Shopsmith Forums

Hi all

Well I finally bought my ShopSmith. Along with the Shopsmith also included was a bandsaw, a jigsaw, a 6 inch belt sander, a 4 inch jointer and a dust collector. All this was included in the cost of $500. In addition to this there was also included a vintage 6 inch ShopMaster jointer.

The Shopsmith serial number was 49521. From what I've been able to determine, this unit was made in either September or October 1979. The man who bought this in October 1982 paid $1800 without the dust collector. I bought this from his widow who use the equipment with him to make crafts for sale.

I do have a few questions concerning this purchase. The bandsaw is item number 505641, model 630, serial number 15946. Would anyone have any idea of when this unit was made? I noticed that the saw blade rides on the back of the wheel. Is this the correct position? How do you folks clean the tire? The manual says to lubricate the wheel bearing with cup grease. What do you folks use to lubricate the wheel bearing? Is there any way to replace the bearing with an actual ball bearing?

I know that Shopsmith stopped making the jigsaw in 1982. The manual says to fill the sump with number 10 machine oil. What type of oil do you folks use and where do you purchase it?

I am sure that I will have many more questions, but for now I want to get back into the garage and make the storage dollies from the 1981 Popular Mechanics magazine so that I can reclaim my garage for my vehicle.

Thanks in advance for your help.

GeorgeM

I used to have the jigsaw. 10 weight motor oil works just fine. Just buy some at any auto parts store.

Thanks for the reply. I was concerned as the manual said to use plain 10 weight oil with no additives.

GeorgeM

Use a 10wt non detergent motor oil. We use the same in air compressors.

djr wrote:Use a 10wt non detergent motor oil. We use the same in air compressors.

Thanks!

I would said that it was manufactured in Dec. 1979.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/bandsaw.htm

GeorgeM wrote:Hi all...

I do have a few questions concerning this purchase. The bandsaw is item number 505641, model 630, serial number 15946. Would anyone have any idea of when this unit was made? I noticed that the saw blade rides on the back of the wheel. Is this the correct position? How do you folks clean the tire? The manual says to lubricate the wheel bearing with cup grease. What do you folks use to lubricate the wheel bearing? Is there any way to replace the bearing with an actual ball bearing?
GeorgeM

Yes the upper wheel tilts (top toward the back) and runs the saw blades near the back of the wheel. The back of the blade is held in place by the auto track bearing(s). Actually two bearings together on the same shaft.

Yes, use wheel bearing grease to lubricate the upper wheel bearing on the bandsaw. You will find this wheel has a needle bearing. (tapered, as I remember) So you should pack the bearing the way you would an automobile front wheel bearing. Lubrication is recommended every 50 hrs. The needle bearing is fixed into the wheel and a real pain to get out. No need for a ball bearing.

The bearing in the lower wheel is a sealed ball beating.

dusty wrote:I would said that it was manufactured in Dec. 1979.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/bandsaw.htm

Thanks Dusty - I missed this particular chart.

GeorgeM

charlese wrote:

GeorgeM wrote:Hi all...

I do have a few questions concerning this purchase. The bandsaw is item number 505641, model 630, serial number 15946. Would anyone have any idea of when this unit was made? I noticed that the saw blade rides on the back of the wheel. Is this the correct position? How do you folks clean the tire? The manual says to lubricate the wheel bearing with cup grease. What do you folks use to lubricate the wheel bearing? Is there any way to replace the bearing with an actual ball bearing?
GeorgeM

Yes the upper wheel tilts (top toward the back) and runs the saw blades near the back of the wheel. The back of the blade is held in place by the auto track bearing(s). Actually two bearings together on the same shaft.

Yes, use wheel bearing grease to lubricate the upper wheel bearing on the bandsaw. You will find this wheel has a needle bearing. (tapered, as I remember) So you should pack the bearing the way you would an automobile front wheel bearing. Lubrication is recommended every 50 hrs. The needle bearing is fixed into the wheel and a real pain to get out. No need for a ball bearing.

The bearing in the lower wheel is a sealed ball beating.

Thanks for the comeback -- I appreciate it.

GeorgeM

Air compressor oil is easier to locate.

Be aware that the jig saw has a small air vent hole on the side that has a tendency to get plugged. Also they usually leak oil badly. Often they are dry when purchased used.

The SS bandsaw is different from most other bandsaws. Get a manual if you do not have one!!!

Additional info is available here on this forum. I will add a couple of links.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=12208

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic.php?t=8542