Parts inquiry

[wrmnfzy]

I can’t believe my coupler broke in the middle of a project and I didn’t have a second one. I have multiples of many parts and this is one that negates the use of so many things, dumb, dumb, dumb. I ordered two today and you would think these are in stock. Ordered on line and tried calling and got recording to leave message and did. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for response, if in stock and shipping.

[RFGuy]

Sorry this happened. Don't know if it is any good, but this might be an alternative source for one (assuming they are shipping right now) that is 3D printed. Another alternative is to use PVC pipe & fittings and a Dremel to craft one, I believe. Maybe one of these can get you by until Shopsmith can get you a replacement.

https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/t ... er+coupler

[garys]

It happens if you use your Shopsmith enough. I'm running a cracked one right now because I was careless removing it once early this past Winter. It was seated deeply on the hub and in wiggling it loose, I cracked it. I'll continue to use it until it breaks apart, and then I go to my tool chest where I have two new ones waiting to replace the broken one.

[davebodner]

I keep an old back-up. It stopped working after I was careless about installing it on the hubs. The innards are stripped, so it no longer grips. But a hose clamp makes it grip again.

Yeah, I know I turned a safe spinny thing into an unsafe spinny thing. I'm not recommending it for that reason. But, it's an option if you keep your wits about you.

My everyday coupler is my new one that works properly. I'm also more careful about how I install it.

[twarren]

I ordered a blade and arbors 2 weeks ago and still not got. Called last week and said they were in stock and would be going on that day or the next. Now they are not answering a week later. Have they closed down maybe?

[twarren]

Just got an email that my ordered has shipped. Cant wait till they come in.

[wrmnfzy]

Received this today, will try the hose clamp if necessary and be exceptionally cautious if I do.



Valued Customer,

We wanted to offer you some information on the current operational status here at Shopsmith. On Sunday, 3/23, the Governor of the State of Ohio, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health ordered all non-essential businesses to close until May 1st in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 cases in Ohio. The situation continues to evolve, and we are working with the state to see if we are able to maintain limited on-site operations. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Because of this, we will be temporarily halting some day-to-day operations, including manufacturing and shipping. We will still be taking new orders to be fulfilled when we return to normal operations. Customer Service will remain available, but will be operating in a very limited capacity. We will do our very best to reply to your calls and emails in a timely manner, but delays in responding are inevitable. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is of paramount importance. We are fortunate and grateful that everyone here at Shopsmith remains healthy and we wish the same for you and your family.

Thank you,

Shopsmith



Shopsmith Customer Service
(937) 890-5197

Dream It! Build It! Share It!
7 Tools -- 1 Great Machine

[chapmanruss]

If you are stuck you could try buying a used one. I do not recommend using non-OEM couplers found for sale online. I restore Shopsmith tools as a hobby than resell them. In the ad I include one of several Shopsmith Tip's I have written. Below is the one about couplers that explains my position.

Shopsmith Tip – Power Couplers

There are several “New Design” Power Couplers available on line for connecting Special Purpose Tools (SPT’s) like the Bandsaw, Jointer, Belt Sander, etc. to the Shopsmith. Some say they are stronger than the original Shopsmith Coupler, but consider this, the Power Coupler is like a shear pin in the system connecting the tool to the power source. If a jam occurs during use the Shopsmith Coupler may break but your headstock could avoid being damaged. This is not a design flaw but an intentional safety feature. Shopsmith couplers also include a spring in the headstock end that that does not allow leaving the coupler attached after the Special Purpose Tool is removed. This is to prevent possible injury from a coupler flying off when the machine is turned on. If you are replacing a broken coupler ask yourself, why did my coupler break. I hope you enjoyed this Shopsmith Tip. These tips are the Authors opinions and are not endorsed by RLF Brands, LLC.

Now that being said I know from posts here that there were problems with a batch of couplers in the recent past. One answer to that problem at the time was to get a used coupler made from the earlier material. I believe Shopsmith has corrected that coupler problem.

[jsburger]

If you are stuck you could try buying a used one. I do not recommend using non-OEM couplers found for sale online. I restore Shopsmith tools as a hobby than resell them. In the ad I include one of several Shopsmith Tip's I have written. Below is the one about couplers that explains my position.

Shopsmith Tip – Power Couplers

There are several “New Design” Power Couplers available on line for connecting Special Purpose Tools (SPT’s) like the Bandsaw, Jointer, Belt Sander, etc. to the Shopsmith. Some say they are stronger than the original Shopsmith Coupler, but consider this, the Power Coupler is like a shear pin in the system connecting the tool to the power source. If a jam occurs during use the Shopsmith Coupler may break but your headstock could avoid being damaged. This is not a design flaw but an intentional safety feature. Shopsmith couplers also include a spring in the headstock end that that does not allow leaving the coupler attached after the Special Purpose Tool is removed. This is to prevent possible injury from a coupler flying off when the machine is turned on. If you are replacing a broken coupler ask yourself, why did my coupler break. I hope you enjoyed this Shopsmith Tip. These tips are the Authors opinions and are not endorsed by RLF Brands, LLC.

Now that being said I know from posts here that there were problems with a batch of couplers in the recent past. One answer to that problem at the time was to get a used coupler made from the earlier material. I believe Shopsmith has corrected that coupler problem.

I know this has been said by others but is it really a fact? Has SS ever actually said that. It is not mentioned currently on the web site. In fact they currently say, "The Shopsmith Power Coupler is made of a virtually unbreakable plastic compound. " That does not sound like a shear device to me. Also, I can't imagine what kind of catch on an STP would damage the head stock.

We all know these couplers practically last forever. ( "virtually unbreakable plastic" ) Has anyone ever had one shear from a catch?

[chapmanruss]

As I said in the last line the Shopsmith Tips are my opinion and that includes the coupler acting like a shear Pin. I cannot say for a fact that I have read that exact statement somewhere. I base that on things I have learned about the Shopsmith and the hub design with rather small indents for the Coupler to grab. That, as a design, I feel was more important with the early Mark 5's that had the Gilmer Belt Drive and no clutch. It is not going to break in half but rather "slip" (notice that I put that in quotes as a description) on the hubs. And, as you said, they call it "virtually unbreakable" but not unbreakable. My main emphasis is for users to have the OEM coupler with the safety feature Shopsmith does mention which is having the spring to prevent it from accidently being left on the headstock. Lastly I like to support Shopsmith as a source for parts, tools and accessories. I regularly recommend buying items from Shopsmith as opposed to buying used. Supporting Shopsmith keeps the company in business as our source for Shopsmith tools, accessories and parts. Without them we would have to buy everything used.