Shopsmith Forums

lv2wdwrk wrote:The part I like about it is that you can go directly to the session you want to view (when you find it). I am lazy and don't like to key in addresses.

Yep! Making the machine work for you!

woodbuster wrote:Good morning. I'm new here and I just had a few questions. My Grandmother gave an old Shop Smith that had a couple problems. The speed control handle was stripped and the speed control assembly was stripped. I purchased the parts and was going to install them but I am having some problems. I read that I am supposed to have the setting up to the highest speed but as I have never been able to turn it on I can't do that. The speed control assembly doesn't want to go in straight. I'd appreciate any help. Thanks, Roger

You've received a lot of advise and tips and I hope that they all are helpful to you. But more importantly, have you received the advise that you need to get your Mark V up and running.

Woodbuster, to get the Mark V set at high speed first unplug it from the wall outlet. Mount the sanding disk on the spindle and while turning the sanding disk (same direction as the blade would turn) also turn the speed control knob to "high speed" on the dial. The reason why you need to turn the sanding disk (spindle) is so that the belts and pulleys operate as they would when changing speeds. Without the spindle turning, the drive belt is seized between the walls of the variable pulleys. With the spindle turning, the pulleys/belts are moving and are therefore not obstructing the movement of the belts and speed control. The variable pulley (control sheave) that effects speed can now adjust (as will the motor pulley).

Since you have to remove the speed control mechanism anyhow there is another way you can do this. Following the directions that have been given in the Sawdust Sessions, remove the drive belt from on the motor pulley. Configured this way, the speed control should operate and there will be do damage done.

Now you can begin replacing the speed control following the procedures already referenced. Good luck with this.

If you still have trouble, check back and some one can walk you through. It seems difficult the first time but will not be once you have been through the procedure successfully one time. If problems persist, pictures might help the members in diagnosing the issue and giving more precise instructions.

I would suggest that you drop the motor pan and with the Shopsmith in the drill press mode - run the speed control up and down while watching the sheaves do their work. IT IS LIKE POETRY IN MOTION.

BigSky wrote:I would suggest that you drop the motor pan and with the Shopsmith in the drill press mode - run the speed control up and down while watching the sheaves do their work. IT IS LIKE POETRY IN MOTION.

Yeah, I guess so. In iambic pentameter:rolleyes:.

dusty wrote:You've received a lot of advise and tips and I hope that they all are helpful to you. But more importantly, have you received the advise that you need to get your Mark V up and running.

Woodbuster, to get the Mark V set at high speed first unplug it from the wall outlet. Mount the sanding disk on the spindle and while turning the sanding disk (same direction as the blade would turn) also turn the speed control knob to "high speed" on the dial. The reason why you need to turn the sanding disk (spindle) is so that the belts and pulleys operate as they would when changing speeds. Without the spindle turning, the drive belt is seized between the walls of the variable pulleys. With the spindle turning, the pulleys/belts are moving and are therefore not obstructing the movement of the belts and speed control. The variable pulley (control sheave) that effects speed can now adjust (as will the motor pulley).

Since you have to remove the speed control mechanism anyhow there is another way you can do this. Following the directions that have been given in the Sawdust Sessions, remove the drive belt from on the motor pulley. Configured this way, the speed control should operate and there will be do damage done.

Now you can begin replacing the speed control following the procedures already referenced. Good luck with this.

If you still have trouble, check back and some one can walk you through. It seems difficult the first time but will not be once you have been through the procedure successfully one time. If problems persist, pictures might help the members in diagnosing the issue and giving more precise instructions.

Thanks for the info. The problem is that I don't have a speed control assembly in it right now. I had to take one it had in it out because the screw in it was bent. I'd post pics but I haven't figured that out yet. I am going to keep trying and I hope I figure it out. Thanks all for the links.

Using the diagrams on page 6 of this online manual may help describe your problem.

woodbuster wrote:Thanks for the info. The problem is that I don't have a speed control assembly in it right now. I had to take one it had in it out because the screw in it was bent. I'd post pics but I haven't figured that out yet. I am going to keep trying and I hope I figure it out. Thanks all for the links.

Well thanks guys. I persevered and finally figured it out. There still is a little flapping when it is on low speed but I think that I might need a new belt. Pray for me folks as I head down the slippery slope of wood turning. I appreciate your help. You guys have been very kind and patient. Roger