[Drake] 2B dial string issue

[dave.varner at charter.net]

I have brought a 2B back to life but still have one issue to resolve. I replaced the dial spindle string but it hesitates in spots as I tune across the band. I noticed that the main tuning shaft has a slight bend in it. I cannot figure out how that could have happened. But what I see is that as I tune, the string moves along the shaft. So at certain points along the dial the string leaves the drum at an angle. This causes the string to rub on the edge of the drum and I think this causes the hesitation of the dial pointer. Has anyone seen a main tuning shaft with a slight bow in it? I would like to get some feedback before I try to straighten the shaft.