broke my speed control

illinibrew · Post by **illinibrew** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:15 pm

not the entrance to a new forum I would hope for... I broke the speed control on my shopsmith yesterday. I have had the SS for a couple of years. Started getting to know this machine again and looking forward to using it. The speed control at some point got hard to turn. After trying to guess my way through thing I read the label that clearly states to not turn the machine control while it is off. I had done that.

So now when I turn it on the motor turns for a moment and then catches and can't move. Can someone tell me how bad I've messed up? And, how to fix? Thanks.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:36 pm

Illinibrew-

It sounds to me that you did indeed break the "pork chop" inside the headstock you will have to replace it. Also, take the time to do the necessary lube and machine maintenance.
BPR

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:49 pm

Check out "G" & "H" here.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/partscat/mostfrequentlyorderedparts.htm

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:56 pm

Check out video #22 and #23

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 3:59 pm

Can you turn the output shaft by hand(put a sanding disk or faceplate on the output shaft)? Does it move and then catch? What noise does it make when it catches(clunk/metal to metal or quiet/spongey)?

If it clunks, see previous posts! If it is spongey, take the access cover off and look inside. Determine if the speed control appears 'broken'. Rotate the output shaft and try to determine 'what' is keeping it from turning. It is possible the belt has dropped down too far in the control/idler sheaves and is wedged(this would be good news/nothing 'broke'). If this IS the case the speed control is at a high speed position and allows you to RELATIVELY easily take the drive belt off the MOTOR sheaves. Once off the motor sheaves, the tension will be off the belt and rocking the output shaft while pulling/pushing the belt to will unjam it. Once it is 'loose', make sure the output shaft rotates freely. If so, put it back together after watching the sawdust session linked to below. Then watch the second link below.

..http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt3.htm

If it clunks, remove the speed control and replace whatever is broke!

As cincinnati said, #22 http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt2.htm

After it is 'fixed', watch the link above and the one below.

..http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm

If this has not produced favorable result(S) come back and tell us what you encountered and we will 'try again!'.

illinibrew · Post by **illinibrew** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:26 pm

Thanks! I'll report back.