How can I fix my Shopsmith?

[frankg813]

Hi All,

I have an old shopsmith (about 20 years old)...hardly used it these past years. Now, I'm trying to use the saw. However when I turn it on it hums a bit then it trips the reset on my power strip. When I try to turn the wheel the controls the speed, it's very hard to turn. Any clues to what is happening? And how complex is the problem to fix? If it's beyond what I can do, who can I take this to get fixed.

Thanks,

BTW, I'm a newbie to this forum...I finally have time to use my shopsmith so I'll be asking many questions.

Frank

[everettdavis]

Read the first two posts at the top of this forum. They stay at the top, just for this reason.

Learn how to clean, lubricate, and inspect the machine, and how not to do things in it's present state that could harm it.

Post a few photos of it and we can see a bit more of what you are working with.

It is not difficult if you are handy with your hands. Folks do it all the time, from just what's there.

What part of the country are you in?

The Hard to Turn Speed Control needs attention, and starting with proper lubrication and belt inspections etc. plus an examination of the speed control through the inspection port on the back side with a photo would really be helpful.

Don't turn it without the belts and pulleys moving, or you can bend some things you will likely need to repair. Even if you need that, it is relatively easy, and not hugely expensive to repair.

Everett

[ERLover]

After you do what was previously recommended, try it off the power strip, some times they can go bad.

[JPG]

Better yet NEVER use a power strip with it ever again!!!

[ChrisNeilan]

If you turned it off after using it at a high speed, quite often the start load it to much for the breaker. Try manualy spinning the spindle (place a disc sander on the spindle) and turn it to slow. Keep it turning while turning the speed control.