Shopsmith Forums

Hello all,

Recently acquired an early 80's Mark V (Serial Number 99511) from a dear friend that passed away. It was well loved and maintained during prior use, but has since sat idle for some time so I am planning on doing a through cleaning and rebuild. Before doing any of that I was wondering if there are any electrical safety issues I need to watch out for (aside from the obvious of unplug the darn thing). I know it is a very bad idea to tear into microwaves and some old TVs due to the capacitors. Is there anything similar to that with the Mark V? Any and all advice/help is much appreciated.

Nothing like capacitors or anything exotic in the Shopsmith to worry about. Perhaps if you open up the motor (which should generally not be necessary)there might be a capacitor, but even that should be fine (I've restored a couple of 10ERs, but have no opened up the motor on a Mark V). If you want to be completely sure, unplug it for a day before doing the work.

If you are not opening up the motor, do not be concerned. Even then there should not be any 'stored' charge.

What if I am opening up the motor?

UNPLUG FROM ELECTRICAL SOURCE.

Be sure you have a grounded electrical plug with the ground wire connected to the motor or frame. I found a few ground plugs cut off and the motor will still operate. I have gotten shocked a couple times from internal shorts in the motor which I could never correct.