Shopsmith Forums

Just a quick newbie question here...

Have an older mark V, that has started squeaking / squealing at the lower speeds.

The motor runs strong, but I'm sure it wont for long.

Any ideas about what might be wrong?

I did remove the quill the other day, but reassembled it with out any problems.

Have you oiled the sheaves recently? Also, check the belt for brittleness and cracks.

richardrouse wrote:Just a quick newbie question here...

Have an older mark V, that has started squeaking / squealing at the lower speeds.

The motor runs strong, but I'm sure it wont for long.

Any ideas about what might be wrong?

I did remove the quill the other day, but reassembled it with out any problems.

A loose/worn out belt or bad bearing??? Remove the belt cover and use a use a piece of a wood dowel (1 1/2" OD or larger so it fits your ear) and probe around the machine. You should be able to quickly determine where the sequel is coming from.

I've oiled the sheeves, I've actually been doing that every time I use the machine since I bought it used and from a pawn shop at that.

I'll check the belt's deflection.

I'll have to be poking around tomorrow.

richardrouse wrote:I've oiled the sheeves, I've actually been doing that every time I use the machine since I bought it used and from a pawn shop at that.

I'll check the belt's deflection.

I'll have to be poking around tomorrow.

Are you oiling BOTH the control(idler shaft) and the floating(motor shaft) sheaves?

Is the motor belt less than 1/2" wide?

Thanks for the help. I tore the whole headstock apart. The drive belt was a tad bit brittle, so I'll be replacing both the belts.

just for grins, I started up the motor without any of the belts attached and the motor squealled like a stuck pig.

I'm guessing that's a bearing issue within the motor.

Should I replace bearings in the motor or just bite the bullet and get a new motor?

If you're thinking of replacing the motor, now's the time to consider the PowerPro.

Bruce wrote:If you're thinking of replacing the motor, now's the time to consider the PowerPro.

Bruce, you sound like a Shopsmith salesman!

I whole heartedly disagree unless you just want to spend a bundle. If your current Shopsmith serves your wood working needs (only you can determine that), I would say that is is time to have the motor inspected by a qualified motor repair person. It is likely that new bearings will bring the motor back to full service. I would estimate the total cost at less than $100. What probably needs to be done (new bearings), you could do for less than $30.

I would also give serious consideration to a full inspection of the headstock and maybe all new bearings there. Once done, you will have a full function Mark V and after some serious use it might be time to consider investing is a PowerPro.

JPG wrote:

richardrouse wrote:I've oiled the sheeves, I've actually been doing that every time I use the machine since I bought it used and from a pawn shop at that.

I'll check the belt's deflection.

I'll have to be poking around tomorrow.

Are you oiling BOTH the control(idler shaft) and the floating(motor shaft) sheaves?

Is the motor belt less than 1/2" wide?

Would that make it squeal???