Shopsmith speed reducer

[psargeant]

I have a question about how the speed reducer works when used in the drill press mode. How does it allow for the quill to move the drill bit up and down? If not how does it work? If you own one how useful has it been for you and how do you use it most frequently?
Thanks for your input.
Phil Sargeant

[paulmcohen]

I have only used it for the lathe (to turn our of round large objects) and it is very useful. I remember it being advertised for use with the drill press but thinking about it I have no idea how. I can't get to mine at the moment but if no one else answers I can look tomorrow.

[james.miller]

In the drill press mode you barely tighten the clamp around the way tubes, just enough so it can slide,

[popstoyshop]

Hi Folks,

James is right. You only tighten the bar on the ways enough to stabilize the reducer.

I didn't like the fact that there would be metal to metal sliding on my ways.
I solved this by sticking duct tape on the way bar of the reducer.

The speed reducer is a life saver when drilling with large Forstner bits.

Bill G.

[reible]

What I did was use some anti-friction UHMW tape on the parts that touch the tubes, it seems to work great.

Ed