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Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Sun May 08, 2022 9:06 pm
by JPG
If the 'motor' belt were getting caught between the vanes of the pulleys, the motor WILL stall.
If the motor is rotating and the pulleys etc. are not, the belt is either too long or has been mentioned the floating sheave is stuck open.
Critical is that what size belt did you install question/answer?
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Sun May 08, 2022 11:44 pm
by ACE
Great news! It lives!
first: plugged straight into wall (for now, no outlets in the garage, so I brought it into the kitchen!!)
second: I rewatched some videos on installing the drive belt and tried again - realizing that I had been attempting it with the speed control sheaves too far apart - resulting in the belt being caught in the vanes as you said, JPG.
I didn't use digital calipers, but it measures at 1/2" to my square. I see Shopsmith along with what I believe is a part number printed on the side - also the Pirelli name and logo.
I am so excited!!
In this whole process, I discovered bent brackets holding the speed control quadrant, resulting in sporadic misalignment between the quadrant and the worm gear. I've taken a look at Bill Mayo's headstock improvement recommendations, and plan on tackling this next. I also need to figure out how to get sufficient power to the machine while in the garage.
Thanks so much for all the support. So excited!

Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Sun May 08, 2022 11:46 pm
by ACE
Yes, Dusty. I believe Papa would be proud.
Going to hold off on a complete overhaul for now. But, the good news is, when it's time for that, I have a good idea what to do and who to go to with questions. Also that exhaustive Bearing guide!!
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Mon May 09, 2022 5:20 pm
by jsburger
ACE wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 11:44 pm
Great news! It lives!
first: plugged straight into wall (for now, no outlets in the garage, so I brought it into the kitchen!!)
second: I rewatched some videos on installing the drive belt and tried again - realizing that I had been attempting it with the speed control sheaves too far apart - resulting in the belt being caught in the vanes as you said, JPG.
I didn't use digital calipers, but it measures at 1/2" to my square. I see Shopsmith along with what I believe is a part number printed on the side - also the Pirelli name and logo.
I am so excited!!
In this whole process, I discovered bent brackets holding the speed control quadrant, resulting in sporadic misalignment between the quadrant and the worm gear. I've taken a look at Bill Mayo's headstock improvement recommendations, and plan on tackling this next.
I also need to figure out how to get sufficient power to the machine while in the garage.
Thanks so much for all the support. So excited!
A 12 gauge extension cord will work fine.
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Mon May 09, 2022 10:23 pm
by ACE
I’ll try that! Thank you!
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2022 10:14 pm
by ACE
Follow up question:
In order for the SS to get sufficient power, do I need to run it on a different breaker? I have many other items (freezer, battery chargers, fan, air compressor, et.) plugged into the garage outlets drawing power for different reasons, and the garage outlets are all on one breaker.
If I run anything else on the breaker the SS is using, will that compromise power? I have plans to run a fan, a work light, a shop vac, an air compressor, and the SS all at once. Is this too much?
I plan to have an electrician come in and run another line to the garage along with a dedicated 220 line, but I'm not sure how long it will be before I can make that happen. I'm trying to figure out a solution in the meantime.
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2022 10:40 pm
by JPG
The SS power will be compromised in that the breaker will trip with all that additional load and the SS will be motionless.
Do install another branch!
IIWM, I would have the electrician wire a 230V branch with a neutral so 115V receptacles could be included.
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Fri May 13, 2022 11:22 pm
by ACE
Ok I'll be sure to mention that. Thanks, JPG!
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Sat May 14, 2022 9:14 am
by JPG
He may balk IF local codes disallow it. May be a mindset issue also.
Re: Should I Install a New Style Idler Or My Old One?
Posted: Sat May 14, 2022 11:42 am
by ACE
Mindset issue?