Shopsmith Forums

I have a C headstock that apparently has quit functioning (worked until last month). There is no indication of electrical function whatsoever. What should I look for?

What electrical checks did you do ?
1. power at the panel voltage test.
2. power cord and plug not damaged.
3. on / off switch for power.
4. checking start capacitor on motor
If you have power through the on / off switch and power to the motor leads, could be the motor is gone.

hiramelu wrote:I have a C headstock that apparently has quit functioning (worked until last month). There is no indication of electrical function whatsoever. What should I look for?

If you mean like totally dead, no noise other than the click of the switch, then it would be best to use a multimeter and start testing the circuit. Of course the first thing to check is the outlet to be sure you have power.

After that, personally I prefer the safer approach of unplugging the unit then starting at the plug and working your way up to the motor leads by checking continuity. Being such a sudden occurance with no warning I'm inclined to think that there's an open circuit from a faulty switch or loose wire rather than a failed motor. Good luck.

Do what OPus said.
Then put an ohmmeter across the two straight terminals of the power plug (not plugged in) and turn the switch on. If there is no change in the reading of the meter the the power circuit is open and that could mean anythiing from primary power to motor windings. I would check the wiring on the back of the switch to make sure that one of the wires did not drop off.
Bill V