Just acquired one of these:



but the chuck doesn't spring upwards like it should - any idea how I can rectify this? I've tightened up the spring and lubed everything that might need it, but there is some stiction in the raising / lowering action. Any thoughts on what I have to take off to try and sort this?

The nut which hold the spring in place should not be tight its just there to hold the spring steady. Just back it off untill it returns freely.

Looking at the quill feed, it probably has no spring return. I have a very similar machine and it has no spring but I made a heavy knob for one of the handles and I like it better than a spring the chuck doesn't return as soon as you let go. It justs goes up until the heavy knob is at the bottom (ooer missus).

Bit of bungee cord tied to the roof!

The spring is operating fine, it just feels like the vertical movement isn't as free and smooth as it should be. So turning the handle to lower it doesn't have a very nice action either.