The motor receives power, but the machine will not start. Diagnosis:
The electrical switch on the front panel selects between High and Low motor speeds. This can be switched safely when the machine is stopped to instantly double or halve your mechanical gear speed selection. Table and Headstock Adjustments
Tie back long hair, avoid loose clothing, and always wear industrial safety glasses. Never wear gloves while operating a rotating spindle.
If your Strands S68 is acting up, consult this section from the original manual’s troubleshooting chapter.
Always start with a slower speed and increase until you achieve smooth, efficient cutting. For tapping operations, the S68's low-speed gear (around 100 RPM) is ideal, offering the necessary torque and control for threading operations. Strands S68 Drill Press Manual
If you're looking for the manual for a Strands S68 Drill Press
The S68 uses two levers on the side of the headstock to engage different gear ratios.
The S68 is equipped with an intuitive manual quill feed, though some specific sub-models feature mechanical power feeds.
Change the oil after the first 50 hours of operation for a newly rebuilt or newly acquired machine. Under normal shop conditions, completely drain and refill the gearbox once every 12 months. Routine Greasing Points The motor receives power, but the machine will not start
The S68 usually features a manual tool ejector for easy removal of MT3 drill chucks or collets. 3. Maintenance and Lubrication
The Strands S68 is a legendary piece of Swedish engineering known for its durability, precision, and gear-driven power. Finding a manual for these vintage machines can be a challenge, but understanding the core operations, maintenance requirements, and safety protocols is essential for any machinist or hobbyist.
Set the electrical toggle switch to either Position 1 (Low Motor Speed) or Position 2 (High Motor Speed) to achieve your target RPM according to the headstock speed chart. Table Adjustment
The Strands S68 table can rotate 360 degrees around the column. Ensure the column clamp is completely locked before drilling to prevent tool deflection. Quill Return Spring Tension Table and Headstock Adjustments Tie back long hair,
| Original part | Modern replacement | |---------------|--------------------| | (13×965 mm) | AX26 (or 26″ outside length) V-belt | | Spindle bearings | 2× 6204-2RS (deep groove) or original super-precision 7204 angular contact (for metalworking). | | Return spring | Strands standard – measure inner diameter (22 mm) and use McMaster-Carr part 9414K24. | | Depth stop rod | M8×1.25 threaded rod, cut to length (120 mm). | | Feed handles (wooden ball) | 35 mm diameter beech or phenolic ball, tapped 5/16-18 (or M8). |
Lower the spindle fully and wipe down the exposed quill with a clean rag. Apply a thin layer of light machine oil or lithium grease to the rack teeth.
: 250mm from the center of the spindle to the column.