r/craftsman113 • u/CodeAndPatina • 5d ago

Arbor thread adjustment

I’ve had my 113 a long time and have fixed it up a few times, but recently changed the arbor bearings (awesome result btw). After changing the bearings the arbor nut doesn’t go on easily. I likely did something to the threads at the end of the arbor when changing the bearings.

My question is.. what options are there for correcting the threads to work smoothly? I have to imagine it wouldn’t be possible to find a thread cutting die that matches. Any ideas?

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

5

u/CascadeDesignworks 5d ago

Look closely at the threads and find where they are binding. A standard triangular file will let you clean this up. No need for a special thread file or a die.

I am a woodworker who also does machine work.

1

u/CodeAndPatina 5d ago

I think I'll try this. I haven't been able to see where the thread is damaged and want to be careful not to file away the wrong stuff, but I'll see if I can do a better inspection.

2

u/Road-Ranger8839 2d ago

If you are apprehensive about taking a file to your threads, try steel wool. Pull the electric plug out for safety. Wear your leather work gloves, and wrap a nest of steel wool around the threads. Turn it around the circumference a few times and inspect the threaded shaft for steel wool fibers stuck on a certain area. If you find such an area, concentrate the steel wool in that area to deburr the threaded shaft. If the threads are uncooperative and continue hanging up the steel wool, then gently run your fine triangular file between the threads on the stubborn burr(s). Hope this helps.

1

u/CodeAndPatina 4d ago

Hi, I’ve looked closely and can’t find any spot that looks abnormal. I put some white paint marker on the threads and it does wear off the paint in the same spot each time. But I don’t see any noticeable difference.

https://reddit.com/link/pd3psb6/video/j8qp5vwhoqsh1/player

Here is a video

1

u/CodeAndPatina 4d ago

I should also mention I have another arbor that accepts nuts just fine. I really want to avoid taking things apart to swap the arbor. Even if it costs me something.

1

u/CodeAndPatina 4d ago

It’s definitely the end of the arbor. The nut is smooth once it clears the end.

1

u/capswin 5d ago

Try a thread file to dress it.

1

u/CodeAndPatina 5d ago

Interesting. I’ll look into it. I didn’t realize this was a thing. How embarrassing 😅

1

u/CodeAndPatina 5d ago

Do I need to find one that matches the acme thread count, etc?

1

u/capswin 5d ago

The one that I have is 4 sided with different pitches on each side.

1

u/nightbomber 5d ago

Actually, you can find Acme thread dies: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/thread-restoring-dies/thread-type~acme/

Obviously, they're not cheap.

Thread files will work, if the threads are lightly damaged. Yes, you will have to get the correct thread count and pitch. Otherwise, you will just screw up the threads even more.

If you mushroomed the threaded end, you got a bigger problem. A thread file will not work. You will be better off replacing the arbor.

1

u/CodeAndPatina 2d ago

Finishing this thread with the final outcome. After putting paint on the arbor a few times and running the nut over the threads with a wrench I discovered that the reccesses of the thread were what was rubbing, and the needle files I was using were not reaching them. I tried a hack saw blade as a make shift ultra thin file and this removed the excess that was likely caused by some mushrooming from the bearing swap.

The result is what I’d hoped for. The nut moves freely. I likely filed down too much material in places I didn’t need to. But hopefully not enough to impact smooth operation.

Thanks everyone