Shopsmith Forums

I have noticed my speed control dial, while it stops at "Fast", now goes past Slow and bottoms out at "U". Does this mean a belt needs to be replaced, or is there another adjustment I have overlooked?
BPR

ryanbp01 wrote:I have noticed my speed control dial, while it stops at "Fast", now goes past Slow and bottoms out at "U". Does this mean a belt needs to be replaced, or is there another adjustment I have overlooked?
BPR

Maybe.

The determining factor re belt replacement is wear that decreases the belt width. It is unlikely to be 'stretched'.

Being narrower, the belt can drop further into the motor pulley. This allows expansion of the slow speed 'range'.

Performing a high speed adjustment may reduce that effect, but yes the belt is likely worn to the point of needing to be replaced.

Measure the belt width at the outer(wider) surface and if appreciably narrower than 1/2", is probably should be replaced.

However 'extra' useful life can be gleaned by careful high speed adjustment. 'Careful' because it may be possible to adjust the high speed all the way to causing interference of the control sheave and the speed control.(also it could drop too low into the idler pulley)

Realize that eventually the narrow belt will drop too far into the motor pulley and could become jammed or cause excessive slipping.

For that reason reducing the speed too much below 'slow' should be avoided.

I haven't attempted a High Speed Adjustment other than what I've seen in the "Shopsmith Journals". After rereading the directions (thank-you, Beeg) and not having a tachometer, I will try doing the non-tachometer instructions for doing the adjustment when I get home this evening. Before I go, has anyone done the non-tachometer adjustments and is it reliable?
BPR

ryanbp01 wrote:I haven't attempted a High Speed Adjustment other than what I've seen in the "Shopsmith Journals". After rereading the directions (thank-you, Beeg) and not having a tachometer, I will try doing the non-tachometer instructions for doing the adjustment when I get home this evening. Before I go, has anyone done the non-tachometer adjustments and is it reliable?
BPR

That is the only way I've done it. I do now have a tachometer so sometime in the future I'll see how that works.... Do however check the width of the belt before you start. They do wear and need replacing from time to time.

Ed

reible wrote:That is the only way I've done it. I do now have a tachometer so sometime in the future I'll see how that works.... Do however check the width of the belt before you start. They do wear and need replacing from time to time.

Ed

I bought a cheap tachometer a year or so ago. It worked fine. I ran around the shop checking everything that spins to make sure they were spinning. Sure enough, they did and at the anticipated rate.

The tach went back in the case and hasn't been used since (I better go pull the batteries). I'm not sure there is a real need for one except to satisfy ones curiosity.

There have been different screw lengths used over the past 60 years, so the flush to the top of the nut can be questionable with older machines. If it is 'off' a little, so what? As long as interferences are not occurring all is ok.

Well, got it accomplished today. All is well.
BPR