Thread: Problems fixing a thicknesser

Hi. I have one of those very common 13 inch portable thicknessers. A Hare and Forbes T13, which is the predecessor of this unit W805 | T-330 Deluxe Thicknesser | machineryhouse.com.au . It has been a great machine for years but over the last few months has been giving me trouble. I don't think it should be anywhere near the end of its lifespan, so I've been trying to fix it, but I never seem to be able to improve it.
The main problem is that the carriage (ie the thing that carries the motor and blades and is raised up and down within the chasis) doesn't seem to lock in place any more. At each corner there is a post, and 4 push rods which move against the posts, under the persuasion of a cam which is activated when the user presses the locking lever. I've been fiddling with this setup trying to get the tensions right, but no success. I must be going about it wrong. Has anyone fixed one of these and can tell me how they did it ?

Optional bit for those still interested :
I've included a picture below. When the user locks the carriage in place, the rod (F) activates a cam at either end of the machine (A) which drives the pushrod (B) and the block (C) against the vertical post (D). Tension is adjusted by the bolt and locknut (E). That's the bit I"ve been fiddling with, trying to get the tensions right, but to no avail.

any help appreciated
cheers
Arron

thicknesserrepair.jpg