Shopsmith Forums

When I was performing maintenance on my Shopsmith weekend the bracket I use to hold the utility light on the headstock fell off and broke the lightbulb. I retightened the screws holding the bracket and it seemed to be snug, however when I put the utility light back on the bracket became loose again. Does anyone have any ideas how I can resolve this problem without having to drill more holes into the headstock to hold the bracket?

Thanks,
BPR

BPR,

I found eighteen references to a utility light in the new Shopsmith catelog. Not one of them makes reference to mounting it to the headstock. There are, however, six references to "brackets" and there seems to be part numbers associated with each. Maybe you can buy a new bracket.

I'd present this problem to customer service.

I think I really like the new pdf catalog. Once loaded on your computer, it has a fantastic search function.

The problem isn't with the bracket. It is with the screws holding the bracket.
BPR

Had the same problem when I first came to the Academy. I wanted to install lights on all the machines for safety and convenience and found that the screws holding the brackets would come loose. Finally figured out that they would strip out the aluminum if I installed them on the cast headstock and they wouldn't work like sheet metal screws if I installed them on the dust cover. I fixed the problem by replacing the screws with machine screws, nuts, and lock washers. Been tight for a year now.

With all good wishes,

Nick, thanks for the idea! I wanted to confirm that before I tried it. I didn't want anything coming loose in the headstock. I'll do that tonight when I get home.
Regards,
BPR

I did the Nick recommendation about nine months ago and have to add that I have had no problems since.

Also you could put Locktite on the threads, or Vibratite if you can find it. Why take chances of hardware falling inside of the headstock.

I also mounted a bracket to the carriage to use the Utility Vacuum Extension with and used nuts and bolts to mount it.

You could also use nuts with the nylon insert that are self locking.

I had to replace the screw that holds the front end of the pan onto the headstock with a larger sheet metal screw when the original got loose. So far it has held up for two years through two removals and replacements.

BPR
I had the same problem when I installed a light bracket on my headstock. It was fine the first time I used it for the light, but after a couple of uses it loosened up to the point that it would not stay tight. I also used a machine screw with lock washer and nut to replace the screws that SS sent with the bracket. No problems since.