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Newbie with a Greenie
Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 10:01 pm
by restonut
Hello all,
My name is Jeff and I recently purchased a 1954 Shopsmith
Greenie, serial number 265834 from my neighbor 2 doors down that is moving out of state and didn't want to lug it along with him. Other than a few extra blades, arbors and such, it is a bare bones model, but it is in pretty nice shape.
I have been reading about the many upgrades and attachments that can be done to a
Greenie, and I must say that I am a little confused. If I were to upgrade this 54 to a poly v-belt, double bearing quill and larger motor, would I still end up with an outdated machine or would it be brought up to todays Shopsmith standards? Is it then compatible to the newer model accessories, or are the older accessories just as good? Are there pitfalls or limitations to an older Shopsmith that has been updated or is it mostly a matter of economics?
Due to a screaming bearing on the idler shaft I have done a complete teardown of the headstock and I am getting a list of parts together for a complete restoration. It was obviously a victim of years of abuse and neglect and there are is alot of TLC that needs to be given. Judging by the wealth of info on this forum, I am in the right place
My last question (for now) is on the headstock...it has a metal bracket that is held on by the toggle switch and is stamped with a pointer that goes to the adjustment wheel. The only greenies that I can find pics of have the pointer cast into the headstock itself. Is this part available from Shopsmith? I can't seem to find it online anywhere.
Thanks for letting me join the group and for the excellent info!
Posted: Wed Aug 17, 2011 11:41 pm
by JPG
restonut wrote:Hello all,
My name is Jeff and I recently purchased a 1954 Shopsmith
Greenie, serial number 265834 from my neighbor 2 doors down that is moving out of state and didn't want to lug it along with him. Other than a few extra blades, arbors and such, it is a bare bones model, but it is in pretty nice shape.
I have been reading about the many upgrades and attachments that can be done to a
Greenie, and I must say that I am a little confused. If I were to upgrade this 54 to a poly v-belt, double bearing quill and larger motor, would I still end up with an outdated machine or would it be brought up to todays Shopsmith standards? Is it then compatible to the newer model accessories, or are the older accessories just as good? Are there pitfalls or limitations to an older Shopsmith that has been updated or is it mostly a matter of economics?
Due to a screaming bearing on the idler shaft I have done a complete teardown of the headstock and I am getting a list of parts together for a complete restoration. It was obviously a victim of years of abuse and neglect and there are is alot of TLC that needs to be given. Judging by the wealth of info on this forum, I am in the right place
My last question (for now) is on the headstock...it has a metal bracket that is held on by the toggle switch and is stamped with a pointer that goes to the adjustment wheel. The only greenies that I can find pics of have the pointer cast into the headstock itself. Is this part available from Shopsmith? I can't seem to find it online anywhere.
Thanks for letting me join the group and for the excellent info!
The updates you describe are feasible, but, if you are going that far, go a little further and update to a power-pro. You can get an upgrade kit and keep the
greenie casting!
There are no 'compatibility' issues with SPT's. They all fit. The major difference is the 3/4 hp motor vs the newer 11/8 hp motor.
If you have that part, it means you have an "A" headstock. It is sandcast rather than die cast, which resulted in a bit rougher finish etc, but also a thicker casting(heavier).. That part comes into play when you attempt to increase the speed above 'saw-joint'. There is a small 'button' on that part that engages a groove on the back of the speed control dial. The part must be pushed down(moving the 'button' out of the groove) to advance the speed further. Later versions replaced that part with a small 'anti-rattle' spring.
Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 1:29 pm
by wiredone
Sounds like a worthy upgrade. You can get all the parts you need at a
very reasonable price from a fella in Anaheim California.
His name is Simon Eng and he is a wealth of knowledge and he is very reasonable on his prices.
He absolutely loves Shopsmiths and like to help others
keep their machines running well.
I have purchased from him before and have spoken at length with him as well.
Here's alink to one of his Ebay auctions, such a deal!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/140542684531?ss ... 1423.l2648
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 10:29 am
by restonut
Thank you everyone. I have been collecting alot of knowledge from the forum and I am very excited to get this old girl up and running. I downloaded the master catalog from Shopsmith and I had no idea how versatile these little machines are!
Is there a way that I can modify my sand casting for the rear inspection hole, and will this weaken it in any way? I've also been thinking about carefully grinding down any of the casting burrs with my Dremel, cause as far as engines are concerned, they say it helps to stop fracture points in the casting. I guess it doesn't matter much cause it has been fine for 57 years, but if I ever upgrade to a powerpro system...? I plan on picking up a few add-ons, as well as doing alot of lathe work.
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 12:04 pm
by dusty
Welcome restonut.
Yes, they are sweet machines. Yes, you can create an access hole. Since I have not done so, I'll leave the discussion to someone who has.
I cleaned up some of the burrs but only in the areas where I was repeatedly getting scratched. I did it with a small file so as to not take more off than I wanted.
Some have reported that the older castings are thicker (thus stronger) than the newer ones. Heavier too. I can't say first hand because I have not torn down an older version.
Without an access hole, consider dropping the motor and motor pan. With that done, put it in drill press mode and access to the insides is right there in front of you. Much easier to see and work. I do this periodically even though I have an access hole in mine. At least once a year I do this so that I can see what is happening inside, clean it well and lubricate it. A good periodic inspection.
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:21 pm
by restonut
Since my
greenie didn't have the
access hole, I decided to cut one out myself. I laid the emblem in place and traced around it...
After that I free handed another circle about 1/8 inch inside of this one and went to drilling and cutting...
The final test...take the emblem that I picked up with the retainer on the back and see how it fits.
Perfect fit!
More to come...
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:29 pm
by iaokie
Nice Looks good
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:32 pm
by JPG
Looks very nicely done! Watch those fangs on the side!:eek:
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:13 pm
by restonut
Thank you all...I did file down the fangs a little more after I fit the cover, and I stripped, polished and re-painted the cover as well as stripped the rest of the paint from the headstock and ground down the flashing from the casting. Once I get my camera charged up again I'll get some progress photos downloaded.
I finally have everything either bought or on order to do a complete rebuild EXCEPT one part. Since this is a sand-cast model
greenie, It has the spring steel indicator that is held in place with the switch nut. I noticed on mine that the tab area that rides against the back of the the indicator wheel was broken off and filed down, and I would like to find one to replace it. I cannot find this part anywhere
Would anyone have a nice spare that they would part with? My apologies if this is against forum rules, and I will delete if needed.
I also want to replace the original cord with a new grounded type, but want to get the proper gauge for the 3/4hp as well as enough beef to use it on a 1-1/8hp down the road. When I ordered from SS today, I thought the 30+ bucks was a little steep for a power cord and strain relief when my local Ace has them for half that...
Posted: Wed Aug 31, 2011 10:42 pm
by JPG
restonut wrote:Thank you all...I did file down the fangs a little more after I fit the cover, and I stripped, polished and re-painted the cover as well as stripped the rest of the paint from the headstock and ground down the flashing from the casting. Once I get my camera charged up again I'll get some progress photos downloaded.
I finally have everything either bought or on order to do a complete rebuild EXCEPT one part. Since this is a sand-cast model
greenie, It has the spring steel indicator that is held in place with the switch nut. I noticed on mine that the tab area that rides against the back of the the indicator wheel was broken off and filed down, and I would like to find one to replace it. I cannot find this part anywhere
Would anyone have a nice spare that they would part with? My apologies if this is against forum rules, and I will delete if needed.
I also want to replace the original cord with a new grounded type, but want to get the proper gauge for the 3/4hp as well as enough beef to use it on a 1-1/8hp down the road. When I ordered from SS today, I thought the 30+ bucks was a little steep for a power cord and strain relief when my local Ace has them for half that...
It you have the plate, you have the scarce part! A button could be added by a filister head type screw and iirc there is clearance for a nut on the back side to secure it. Or a button head screw filed down to the diameter that will fit into the dial groove.