head stock play

[Harry Goodwin]

While we are on the subject of Jet mini's. Mine has for a long while had end play of about a 1/16" in the head stock. It only happens on faceplate work and only while it is running. Makes faceplate turning a little scarey at times. When the shaft is not runing it's tight as a drum. I bought new bearings but have been chicken to try to install them since most of my stuff is spindle turning with the tail stock. anyone have that problem or a hint to installing new bearings in the headstock. Harry

[Paul Atkins]

I thought just being able to feel a 'click' on endplay was excessive, but 1/16" seems like quite a bit. My guess the bearing themselves are moving in the casting. Check the drawing and see how they are supposed to be secured. That might give you a clue where to start before replacing the bearings themselves.