums

I have a Model 510. I have had it for a couple months and really enjoyed it until tonight. The Headstock lock will not turn. It is stuck in the loose position. I have removed the logo cover and the belt cover, nothing seems amiss. I tried lubricating with graphite powder, but this does not help. The handle will not turn. The manual suggests that I adjust the headstock lock handle but does not say how. Does anyone have any suggestions?

rsh027 wrote:I have a Model 510. I have had it for a couple months and really enjoyed it until tonight. The Headstock lock will not turn. It is stuck in the loose position. I have removed the logo cover and the belt cover, nothing seems amiss. I tried lubricating with graphite powder, but this does not help. The handle will not turn. The manual suggests that I adjust the headstock lock handle but does not say how. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I don't know

rsh027 wrote:I have a Model 510. I have had it for a couple months and really enjoyed it until tonight. The Headstock lock will not turn. It is stuck in the loose position. I have removed the logo cover and the belt cover, nothing seems amiss. I tried lubricating with graphite powder, but this does not help. The handle will not turn. The manual suggests that I adjust the headstock lock handle but does not say how. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Just to make sure you are having a problem with Headstock Lock Assembly (#86-#96 in the parts list), check that the numbers and your items agree.

This is a common problem I find when someone has become too heavy-handed (strong) when tightening the lock handle. The soft material wedges (#50 & #51) internal threads becomes damaged (seized, frozen) from the threaded steel rod (#80) to where I am unable to turn the rod inside one of the wedges. Normally it is wedge next to the handle that becomes locked/frozen/seized on the lock rod.

Buy a new Headstock Lock Assembly (513014) and both wedges (504234 & 504235) from Shopsmith as soon as possible if unable to turn either of the wedges. The lock handle and rod are individually drilled originally for the 1/8" roll pin so they must be kept as a set.

For the last few I did, I had to remove the motor and switch from the headstock. There are responses in this Forum for doing the following tasks. I place the Shopsmith in the drill press position, removing the main table from the carriage and inserting the main table tubes into the opposite side of the carriage to hold the motor (it is heavy when one-handed it). Place the motor in a safe place and return to the lathe position.

Remove the headstock from the way tubes and place on bench. Remove the lock handle with a 1/8" pin punch. Try to rotate the wedge opposite the lock handle all the way to the center of the lock rod. If successful, the lock rod and wedges can be lifted from the headstock. Onlu in a few times, have I been able to save the lock rod and its mated handle by forcing the damaged wedge off the rod without damaging the rod threads.

If you cannot move the wedges enough to get room to remove the rod, then I hacksaw (cut) the lock rod into 2 or more pieces so I can remove the rod and wedges. I discard any wedges when the wedge threads are damaged.

RSH
I haven't heard of one being stuck in the loose position before but I suppose that all things are possible.I don't think that the graphite will work because it will not penetrate into the threads. Graphite is best used on the exposed threads when things are opened up. Locks are an exception because a key will help distribute the powder. Next I would try some high quality penetrating oil around the wedge locks and the casting and on the threaded rod. If this does not do the trick try a little more force. This is a bit unusual for a threaded shaft to bind up so suddenly. Some debris may have gotten into the threads and caused a problem. I am going to ask a dumb question so don't get upset. Are you turning in the correct direction? Did someone get in the shop and fool around? If you don't get the problem resolved I am sure someone else will also answer your post with more suggestions. Let us know what happens.
Bill V

To Bill Mayo;
I wish we can do something about our posts when we type at the same time.
Hope you're healthy Bill
Bill V

rsh027 wrote:I have a Model 510. I have had it for a couple months and really enjoyed it until tonight. The Headstock lock will not turn. It is stuck in the loose position. I have removed the logo cover and the belt cover, nothing seems amiss. I tried lubricating with graphite powder, but this does not help. The handle will not turn. The manual suggests that I adjust the headstock lock handle but does not say how. Does anyone have any suggestions?

When I got my Mark 5, the headstock lock handle was also stuck in the 'loose' postion. (turned too far in the counterclockwise direction). I used two board about 10 inches long sandwiching the lock handle and gaining mechanical advantage to turn the knob clockwise to unbind it. If was real easy.

mickyd wrote:When I got my Mark 5, the headstock lock handle was also stuck in the 'loose' postion. (turned too far in the counterclockwise direction). I used two board about 10 inches long sandwiching the lock handle and gain mechanical advantage to turn the know clockwise to unbind it. If was real easy.

You were also real lucky! Apparently stuck due to crud, not stripped threads.

rsh027 Hope you are as lucky!

JPG40504 wrote:You were also real lucky! Apparently stuck due to crud, not stripped threads.

rsh027 Hope you are as lucky!

He will be.

mickyd wrote:He will be.

Must be a Greenie thingie!

Thank you so much for the advice on the 1/8" pin punch. could not figure out how to get that key hole pin out of the handle.