Wista 45DX repair

[campy]

Is this an easy repair?
170185

[Bob Salomon]

If one has the required parts and knowledge. If you are in the USA contact Bob Watson at Precision. They are the Wista factory service center.

[Fred L]

can't tell from the photo. what exactly happened ?

[Bob Salomon]

can't tell from the photo. what exactly happened ?

One side of the front standard is not attached.

[xkaes]

More details needed. Is the screw still there? Is the screw or hole stripped? It could be an easy fix. Compare it to the other side and explain the differences.

[Doremus Scudder]

The stud that the lock knob (and jam acorn nut) fit on appears to be broken. The stud is brass and on a wider "T" base that is under the brass rail on the side of the front standard. You will have to disassemble that side of the front standard, which is not hard, but you need to be careful not to strip any of the small brass screw heads. Then you will need a replacement part or to have a part made by a machine shop and re-assemble. Of course, you will need to get the remnants of the old stud out of the lock-knob/jam nut assembly. Be careful tightening the jam nut when re-assembling; the stud is brass and (as you can see) breaks rather easily under too much tension.

How "easy" the repair is for you depends on your skill and confidence working with small brass parts and the availability of replacement parts.

Best,

Doremus

[campy]

Do you think soldering will work?

[Bob Salomon]

Do you think soldering will work?

No. Contact the service center.

[Doremus Scudder]

I had a similar problem some years ago. I replaced the broken part with a part custom-made by a machinist. I think it was threaded stock (or maybe a screw) brazed to a small brass plate. It wasn't so cheap, but worth it. If I had a similar problem today, I'd likely make a part myself out of a brass plate and a countersunk screw soldered or brazed in place.

Best,

Doremus

[RichardRitter]

In the past when I have repaired this part I would drill and tap two screws to hold the part in place. The way It was held in place was by peening over the back of the stud.

[seezee]

If you don't mind my asking, how did you break it (so I can avoid doing the same)?

[campy]

It was frozen when I bought it and when I tried to release it I may have gone in the wrong direction and it just came out.