Shopsmith Forums

Hi all. New guy here. This is the 2nd Shopsmith I've owned. My first one was a "Greenie" many years ago. From what I've found on the serial number, this one is a 1981 model. I bought it for $300 a few months ago and have used it a little since then, mainly as a drill press.

This Mark V seemed like it was a bit more noisy than it should be, so decided to open her up for a little exploration. Pulled out the quill and found it to be the old style, and it seemed to have a little play as well as bearing noise. Decided to order a new 2 bearing quill. While I was in there, decided to go through the inspection of all the internal parts. I removed the headstock from the way tubes, and put it on my bench. First thing I noticed is there was some overspray of gray paint in a couple of the way tube holes. I have a feeling I know the answer to this, but will ask anyway. Is this normal? I have a feeling someone repainted this headstock at some point and got paint in there. I plan on removing that paint with some scotchbrite and/or very fine sandpaper, then polishing with crocus cloth. Than an application of wax to finish it off. Also polishing and waxing the way tubes.

On with the inspection. Found the insulation on the motor wires to be seriously cracked and some missing at the switch. Not good! Glad I decided to open her up. Next I removed the belt from the motor and removed the motor pan from the headstock. As most here will guess, it's a GE motor. Not feeling I wanted to tackle the motor rewire and bearing replacement myself, I called around and found a small company that could do the job. Left my name and number, but no call back from them yet. Did find an AO Smith motor on epray that looked brand new, so decided to go for that instead. Hope it's as good as it looks. I have a small business making cables for audio and home theater system, so I'm making a new 12AWG power cable to install while I'm at it. While I'm at it, might as well replace the old switch now, so ordered a new switch from Del City. (Thanks for the thread on that

The further I got into this headstock, the more problems I found. All kinds of mismatched bolts and screws. Someone had been in there before. Nuff said. found most bearings had leaked some lubricant, were making some noise and needed to be replaced. Made the decision to just bite the bullet and I've ordered everything I need to completely rebuild the headstock from the idler through the quill, speed changer, quill feed and the necessary bolts to button everything back up the way it should be. Replacing the headstock way tube locks too. They were worn WAY beyond useable.

In the meantime, while waiting for parts from Shopsmith to arrive, am cleaning and polishing everything. Hoping once I get her all back together she will be like new

Anyway, been lurking and learning for awhile now and just wanted to stop by and say hi. Thanks for all the helpful information on here. Along with the Sawdust Sessions videos, this forum has taught me a lot and I'm grateful.

Doug

Almost appears to be a good candidate for a ss performed powerpro trade in.

Too late for that though I assume. Otherwise, good judgement!

Welcome to the forum!:)

JPG40504 wrote:Almost appears to be a good candidate for a ss performed powerpro trade in.

Too late for that though I assume. Otherwise, good judgement!

Welcome to the forum!:)

Thanks for the welcome. If I had the extra $ I'd have gone for the powerpro upgrade, but just can't afford that yet. Maybe down the road. Could have gone for the regular new headstock, but saved a few dollars, and will have the fun of building this one

DouglasConnection wrote:Thanks for the welcome. If I had the extra $ I'd have gone for the powerpro upgrade, but just can't afford that yet. Maybe down the road. Could have gone for the regular new headstock, but saved a few dollars, and will have the fun of building this one

And learn much!!!:)

DouglasConnection wrote:Thanks for the welcome. If I had the extra $ I'd have gone for the powerpro upgrade, but just can't afford that yet. Maybe down the road. Could have gone for the regular new headstock, but saved a few dollars, and will have the fun of building this one

I sent you a PM that should be of interst to you. Thanks.

Hi and welcome
Use good quality bearings. I have used sealed bearings from a Japanese manufacturer with good success. High quality bearings will last longer and run quieter. The leaking of the bearings is most likely lubricant that was weaked out by the sawdust packed against the bearing. I get bearings from VXB on the net. Very fast service. If you want to spend a few extra bucks I would opt for the Nachi brand from Japan.
Bill V

Still waiting for the big order from Shopsmith to get here. A couple of items are still out of stock, and told them there was no sense in sending until they had it all. On the bright side this has given me a little time to do some other work. Been doing some cleaning and work on the way tubes and the carriage. Removed the carriage from the way tubes and discovered the lock blocks were worn down some. I have filed them both down, so they are flat again. Will clean and wax the holes they go in, as well as the holes where the way tubes go through. Am cleaning the table and the leg shafts, and will wax all that stuff too. Anyway, pretty much on hold until all the goodies get here to finish the rebuild.