Headstock Noise

eggy · Post by **eggy** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:00 am

I have a "singing" or whining noise while my Shopsmith is running. I completely disassembled, cleaned and lubed the headstock. I didn't feel any bad bearings anywhere. The machine is early 80's vintage with low use and original belts. I tried some belt dressing on the original belts because I didnt't have new ones. Do you think the belts are the cause of the noise? It happens at all speed ranges and doesn't happen right when it is turned on, but shortly there after. I figured with the current sale going on, I should take care of it. It gives you quite a headache when it's singing!!

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 3:11 am

eggy wrote:I have a "singing" or whining noise while my Shopsmith is running. I completely disassembled, cleaned and lubed the headstock. I didn't feel any bad bearings anywhere. The machine is early 80's vintage with low use and original belts. I tried some belt dressing on the original belts because I didnt't have new ones. Do you think the belts are the cause of the noise? It happens at all speed ranges and doesn't happen right when it is turned on, but shortly there after. I figured with the current sale going on, I should take care of it. It gives you quite a headache when it's singing!!

Hi eggy,
You could:
first, remove the belt that drives the quill (item#55) and see if the noise persists. If it goes away, the problem lies with that belt or something "past" that belt. If the noise persists.......
second, remove the drive belt (item#113). ditto the results. If the noise persists, the problem is with the motor.