Shopsmith Forums

Now tell us WHAT you lubed it with earlier.

Same stuff. Zoom Spout.

Then them getting stuck remains a mystery.

Well here's my theory... It's a 1991. The previous owner used it lightly. So much so I doubt in the 30 years he owned he never ever oiled it. Over time belt residue was able to get between the sheave and the safe but all was dry. Might have even worked as its own lubricant. Anyway I come along and add oil which basically turned it into a black tar like substance that gummed it all up. When I did get them apart thats what I had found. A black tarish sticky substance inside the sheave and on the shaft. Hit it with carb cleaner and it came right off. So that's my theory.

It sounds like you're making good progress. I'd be careful with the cleaner around bearings, especially if it is a spray. SS uses a combination (not necessarily predictable) of sealed and shielded bearings throughout. Keep in mind that the sheaves on the motor shaft serve a similar function to those on the Idler. Whatever you found on the Idler is almost certainly present there as well. The forced air cooling of the headstock also brings in dust, sawdust, etc. from the surrounding air whenever the motor is running.

- David

Good point David. I have today off so I'll get in the garage and get that lower sheave tore down as well.

KCollins wrote: Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:10 am Good point David. I have today off so I'll get in the garage and get that lower sheave tore down as well.

BEWARE the spring!!!!

YOU AIN'T A KIDDING SPRING!!!! Good god. That is a bitch. I'm going to need a second set of hands to get it back on... But... sure enough... that sheave was gumming up too and by the time I started taking it off it was tough.

For reassembly a short board that slips under the headstock 'ribs?" having a hole that will slip over the washer/cup and allow the grooved shaft to protrude so as to facilitate replacing the retaining ring(the hole must be larger than the ring.

P.S. You will be amazed how easily the floating sheave slides when the shaft is oiled.

Yeah JPG it is running profecto now. Speed adjustment is smooth and easy. It even sounds quieter. But I don't want to do that again anytime soon. I will say though it was very simple to tear down. A few screws and bolts and your in... I will no longer worry about doing any repairs or maintenance in the future.