Hafco 380-A thicknesser problem.

[burraboy]

I have had one of these for 30 odd years and it is starting to show its age by having the feed jumping out of gear. I can't even see how to get the covers off to see if anything needs replacing. Anyone had experience or advice?

[droog]

Same model as this ?

Does anyone have a machine manual for a Thicknesser (Hafco T-380A)?

[burraboy]

Same model as this ?

Does anyone have a machine manual for a Thicknesser (Hafco T-380A)?

Pretty much.. I thought the feed was engage/disengage rather than 2 speed and off.
Have you ever pulled one apart?

[droog]

Pretty much.. I thought the feed was engage/disengage rather than 2 speed and off.
Have you ever pulled one apart?

Never even seen one, simply googled "Hafco 380-A manual" and the above link was second on my results.

[burraboy]

The manual is good, experience is better, but thanks!

[Chief Tiff]

We have the 20" Carbatec variant at the Bundaberg Woodworker's Guild; there's not a lot on that machine I haven't pulled off.

The Grizzly manual is good; actually I think it's better than the CT one...

The feed knob should only be pushed or pulled with the machine running. Firmly push and pull it through the whole range of movement a few times. If the knob is wandering in or out on it's own agenda then it's probably the little detent ball (item 520) has become jammed within the input shaft (523). Other potential causes are the detent spring (521) is shot or the mating detent on the gear (524) is flogged out.

Just found THIS carbatec page; your machine may closely resemble one of the these. In any case the gearbox parts are functionally the same.

[burraboy]

The feed knob should only be pushed or pulled with the machine running. Firmly push and pull it through the whole range of movement a few times. If the knob is wandering in or out on it's own agenda then it's probably the little detent ball (item 520) has become jammed within the input shaft (523). Other potential causes are the detent spring (521) is shot or the mating detent on the gear (524) is flogged out.

Just found THIS carbatec page; your machine may closely resemble one of the these. In any case the gearbox parts are functionally the same.

Finally stopped feeding altogether so I did the dreaded stripdown. I can see what you were referring to now CT, and the problem is not to do with detenting, but stripped teeth on the gear. Tried Hafco, but that particular gear has been superseded with a new system and is no longer available. Hafco recommended a gear manufacturer for a new one.
So, new gear/weld old gear and cut new teeth/ anyone wrecking one? Suggestions welcome!