Radial arm saw adjustment froze

[super-six]

I picked up a free radial arm saw that works but the vertical adjustment is froze up. I believe that the saw has not been used in awhile. I've already freed-up a couple of other adjustments that were stuck. This one is a tough one though. The vertical beam where the adjustment is made consists of an aluminum outer cylinder and an inner cast iron or steel sleeve that supposed to slide up and down. Maybe since these are two dissimilar metals it is corroded. This slides in about a 7" span. I've tried a hammer against a block of wood. Also been soaking in some penetrant. The penetrant has a long way to go though. Any ideas on freeing this up? Thanks.

 

[zkling]

What saw is that off of? Back when I had mine, I had to clean it regularly of sawdust. Sawdust and oil combo turns into a great glue over time. Be careful hammering on anything. If it is like I think, there is probably a gear set in there.

If you post the model number we can look up a parts diagram and see what all is going on. Are there any bolts that needs to be loosened on the back side. Mine had a clamping mechanism.

 

[super-six]

Wards Power Kraft TPC 2610A. The inner sleeve is run up and down by a large screw which is turned by a pinion gear attached to a hand crank. There is a plug in the outer cylinder that applies tension to the inner sleeve that was also froze up. I was able to loosen it up an back it away but there didn't seem to be much difference.

 

[woody 73]

Not sure what the difference is between TPC 2610A is and TPC 2610B is?
Hope this helps you out:

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/657/2117.pdf

 

[Packard V8]

Since aluminum expands so much more than does steel, sometimes just a hair dryer or a carefully used heat gun out/in/around the aluminum casting will free it.

jack vines

 

[super-six]

It finally came off! I was barely able to get a scissor jack between the two aluminum housings and, with a helper, that did it. It was not corroded. As zkling had suggested, it was like glue covering the surfaces. Thanks to all for all the good suggestions. It is much appreciated.

 

[zkling]

Good job, hopefully nothing got broken. I'd clean everything thoroughly with acetone, then lightly grease the hidden gears and rub Johnsons past wax into all of the other parts (ex column). The radial arm saw is such a misunderstood tool by the masses IMHO.

 

[scaron]

ah yes, aluminum and steel is always a nasty one, left to sit a while without lube or anti seize. glad to hear you got it out; i would have suggested maybe trying to get a slide hammer on it somehow.

 

[jakemac]

Sounds like it was lubed with oil, and it varnished from lack of use. I had a scroll saw that seized up like that.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Glad you were able to get them apart. When I read aluminum and steel I was concerned. I went through the same thing with an early 60's DeWalt 1400. Fortunately it was steel on steel so eventually penetrant and muscle got it. I guess I should go back and wipe it down and go at it with the paste wax.

 

[super-six]

I'm a little confused on the lubrication of the sleeve. Should I use any type of oil, paste wax, or leave dry?