Shopsmith Forums

Now WHY did I not think of that?

Keep the variator bearings well lubricated!!!!!

garys wrote: ↑Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:13 am Yes, definitely try a wider blade for resawing 5" wood. I have a 1/2" blade on my bandsaw, and recently have been resawing quite a bit of 6" Oak, Cherry, and Walnut. It handles it well even with my old 1983 Shopsmith motor.

I use a wider blade for general purposes, but it's kinda tough to cut a bandsaw box with a 1/2" blade

The manual says the bearings are sealed and permanently lubricated so I don't think I can lubricate them.

Tiim2Relax wrote: ↑Mon Feb 28, 2022 12:43 pm The manual says the bearings are sealed and permanently lubricated so I don't think I can lubricate them.

I'd have to pull mine out to check the variator bearing on the shaft but I believe you need to keep the floating sheave lubricated as well as the moving parts of the speed changing actuator.

Not sure what you've done with the motor but I've found maintaining tension on the belts will get rid of a lot of noise from vibration. Did you consider a longer belt?

I thought about a longer belt, but took the easy approach.....I would have needed to disassemble quite a bit more to change the belt. It was easier just to move the motor closer. Belt is in good condition and tension feels about right. I'm not getting excessive noise.

Ahhh...I will make sure the floating sheeve and speed changing actuator stay lubricated. Thanks!

JPG wrote: ↑Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:43 am Keep the variator bearings well lubricated!!!!!

I'm trying to recall this from when I had mine apart, but I'm thinking the variator bears directly on the shaft. No ball bearings, sealed or otherwise. Is that right? My manual also says 'no additional lubrication required' but I don't think that is best. For sure, the motor needs oil (or at least mine does) as it is not a ball bearing motor and I cleaned and greased the variator shaft when I had mine apart. I like the convenience and small footprint of the Power Station, but ultimately decided to go forward with a mini Mark V.

- David

DLB wrote: ↑Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:39 pm I like the convenience and small footprint of the Power Station, but ultimately decided to go forward with a mini Mark V.
- David

I'm doing the same thing because I have all the parts for a machine left over, and now a pretty decent headstock too. It doesn't have to be significantly larger than a Power Station without a carriage or table. My plan is to make the motor reversible, keep a joiner mounted on the left side and leave the right side available as needed. I suppose if that mini is full up I'll pull out the Power Station but I think it's going to just be part of the collection.

Bronze bushings(oil impregnated) are often considered not needing additional lubrication.

Folly IMHO.