Flexshaft outer sheath disintegrated

[rflournoy]

My machine has less than 15 hrs on it and flexshaft outer sheath just disintegrated in the middle of a project. Anyone else ever had this? What did you do to remedy it? Thanks.

[fwharris]

Looks almost as bad as mine when I first started carving. Was this a new machine?

I did notice what appears to be twist ties around the outer core and the guide wire, am I right? If so that might have added to the over heating as they would prevent the free movement of the guide wire and flex shaft.

[rflournoy]

Yes, brand new, bought it last year after Christmas, but haven't been able to use it until this summer. I believe the twist ties were on from the factory, but wouldn't swear to it. I didn't put them on.

[lynnfrwd]

Friction, not fully engaged or lack of lubricant.

[rflournoy]

Shouldn't have been lack of lubrication...it is practically unused at less than 15 hrs.

[fwharris]

Yes, brand new, bought it last year after Christmas, but haven't been able to use it until this summer. I believe the twist ties were on from the factory, but wouldn't swear to it. I didn't put them on.

The twist ties should always be removed as like I said they restrict the movement plus seem to add a not spot. I do have one twist tie on mine but it is very loose around the outer core. It just helps keep the end of the flex wire in line with the outer core. See attached.
If the machine had been sitting that long the lube probably dried out. When you order a new flex shaft make sure you order some lube if you do not already have some. Also pick up a small infra read thermometer to monitor the temp. Harbor freight has a small one for around $10.00.

[rflournoy]

Thanks for info. I ordered a new flexshaft last night but didn't see your post until afterward. Is there a suitable substitute available that I can get locally?

[fwharris]

I use Crane Cam Lube with Molly, an automotive pre assembly lube. It is more of a paste, not in a spray can, that you apply with your fingers. I got it by going to a local auto shop that does engine rebuilds. They ordered it from their supplier and had it to me the next day. You can also order it on line. Very few if any auto supply shops have it in stock but might be able order it to.

Just make sure you stay away from the liquid wrench chain lube with molly. That used to be the go to lube but they changed the formulation so it is no longer an effective lube for the CarveWright.

[Digitalwoodshop]

When that happened to me, I had kinked the internal spring and the rubbing heat built up and made the outer rubber start to melt and the smoke set off my smoke detector.... And as a public service reminder, everyone should have a smoke detector above the CW... A cheap $9.00 or less investment....

AL

[scootertrash]

Shouldn't have been lack of lubrication...it is practically unused at less than 15 hrs.

I had a very similar problem with a machine with very low hours. Bought my machine a few months after yours.

Dang shaft was always running hot. I lubed it once, let it dry properly, and it got worse. Painfully hot. Then I wiped it down again, lubed it again, let it dry for two days (meant to be overnight but I was busy), and then pulled the spring out and wiped the heck out of it from end to end. Next thing you know it runs at a barely warm temperature.

If it's too hot to hold onto for 5 seconds it is running waaaaay too hot. I check mine about every 15-30 minutes.

Also, According to LHR you do NOT need to lube a new flex shaft. After my experience with mine I might consider it when I use the flex shaft I bought in case the original a-sploded like yours.