Shopsmith Forums

Hey guys!

So I picked up the shopsmith and all its SPTs and accessories yesterday and they had even more than i realized. I was able to fit it all in the SUV but just barely. Without the tear down recommendations it never would have fit.

I did as you recommended and it runs well but the owner hadnt used it in a couple of years so things dont slide really easily and I need to get some oil on the sheaves. Other than that, it was impeccably cared for. No signs of rust or corrosion and inside the headstock was clean.

So, where should I start as far as deferred maint is concerned? Do i go through the book and complete everything, cleaning, waxing, aligning, checking belts and will that be enough or should i plan to tear the headstock down too.

Oh, two things to note, the speed control lever was a little stiff when I turned it. Is that normal? I dont think this unit had a ton if use. Also, the main table occasionally slides down when i turn the wheel. Meaning, it advances further and faster than it should when i turn. The rack looks good so I'm curious what else it might be.

Thanks again guys!

Now I'm jussa poor country barrister, but I suggest — I say "I" — suggest you do a basic overhaul — cleaning, waxing, oiling — and check all the parts inside the headstock for wear.

You'll find this both informative and enjoyable and come to understand the machine much better during the process.

Though I'm not exactly certain of what you did, you should not turn the speed dial when the machine isn't running.

Enjoy!

The generic advice is 'Do Not Adjust Speed Unless It Is Running.

However the following is relevant.

Adjust towards fast is ok regardless, but do not go all the way to fast unless the pulleys are turning(running or by hand cranking).

Adjusting towards slow however is when all the reasons for the generic advice apply.

As you adjust towards slow, the quadrant pushes against the control sheave which then squeezes the belt. This is the reason the knob turns harder going in that direction. If the pulleys are rotating, the floating sheave on the motor shaft reacts to the increased belt tension caused by the 'squeezing' and relieves it by opening the motor pulley slightly. This allows the belt to rise a bit in the idler pulley thus relieving the 'squeeze'.

Waxing(Johnson's Original Paste Wax) the way tubes and table etc. mouinting posts, oiling the sheaves is the first order of 'business'.

Then make decisions based on what is before thee.