Speed Dial Handle Lubrication Qestion

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 10:14 pm

Hi all, Just joined the forum. Just thought that from time to time I might be able to pipe in and help someone as I've owned a Shopsmith since 1979. Back then it was just a general MK V with the small table etc. My Current Model is the 510 upgraded to the 520. Never had any problems with these basic machines that I couldn't handle and keeping them lubed up as recommended by the manual assures long life.

Only issue I ever had with my current model was the speed control dial that worked itself a little loose and my neighbor borrowed the machine and unknowingly failed to follow proceedure of speed adjustments and "rounded off the gear inside the dial.

I purchased a replacement dial off ebay from a fellow who is refirbishing old dials by installing a "steel" gear.. This being good or bad time will tell. So far it's working out fine and smoothly but I do have a question for you experts.

Question: Under the speed dial there is a metal clip (suppose to put some pressure on the back of the dial to keep it snug and prevent turning freely).... So should this be lubricate? or should it just be metal to metal contact? Couldn't find any clues in the manual.. Hope you can understand my question and provide some data.. Thanks..

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Tue Nov 04, 2008 11:14 pm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_A...aintenance.htm

Check out that link.

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 12:41 am

Thanks Bob, Lots of information to be had there.. It appears to be Session 11 that was most informative to my question. In fact the spring I was refering to is the "anti-rattle spring" and it also appears there is no lubrication directly between the handle itself and the spring with the exception of a quick spray of silicone to the speed dial and its gear! I was going to use graphite to smooth up things a little.... Guess I won't do that now..

Thanks again..

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Nov 05, 2008 11:09 am

Graphite should be ok to.

refsteve · Post by **refsteve** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:05 am

ahhh, just what is 'the procedure'? I've rounded off the gears twice, so I'm obviously doing something wrong. I always turn the machine on at the low setting and run it up from there, then shut down in reverse. I've had a problem with the motor tripping the ciruit breaker under load which, of course, messes up the sequence I was using.

I think it is time for some major refurbishing. Mine is a 70's era Mk500 that I've upgraded to the 520.

doug45601 wrote:Hi all, Just joined the forum. Just thought that from time to time I might be able to pipe in and help someone as I've owned a Shopsmith since 1979. Back then it was just a general MK V with the small table etc. My Current Model is the 510 upgraded to the 520. Never had any problems with these basic machines that I couldn't handle and keeping them lubed up as recommended by the manual assures long life.

Only issue I ever had with my current model was the speed control dial that worked itself a little loose and my neighbor borrowed the machine and unknowingly failed to follow proceedure of speed adjustments and "rounded off the gear inside the dial.

I purchased a replacement dial off ebay from a fellow who is refirbishing old dials by installing a "steel" gear.. This being good or bad time will tell. So far it's working out fine and smoothly but I do have a question for you experts.

Question: Under the speed dial there is a metal clip (suppose to put some pressure on the back of the dial to keep it snug and prevent turning freely).... So should this be lubricate? or should it just be metal to metal contact? Couldn't find any clues in the manual.. Hope you can understand my question and provide some data.. Thanks..

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:52 am

Steve,

There has always been a lot of discussion about turning on a Mark V at other than low speed. I do not believe that there is any harm done by turning it on (or off) at higher speeds. Just do not change the speed control dial while it is turned off.

Actually, you can turn the speed down but do not attempt to turn it up without the main shaft being in rotation.

As for popping the breaker. That has very little to do with the speed dial.

Lubricate, lubricate, lubricate and clean.

I would recommend that you 1) make sure that the 110 vac service run for the SS is a 12ga circuit, 2) the circuit breaker is a 20ga breaker and 3) the power cord (12ga) is in good condition.

That having been said - you will find many people operating on a 14ga/15amp service run and using the power cord (14ga) supplied with the Mark V. If the service run is reasonably short and the Mark V is in reasonable condition this be no problem. The Mark V draws less than 15amps except at initial startup when it peaks to a bit over 15amp.

I avoid using my Shopsmith when the shop temperature is below about 50 degrees. When cold, everything is stiff and it draws a bit more current.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:18 am

Welcome the the forum Steve. The only thing I'll add to what Dusty said is, have the SS on an separate circuit by it's self.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being an active member that protects us folks at home. BE SAFE over there.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:08 pm

Hi Steve! Here's a big THANK YOU!for you and all of your buddies for doing what you do these days. Take Care!

You say you have worn out some gears. I'm assuming you are referring to the pork chop shaped speed control quadrant. I too have worn down my first quadrant! The wear on mine was due to inadequate oiling of the control sheave shaft. I dropped some oil into the little hole fairly regularly, but I failed to understand the machine should be in high speed position before dropping in the oil.

If yours is an older 500, there may not be a hole in the control shaft sleeve. Bill Mayo recommends drilling a small hole in the sleeve if one does not exist. This sound like a very good idea.