Bits and arbors can become stuck onto the motor shaft for a variety of reasons. Generally, they can be easily removed with a little bit of work. It is important to remember that the item is now attached to the most expensive and delicate part of your machine - the motor. It is not uncommon that someone removing a stuck bit or arbor will succeed in getting it off only to cause severe and irreversible damage to the motor. For this reason, it is important to follow these suggestions in the order they are listed; from the least invasive to the most potentially invasive purposes. Followed carefully, these suggestions will prove useful for any machine.

Bit or Arbor Removal 

1.  Completely loosen the set screw and then see if you can push the bit or arbor further down onto the shaft. If you can, do so as far as possible. It is generally the case that the shaft above where the bit or arbor was mounted has become crusted up with ground material debris, coolant, hard water residue, etc. This residue might not even be obvious to the casual observer.

Inspect the motor shaft above the bit or arbor. If it looks smooth but appears to have some dirt or grime on it, it can be cleaned up rather quickly. Using a small piece of ScotchBrite (that green scouring pad) or a piece of very fine (0000) steel wool, polish the end of the shaft all the way down to where the bit or arbor sits now. This is easily done by just turning the machine on and holding the pad or steel wool to the motor shaft as it turns for a few seconds. If the bit was stuck because of residue, it should slide off pretty easily now. See the end of this page for Prevention and Maintenance Tips to avoid this problem in the future.

2. If you can push the bit or arbor down as above, but you notice that there is a burr or scar on the round side of the motor shaft caused by the set screw (it appears as a small ring cut into the shaft), you will need to polish it out. This can often be done by using the same steel wool mentioned above. Be very careful here! You only want to remove the scar, you do not want to make the shaft smaller. Occasionally you will need to use a more abrasive product such as very fine grit emery cloth or sandpaper if the scar is deep. But, again, be very careful. You can quickly damage the motor shaft if you are not paying attention. Once the scar is polished out, remove the bit. Clean both the bit and shaft and use some kind of lubricant as mentioned in the Prevention and Maintenance Tips. 

These burrs are created because the bit or arbor was not properly installed. NEVER tighten the bit or arbor to the round side of the motor shaft. There is a flat side on the shaft to allow for the set screw. Align and tighten your set-screw against the flat side of the shaft each time you change bits or arbors.  See the end of this page for Prevention and Maintenance Tips to avoid this problem in the future.

3. If the bit or arbor is stuck such that it will not move in either direction, you will need to use a device called a gear puller (some call them faucet pullers). They are used to get gears or faucet handles off the post they are pressed on to. If you happen to own one yourself, or know a mechanic or plumber that can help you, be gentle and patient with this device and the bit or arbor will almost certainly come off. If you don't have access to a gear puller, you can usually walk into a plumbing supply store (with a smile) and they'll do it for you while you wait.  If you live or work around our studio we'll be happy to help you remove the stuck bit.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Once you have removed the bit, clean the inside of it (where it slides over the motor shaft) as it will probably have some dried residue there. Apply a non-water-soluble grease to the motor shaft to keep this residue out. Inland manufactures a product called Motor Shaft Lubricant for a few dollars, available from your regular stained glass supplier. It is specially formulated with Teflon for these wet applications. In a pinch, petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) will prove nearly equal to the task. All bits and arbors should always be removed from the machine when they are not to be used for any length of time, i.e. a week or more. This will keep the bit from "cementing" to the shaft. It will also provide you with the opportunity of inspecting the motor shaft and bits for proper hygiene.

We've received a number of questions recently about our patternmaking software.  We use Glass Eye 2000.  Once mastered, it's amazingly versatile.  If you create custom or commission pieces for others it's a 'natural' for inviting your client into the creative process; allowing them the chance to co-create their piece with you before their eyes!