Shopsmith Forums

I was recently given a complete headstock from my friend who lost his fingers in the accident I addressed in a previous thread. He purchased a brand new one from Shopsmith and didn't want the old one. I am considering rebuilding it for a spare or having it rebuilt by someone who is experienced at it. I would appreciate input on what might dissuade a novice from attempting such a project and if anyone knows of a reputable west coast Shopsmith headstock rebuilder in case I decide to have someone else do it.
Sarge

I would rebuild. A very meticulous tear down and rebuild project would leave you so much more knowledgeable about your Shopsmith. There are no time constraints. You could take your time, do research as neccessary and end up with a headstock that would be in "perfect" condition.

Now what to do with this "like new" headstock. I would then assemble my "like new" mini.

The following cnecklist is what I use to rebuild a headstock. I will be happy to answer/clarify any questions about any of the items.

Re-reviewing my check list, I did not covered removing, cleaning and reinstalling the Quill Feed Assembly. I normally will only remove the Quill Feed Assembly if the quill spring is broken or unhooked after removing the quill housing. Let me know if it looks like I may have missed any other action/step on this updated check list. Thanks.

• Remove upper and lower metal spline hubs.
• Remove and clean belt cover. If inside is rusty, prime with Rusteoleum Rust Reformat paint.
• Turn Speed Control Handle to Fast setting.
• Remove Logo Cover.
• Remove ON-OFF switch nut and push inside headstock.
• Remove Drive Belt from motor sheave.
• Provide support, remove 5 screws from motor pan and remove from headstock.
• Remove 4 motor pan to motor screws and separate.
• Clean motor pan including removing any foreign objects (I've found nails, screws, clips, etc!!). If inside is rusty, prime with Rustoleum Rust Reformat paint.
• Visually inspect to see if motor windings are packed with sawdust and remove if necessary.
• Test on/off switch. Replace any 15 Amp switch with 20 Amp switch.
• Replace any wire with deteriorated insulation and replace ends with latest insulated connectors.
• Test the motor.
• Clean and lube floating sheave on motor.
• Check motor bearings and replace and test if needed.
• Replace motor mount screws with stainless steel bolts and lock washers.
• Remove, clean and inspect speed control handle gear. Replace if any missing or worn tooth/teeth. Remove spring behind Speed Control Dial.
• Remove, clean, inspect and lubricate speed control assembly and gears. Replace if needed.
• Clean and inspect speed control dial gears.
• Remove, clean and check control sheave and bearing.
• Lube control sheave.
• Remove and clean Eccentric Bushing.
• Remove, clean and check idler shaft and bearing. Replace if needed.
• Remove, disassemble and check bearing(s) in quill. Most quill bearings need replacement. Replace with a high quality C1 bearing(s) if needed.
• Check that the Quill Feed Assembly spring is not broken or unhooked. Remove the Quill Feed housing and replace and/or rehook spring and reinstall if needed. Clean and dry lube the Quill Feed gear teeth.
• Remove drive sleeve assembly and check both bearings. Most bearings need replacement. Replace with high quality C3 bearings if needed.
• Check torque on drive sleeve pulley setscrew and tighten if needed.
• Clean and inspect Poly-V or Gilmer belt for distortions, cracking or fraying and replace if needed.
• Clean interior of headstock casting, including removing impacted grease/dust in quill advance mechanism.
• Inspect headstock casting for cracks or breaks.
• Clean, check headstock lock mechanism & lube.
• Place Poly-V/Gilmer belt in housing and install drive sleeve assembly.
• Install Idler Shaft Assembly and idler sheave and adjust belt tension.
• Replace the motor belt with a new belt.
• Replace missing clips, screws, springs, bolts, etc.
• Replace all #8 steel screws with #10 stainless steel screws.
• Replace Speed Control Assembly and set to Fast.
• Replace spring behind and install Speed Control Dial. Set to Fast.
• Install quill and check quill return tension and set to factory specs.
• Check quill lock and feed stop functions and adjust if necessary.
• Install ON-OFF switch and motor pan.
• Connect drive belt.
• Test operation of headstock.
• Reset speed dial settings if needed so Slow = approx. 700 rpm and high = approx 5200 rpm.
• Install belt housing.
• Clean exterior of reassembled unit. Fill the quill and quill feed set screw holes with putty if needed.

Bill Mayo
Bill Mayo http://www.billstoolz.com

psargeant wrote:I was recently given a complete headstock from my friend who lost his fingers in the accident I addressed in a previous thread. He purchased a brand new one from Shopsmith and didn't want the old one. I am considering rebuilding it for a spare or having it rebuilt by someone who is experienced at it. I would appreciate input on what might dissuade a novice from attempting such a project and if anyone knows of a reputable west coast Shopsmith headstock rebuilder in case I decide to have someone else do it.
Sarge

Hi Bill,

Sometimes when I read the forum, I just have to chuckle at the timing of things. Like Sarge, I too am considering embarking on a major headstock rebuild (in my case, a well used mid 50's greenie that I rescued).

I have been watching Jacob Anderson's video on rebuilding headstocks and spent my lunch hours this week developing a "checklist" for the teardown procedure. Writing down a procedure in my own words helps me to judge if I really understand it (at least in theory), and I figured it would be a good ready reference while I do the work. Now I see it was a "pop quiz" and you just delivered me the answer key! I will grade my list this weekend. I hope I pass:o

A question that has been coming to mind is a source for good bearings.

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Dennis

Do a search for posts written by billmayo. I believe that you will find the answer to your questions therein.

Re-reviewing my check list, I did not covered removing, cleaning and reinstalling the Quill Feed Assembly. I normally will only remove the Quill Feed Assembly if the quill spring is broken or unhooked after removing the quill housing. Let me know if it looks like I may have missed any other action/step on this updated check list. Thanks.

• Remove upper and lower metal spline hubs.
• Remove and clean belt cover. If inside is rusty, prime with Rusteoleum Rust Reformat paint.
• Turn Speed Control Handle to Fast setting.
• Remove Logo Cover.
• Remove ON-OFF switch nut and push inside headstock.
• Remove Drive Belt from motor sheave.
• Provide support, remove 5 screws from motor pan and remove from headstock.
• Remove 4 motor pan to motor screws and separate.
• Clean motor pan including removing any foreign objects (I've found nails, screws, clips, etc!!). If inside is rusty, prime with Rustoleum Rust Reformat paint.
• Visually inspect to