Shopsmith Forums

chapmanruss wrote: ↑Wed Dec 04, 2024 12:53 pm JPG,

Don't be sorry about using the correct terminology. I try to but slipped up on this one.

I ain't sorry. You ain't got no reason to be either.

NYViking wrote: ↑Mon Dec 02, 2024 10:25 pm my wife said she found a lathe to add to my woodworking arsenal

I'm impressed your wife is on the lookout for new tools for your shop!

I am surprised she knew what a lathe is?

Hey there -

Thank you for all of your helpful information. I did not find any lubricating holes on either of the shafts but believe I can successfully add them as suggested, but before I can do that, I have to tackle the disassembly and cleaning and lubricating. I have removed most debris from the headstock as the back cover to the maintenance hole was missing when I took ownership. I am also noticing other small pieces here and there that need to be replaced, but I don't mind a project as long as I get it up and running so I can start turning out projects.

I have watched at least one video on headstock disassembly, but do I have to disassemble even the locking levers and such, or can I just take care of the sheaves belts so I can get moving on working with it?

"can I just take care of the sheaves belts "

YEP!

That said, i recommend also cleaning up/lubricating the speed control.

Thank you everyone for helping me along on this. Sadly, work has gotten in the way of progress so far, but I am getting antsy, so back at it. As for lubricating the speed control, is there a service location for that or does oil have to be applied internally to the appropriate parts?

Because the back of the Speed Control is exposed inside the Headstock, I would recommend a dry lubricant. Oils or grease will attract dust and "gum" things up. From the factory a new Speed Control comes with grease on the worm gear and quadrant. I will remove that before installing it in my "Goldie" restoration. My personal preference. The oil used on the Motor and Idler shafts is pretty well protected against dust buildup. The gear teeth under the Speed Dial should have some lubricant too.

NYViking,

You said,

I have removed most debris from the headstock as the back cover to the maintenance hole was missing when I took ownership.

The cover which has the Shopsmith logo on it to go over the maintenance hole can be found used. If your Mark 5 has that hole on the back side of the Headstock as seen below it was added to your Mark 5 or the original Headstock Casting has been replaced by a "B" Headstock Casting.

_ .
Above is a "B" Headstock Casting and the arrows show the tabs that help align the Cover. Some owners have added this access hole to their "A" Headstock Mark 5's. The Headstock Castings of all Mark 5/Vs made beginning in October 1955, the change to the "B" Headstock Casting and on, have an access hole like the one above. The "C" Headstock Casting has a different attachment for the Cover and no tabs.

Unless you plan to paint the Headstock Casting you do not need to remove the Headstock Way Tube Lock Assembly. Even if you want to paint the Headstock you could cover it well enough to avoid removing it. It is a bit of a pain to remove and a bit more of a pain to reinstall the roll pin in the handle and rod. The threads on the rod and wedges are a good place for some dry lubricant too.

chapmanruss wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2024 1:03 pm Because the back of the Speed Control is exposed inside the Headstock, I would recommend a dry lubricant. Oils or grease will attract dust and "gum" things up.

I've been happy with this:
https://blasterproducts.com/product/dry-lube/

I use it anywhere, as chapmanruss says, that there is the potential for oil or grease to collect dust & shavings. Speed control, any exposed threads, caster mechanisms, etc.

Wow! Thank you. Unfortunately I have already removed the headstock from the way tubes, so I will have to work my way through the re-install when it comes to it. I am glad I took it off though as it allowed me to really get a good cleaning going. I cleaned out the motor, nooks and crannies and the back side of the speed control. I also removed my speed control knob to find out that the gears on the back side had broken off.
So I will have to find a replacement control knob.

Do you have any recommendations on how to care for the way tubes? They aren't in bad condition, the head stock moves pretty well on them, but for maintenance purposes. There are some slight discolorations and I was thinking about using CLR as a cleaner but didn't know if that would harm the metal.

Thanks again for all the advice! I know I will need more in the future too.

There is a guy that refurbishes the speed control handle, you can find him on ebay by searching 'Shopsmith speed control.' The refurb includes replacing the cast aluminum gear with a steel gear, along with polish and paint. I think that the consensus is that this is better than new because of the steel gear.

- David