Sticking Drill Press Spindle Travel

[kellogg]

I bought a Westward 20" 1ken7 floor model drill press that is in almost new condition. However, when I got it home and got it assembled, I noticed a little sticking problem in the spindle travel. When I'm retracting the spindle slowly using the handle, the spindle sticks about 1.5" from the end and it'll hold at that position. It only takes a slight nudge to get pass this sticking. If I draw out the spindle all the way out and just let go of the handle, the spindle will retract all the way in on its own. I don't know if I have a bent spindle or if there is a simple adjustment to make to solve this problem. The previous owner lost the owners manual and I'm planning to call Grainger tomorrow to see how I can get one. Anyone have any idea what kind of a problem I have with my new drill press?

 

[zkling]

Can you take a picture of the head? There should be a bolt or handle on one side of the head casting that adjusts the quill drag. I'd start by removing that and seeing if that solves anything. Beyond that you may need to add a turn or two to the return spring. When it is all the way down inertial gets it all the way back up, but if you are not at full extension you don't have the benefit of the inertia to help bring it home. Thus if the spring isn't wound tight enough it won't fully retract. I would also give it a good wipe with oil.

 

[rsanter]

Clean and lube the quill and is it still sticks then look at adjusting the return spring

Bob