Loose Variable Speed Dial

toolcollecta · Post by **toolcollecta** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 9:19 pm

G'day All,
When I first got my "Goldie" home I just couldn't wait to play. Man, that Dial right there in the middle, she just HAD to be turned. Wow how neat is this, variable speed!

Having survived my initial curiosity, I used the saw, the sander, the drill press, and finally set about the task for which I bought the old girl, making birdsmouth spars for my boat. Well.... some of you know what's coming. After several start stop cycles, I've gone to start and, whadya know, that big dial, she just spins.

So I get onto this forum and find a Shopsmith Reborn Part 1 file. Guess what, apparently, you never ever ever ever turn the dial without the machine moving.... oops! Turns out there's a small grub screw accessable through the hole in the side of the dial, give it a little righty tighty with the allen key and all's well. Or is it?

Could some of you more experienced players let me know if I've missed something crucial, thanks.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 9:57 pm

toolcollecta wrote:G'day All,
.... oops! Turns out there's a small grub screw accessable through the hole in the side of the dial, give it a little righty tighty with the allen key and all's well. Or is it?

Could some of you more experienced players let me know if I've missed something crucial, thanks.

Let's hope so!!!! If it now works smoothly, there's a good chance you'll be O.K.

The thing(s) that can be hurt by the in-advised turning of the speed dial are the little wire latch at the end of the quadrant assembly (pork chop) and/or the speed control bracket. The two ears of the bracket could spread, causing a ill fitting connection between the worm gear and the quadrant.

There are instructions available on the forum in other threads that may help with your assessment.

Of course you need to oil/lubricate the places in the headstock recommended by Shopsmith. Try this one for starters! http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Archives/SS111/SS111_Index.htm

Here's one of the recent threads I found by "searching" the word 'lubrication'. There are 126 threads that show up! https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5359&highlight=lubrication

Best Wishes, Martin!!

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 10:01 pm

Did ya clean out the headstock, wax everything and lube it? Then align it? How about some pics of the Goldie.

toolcollecta · Post by **toolcollecta** » Thu Apr 08, 2010 9:58 pm

Hi Chuck and Bob, I think I'll take your advice after watching one of the SS Sawdust session files on maintenance. For a newbie like myself these downloads are just invaluable. I'll post a couple of pics over the w/e.
All the best guys.