Fobco 7/8

I acquired a 7/8 Fobco drill press today along with Jones and Shipman 540surface grinder . The drill press is a non runner. I’m hoping it’s an easy fix. But I noticed the quill does not return had quick look and no return spring. Lathes .co.uk do the spring so no problem there but the housing just spins does anyone have a drawing of this assembly or a manual please. I am also looking for a manual and any useful info on the surface grinder. Many thanks in advance Mark.

..on a couple of other (but similar) drills I've owned the drum is rotated to adjust the tension and then locked by a square-headed screw in the head casting which bears on the drum spigot.. ..could it be underneath, pointing up..?

Edited By DiogenesII on 29/10/2022 18:51:45

There will be someone out there who has done one, utube is best for you imo

Some blokes strip down brand new gear to its parts as soon as they get it home and upload it

The spring housing has a small ball bearing with a quite powerful spring pushing on the housing so you can only turn it towards making the return action stronger theres a small hole nearby that you can poke a small rod into to release the ball..

Edited By Ian Parkin on 29/10/2022 18:59:01

The hole near the front has a spring in it with the ball the hole behind lets you release the ball

Thanks for the reply I’m assuming that your picture is of a Fobco Star !? There is a one hole underneath that feels like it has a ball bearing in it. It does release the drum to spin both ways if I insert a screwdriver. I have now found out that the contractor inside has a burnt out coil. So I’m trying to source one the will fit inside the machine. Thank you to everyone else who replied. mark

Well i posted the picture as you were asking about a fobco 7/8 which the picture is of..if you want a picture of a star ask away

My 7/8 must be different yours then !

Well lets see a pic then?

Same machine mines just got another hole in the top

This is the spring housing removed from the body and the spring and ball

Mine appears act as a one way clutch. Does yours do the same

Yes as i said it only allows you to tighten the spring return action if you want to loosen it you push the ball off the housing and it will loosen it