Search found 96 matches

by tucsonguy
Sun Oct 30, 2022 10:18 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Zerk (grease gun) fitting installed on belt sander upper drum
Replies: 5
Views: 1132

Re: Zerk (grease gun) fitting installed on belt sander upper drum

so after using this mod have you noticed any issues with the enlarged drum hole and sanding belt issues. I would think that the 1/2 hole really has not caused any belt holes or weird wear but asking is knowing Thanks I have noticed nothing but smoother operation and less vibration (probably more th...
by tucsonguy
Tue Jul 05, 2022 10:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt Sander as Sharpening Station
Replies: 5
Views: 622

Re: Belt Sander as Sharpening Station

DavidMcM I'm using cheapos from Amazon, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RWNGZ9K Toyo seems to be the best 'brand' I've come across for this size. Probably the best to get would be what they call "full complement" - all rollers, no cage - and avoid sealed as I don't think they need seali...
by tucsonguy
Tue Jul 05, 2022 3:29 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt Sander as Sharpening Station
Replies: 5
Views: 622

Re: Belt Sander as Sharpening Station

Chris, those are the standard Tormek honing wheels. I just had an arbor made to fit the Shopsmith 5/8 shaft with a 12mm 1.75 thread on the end.
by tucsonguy
Mon Jul 04, 2022 2:52 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Zerk (grease gun) fitting installed on belt sander upper drum
Replies: 5
Views: 1132

Zerk (grease gun) fitting installed on belt sander upper drum

I installed a 1/4-28 straight zerk fitting in one of the holes of the upper sander drum. It required drilling it out to 1/2 inch (to fit socket to tighten zerk) then drilling with a 7/32 drill and tapping with 1/4-28 tap. Then I milled the bottom of the hole flat so I could get a good grip with the ...
by tucsonguy
Mon Jul 04, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt Sander as Sharpening Station
Replies: 5
Views: 622

Belt Sander as Sharpening Station

I have completed rebuilding my 80s era Shopsmith belt sander and have turned it into a precision tool sharpening station the equal of any Tormek setup, at about 1/4 the price. I rebuilt the machine using new lower power drum bearings, removed the upper idler drum bushings (oillite bearings) and repl...
by tucsonguy
Mon Jul 04, 2022 11:33 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt sander upper drum bearings
Replies: 3
Views: 496

Re: Belt sander upper drum bearings

I successfully removed the existing oillite bearings (bushings) in the upper idler drum and replaced them with two 5/8x13/16x12 roller bearings. The result is a remarkable improvement in performance - far less vibration. I'm going to add a zerk grease fitting in the middle hole so I can maintain the...
by tucsonguy
Fri Jun 24, 2022 10:15 am
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: can someone tell me what the issues with the power pro headstock are
Replies: 13
Views: 1838

Re: can someone tell me what the issues with the power pro headstock are

Having had my Powerpro for over four years now, in daily use, I've had no problems at all. But you should keep in mind the following: A) 10,000 rpm is a high upper speed and run for more than a few (10 or 15) minutes, it will get warm in there. There are no good reasons for operating the Powerpro at...
by tucsonguy
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:45 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt sander upper drum bearings
Replies: 3
Views: 496

Belt sander upper drum bearings

The existing oillite bushings in the upper drum create friction, heat and vibration; the drum doesn't turn nearly so easily as the lower power drum, which has actual bearings. I measured today, and the upper shaft is 5/8 OD and the outer diameter of the drum casting around the axle end is 25.7mm You...
by tucsonguy
Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:26 pm
Forum: Maintenance and Repair
Topic: Belt Sander
Replies: 17
Views: 9141

Re: Belt Sander

This is quite an old post, but I thought I would add a youtube video I did recently showing the complete disassembly of the belt sander including the upper drum assembly. The upper drum is easily taken apart needing no special tools except a cheap gear puller and a 10-24 or 10-32 screw (sorry, can't...