My first SS. SO EXCITED!

eagleta2 · Post by **eagleta2** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 9:53 pm

jimthej wrote:Lube it, align it, and USE it. Forget the looks, it's a TOOL!:D

AMEN BROTHER! I wouldn't dare post a picture of my shopsmith on here. Its not ancient or abused in anyway but it is well loved and well used. Most days its covered in a fine layer of the day's sawdust...as it should be!

The restored machines are gorgeous...but I'd rather use it than admire it.

Thanks
Geo

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 10:46 am

Speaking as one who has spent the time to do a paint job, major clean up and bearing replacement. It's well worth the effort. I gained a lt of knowledge about my machine and it feels good going into the shop and having nice looking equipment.

Before and after photos are in the kink in my signature.

jhut83 · Post by **jhut83** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:01 am

terrydowning wrote:Speaking as one who has spent the time to do a paint job, major clean up and bearing replacement. It's well worth the effort. I gained a lt of knowledge about my machine and it feels good going into the shop and having nice looking equipment.

Before and after photos are in the kink in my signature.

Beautiful job! I love the paint scheme you went with. Did you buy a new speed dial or paint the old one? It looks perfect.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:11 am

I had to buy a new one. Unfortunately, it is a tad larger than the original and not a perfect match. One of these days, I'm going to contact the guy on ebay that does the repairs. I want this one back though, not a replacement. This machine does have sentimental value as I'm a third generation user of this machine (Can a SS really be owned??)

jhut83 · Post by **jhut83** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 1:18 pm

I decided to start pulling the machine apart for inspection/cleaning. The power cord needs to be replaced for sure. Nothing else really stands out to me. My only question so far concerns the speed changer. It's showing some wear. Here's a picture. I'm not sure if it shows well enough for any of you to give me an opinion. I'm wondering if this is something I should be worried about.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 1:27 pm

That wear is 'typical', and will eventually cause a problem. Bill Mayo's 'fix' is indicated. Involves replacing the tension pin and straightening the arm.

Last but not least is in the future slow down gradually.

jhut83 · Post by **jhut83** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 7:11 am

JPG40504 wrote:That wear is 'typical', and will eventually cause a problem. Bill Mayo's 'fix' is indicated. Involves replacing the tension pin and straightening the arm.

Last but not least is in the future slow down gradually.

Thanks for the info! I'm still cleaning parts. I'm at the motor now. Looks like I need to take it apart to replace the power cord.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 9:49 am

terrydowning wrote:One of these days, I'm going to contact the guy on ebay that does the repairs. I want this one back though, not a replacement. This machine does have sentimental value as I'm a third generation user of this machine (Can a SS really be owned??)

If you're referring to Jacob Anderson (the guy on E-Bay who does headstock repairs), he repairs and returns your actual headstock and doesn't swap it out with another. He currently has my headstock from my '78 Mark V500 - it too is very sentimental, as my father bought it new and taught me woodworking on it...my Dad passed away about 6 years ago and I'm now carrying the torch, so I'm sentimental about every bolt on the thing, much less the headstock. So far I'm very pleased with Jacob's communication etc. and hopefuly should have my headstock back right after the holidays. It cost me $150 in labor and $125 in parts, plus shipping costs both directions. Here's the summary of issues he discovered that he's addressing:

Motor sheave rubbing on shroud
Drive belt narrow
Drive sleeve bearings
Poly v belt due for replacement after 25 years
Replace on/off switch due to age and dust infiltration
Quill bearing rough

I can't wait to get it back and hear it purr. Meanwhile, lots of cleaning, painting, and waxing to do on the remainder of the machine, as well as install the upgraded casters I bought, before the headstock comes back.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 10:50 am

Nope, I'm reffering to this guy gramy555
He repairs the teeth on the speed control handle but he does it on an exchange basis. I want the original back for sentimental reasons. Like I said, one of these days. I actually purchased the entire speed control assembly as mine was shot including the handle. But the handle is slightly larger than the original 1955 casting and it does not have the vintage cross hatching. Just a preference not a requirement.

I'm close enough to Simon Eng if I need help rebuilding the headstock, I can skip the shipping. I just did a bearing replacement and repaint though, not much in their mechanically really. I do see a coming need to contact Bill Mayo for one of his 2 bearing gilmer quills. I do a lot of turning and some of it is heavy. The quill bearing replacement I did (6 months ago?) is suspect already as I'm experiencing out of round issues. Admittedly, I "cheaped out" and did not purchase the best bearing I could have. Live and learn!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:05 pm

Gramy555 will return yours if you make it clear you wish to do so before he sends you an exchange. That will likely increase the turn around time.

Send him question before bidding etc.