Speed Reducer - does it ever need clean out or lubricating?

[vjgrevem]

I just picked up a used speed reducer and I do not have the manual. I turned a small spindle yesterday for the first time and it worked well, but it was warm to the touch. The headstock was a little warm as well - never noticed that before. I'm wondering if I should open the speed reducer up and see if it needs cleaning and/or lubrication. Anyone else ever experienced this? Thanks. Vincent

[charlese]

Here's an older thread! Post #5 from Ed (reible) says (in my interpretation) Yes! You should open it up and inspect/adjust!

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=3539&highlight=speed+reducer

I've seen a diagram of the speed reducer somewhere. Can't remember where right now.

[JPG]

Here's an older thread! Post #5 from Ed (reible) says (in my interpretation) Yes! You should open it up and inspect/adjust!

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=3539&highlight=speed+reducer

I've seen a diagram of the speed reducer somewhere. Can't remember where right now.

IMHO Anytime you acquire a used piece of equipment, it should be inspected(taken apart if necessary to do so) and pm'ed as indicated.

I would expect a two belt/three pulley enclosed system to 'get warm' when run.

[vjgrevem]

Charlese, thanks for the link - I had searched but did not find that one.

I made the 27/32" "between the washers" adjustments described in http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/show...=speed+reducer and it seems to run a little quieter. I ran it quite a while and did not feel the headstock or the reducer giving off any undue warmth. The "between the washers" measurement of one of the two belt tensioning screws was off quite a bit, so that may be all I need to do.

I going to get a manual from SS before I even think about exploratory surgery, but I did remove the 4 inspection plugs - the belts look brand new. They're Pirelli brand belts, made in Italy.

[reible]

Hi,

And Ed says... well you already read the other post so you know what I said. Always good to get the manual and read what the company intended you to know.

Speaking of getting warm/hot, the first time I used my reducer for some turning was one of those early spring days when it was actually rather hot out, bright sun shining and I did about a half hour of turning, put my hand on the speed reducer and it was quite warm... In fact it was a lot warmer then I expected. Felt the shopsmith head stock and it felt just as warm. In fact all the gray parts felt warm.

It took me a few minutes to realize that the trees had not leaved out yet and basically I was standing in the direct sun where its' rays were basking the dark gray. Moved myself over to another spot where there was shade from the house and took an ice tea break, when I returned things had cooled down and I finished a second turning just like the first. This time the parts were normally warm.

Another adventure of working outdoors with your shopsmith.

Ed

[vjgrevem]

Thanks for the responses. I just ordered the manual. It's item #845254. The price is $3.99 plus shipping. I'll report back if I discover anything new.