Hi, I've got a problem with the motor on my Mark5. I was drilling a hole and went to shut down but the motor kept running. Playing with the switch finally shut it down, but now it won't start up. It just hums. Everything spins as free as I think it should. Disconnected the belt and still just hums, the shaft looks like it wants to turn when you first hit the switch then just hums. So I don't think its the motor itself, maybe the capacitor? Can I test it to check and if so how? I'm nearing finishing a Morris bent arm chair and my body can't without sawdust for long! Thanks for any help you can give.
Sounds like the problem is with the starting winding, centrifugal switch or capacitor. Take it to a local electric motor repair shop. If the problem is one of the latter two you should be back in woodworking soon and with nominal expense.
Take the blade and arbor off. Put a drive hub on one of the auxillary spindles. With one hand ready to help the spindle (with the hub), turn on the Shopsmith. Give the shaft a little help and see if the motor comes up to speed.
If it does, use the speed control and turn the speed down to slow and turn the machine off.
If it does run, likely a bad capacitor. Otherwise, you are on your way to a motor shop - which you may want to do anyhow.
Don't leave it under power and just humming or you will be on your way to a motor shop.
"Making Sawdust Safely" Dusty
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