I've seen a few posts concerning the stiffness of the speed control on the
Jet 1442 (with a Reeve's drive). I destroyed mine recently when it jammed.
So I ordered another ($20) and installed it today. After removing the
damaged unit, I now understand what I did wrong.

If you're having trouble getting the lever pin to release from a detent
hole, simply wiggle the handle back and forth until the spring-loaded pin
retracts. In retrospect, it's better to remove the unit to gain an
understanding of how it works rather than bend the pin trying to dislodge
it. (duh) The new speed control works fine, incidentally.

Hope this helps.

Max

I own a 1442 too and the speed control problem you describe has been my only
complaint. The problem seems to come and go, and once the machine has run
for awhile it goes away. I also figured out that wiggling or lightly
slapping the handle would get things loosened up but it still isn't right.

Having taken yours apart is there any apparent 'fix' that I can do at home
(lube, light honing, etc. To correct the problem?

Ron

"Maxprop" wrote in message
link.net...
I've seen a few posts concerning the stiffness of the speed control on the
Jet 1442 (with a Reeve's drive). I destroyed mine recently when it
jammed.
So I ordered another ($20) and installed it today. After removing the
damaged unit, I now understand what I did wrong.

If you're having trouble getting the lever pin to release from a detent
hole, simply wiggle the handle back and forth until the spring-loaded pin
retracts. In retrospect, it's better to remove the unit to gain an
understanding of how it works rather than bend the pin trying to dislodge
it. (duh) The new speed control works fine, incidentally.

Hope this helps.

Max

"RonB" wrote in message

I own a 1442 too and the speed control problem you describe has been my
only
complaint. The problem seems to come and go, and once the machine has run
for awhile it goes away. I also figured out that wiggling or lightly
slapping the handle would get things loosened up but it still isn't right.

Having taken yours apart is there any apparent 'fix' that I can do at home
(lube, light honing, etc. To correct the problem?

I believe so. I noted that the detent holes in the plate on the replacement
part are slightly larger in diameter than those on the part I
damaged/replaced. I had already planned to drill them slightly
oversized--about .01"--if they'd been the same size as the originals. But
it was not necessary. The pin doesn't seem to hang up as much in the
oversized holes. You may only need to drill out the holes on the lowest two
speeds. The Reeves pulleys seem to impart the strongest spring force
against the speed control at these two spots.

To make this modification, you'll need to peel off the ring-shaped speed
label to access the two screws that secure the speed control unit to the
cast body of the headstock. After removing the screws the whole unit,
including the splined shaft, pulls out easily. Loosening the set screw on
the side of the control arm body will allow the shaft to be removed, along
with the detent plate. Then the holes can be drilled out if necessary.
Hope this helps.

Max