Shopsmith Forums

Hello everyone. I'm Caleb, 26, and I just picked up my first shopsmith. Technically, I also bought my second one too. I can't pass up a great deal on Craigslist. I'm not sure of the exact years/models. One's an older model (60's?) with some rustic looking greenish and brown colors. The one I just picked up today is much newer. It's that bluish color I see nowadays, and came with a lot more fun stuff. They're both the mechanical/manual speed adjusted type.

My main question is this: Where can I find a good guide to go through the machines and make sure they're good to go for use?

The older one had the start of some rust in spots, primarily on the tubes. I picked up a wire brush disc, slapped it on the drill and went to town. It's much better now. I also partially removed the motor casing and took the dry vac to it, removing quite a bit of sawdust. I suppose I lucked out with that machine because when I picked it up, the plug only had one prong on it. I spliced on a new plug and it seems to sound/work great.

The newer one I picked up today seems great. Don't know much about it, other than the guy said the switch won't power off. Plug it in and it's on for good until you unplug it. I have no problem opening up the casing and I'm sure I'll be able to fix it. But it never hurts to ask. So, is this a common malfunction and does anyone know what I should expect to find/fix regarding the switch? Like the first one, it also sounds good. Though, he had the motor turned way up, so when we powered it on, I brought it down to a much lower speed because I've already read many times to do just that, and to always do so when powering it off. Though, the thing kept turning and turning and I never got down to the lowest speed. Does the speed dial ever just stop turning?

I'm sure I'll have many more questions soon enough. Until then, I appreciate the time and advice.

I have read the newowner information thread and got a few good bits of info for sure. Still just curious about some definite first steps to take since I picked up some used machines. Granted, I'm almost positively getting rid of the older one, I'd still want to make sure they're both in good shape.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forums.

I think most of your questions will be solved with the forum stickies. Then for other questions post pictures and ask away. I'm only a year into my shopsmith and love it. This forum is a huge help and motivation. A lot of people in here know their stuff and love helping.

My first suggestion though is oil it according to maintenance recommendations before you turn it on, and never change the speed changer without the arbors turning (put on the sanding disk and hand turn until oiled).

Welcome

Oh and your second machine might make a great sibling for your keeper, clean it up and keep it for a drill press if needed

Welcome, and yes there are great experts here, I will let them answer your specific questions. I would hang on the the other one, can make it into a shorty for a dedicated machine, exp; drill press, sanding station, they are great machines, parts are available and easy to work on, and variable speed without changing pulley/belt arrangements.

lilgodwin wrote:Hello everyone. I'm Caleb, 26, and I just picked up my first shopsmith. Technically, I also bought my second one too. I can't pass up a great deal on Craigslist. I'm not sure of the exact years/models. One's an older model (60's?) with some rustic looking greenish and brown colors. The one I just picked up today is much newer. It's that bluish color I see nowadays, and came with a lot more fun stuff. They're both the mechanical/manual speed adjusted type.

My main question is this: Where can I find a good guide to go through the machines and make sure they're good to go for use?

The older one had the start of some rust in spots, primarily on the tubes. I picked up a wire brush disc, slapped it on the drill and went to town. It's much better now. I also partially removed the motor casing and took the dry vac to it, removing quite a bit of sawdust. I suppose I lucked out with that machine because when I picked it up, the plug only had one prong on it. I spliced on a new plug and it seems to sound/work great.

The newer one I picked up today seems great. Don't know much about it, other than the guy said the switch won't power off. Plug it in and it's on for good until you unplug it. I have no problem opening up the casing and I'm sure I'll be able to fix it. But it never hurts to ask. So, is this a common malfunction and does anyone know what I should expect to find/fix regarding the switch? Like the first one, it also sounds good. Though, he had the motor turned way up, so when we powered it on, I brought it down to a much lower speed because I've already read many times to do just that, and to always do so when powering it off. Though, the thing kept turning and turning and I never got down to the lowest speed. Does the speed dial ever just stop turning?

I'm sure I'll have many more questions soon enough. Until then, I appreciate the time and advice.

I have read the newowner information thread and got a few good bits of info for sure. Still just curious about some definite first steps to take since I picked up some used machines. Granted, I'm almost positively getting rid of the older one, I'd still want to make sure they're both in good shape.

Thanks!

Welcome!

Here's a good place to start.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maint ... t7092.html

This is also good on general inspection and maintenance.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXDP5-e0aYw[/youtube]

Here's how to replace the switch.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbaidAlmhHI[/youtube]

The speed dial should stop turning at slow. Chances are the speed dial is stripped. This will show you how to take it apart, and replace it if necessary.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4MW_c350sA[/youtube]

Thanks everyone. And I really appreciate the videos, algale. It's nice to know that the only two issues I see so far are somewhat common. At least common enough to have extensive how-to videos.

lilgodwin wrote:Thanks everyone. And I really appreciate the videos, algale. It's nice to know that the only two issues I see so far are somewhat common. At least common enough to have extensive how-to videos.

Most things on the Shopsmith can easily be serviced. I suggest you eventually watch all the "sawdust session" videos. You'll find them here: http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

This is another good link. Click on the subject under "Getting Started" on the left side of the page. For every operation, say setting up the table saw, you get to pick your model and see the equipment you should have.
http://www.shopsmith.com/getting_started/welcome.htm

I am guessing the never ending speed adjustment is the result of stripped gear on the control handle?(inside).* All that gear does is rotate the outer indicator dial. However you should encounter a 'stop' feel when the control sheave 'bottoms' out against the idler sheave.

I do not think you will ever regret keeping them both.

You may later regret getting rid of one of them.


* P.S. It may be a loose set screw(and the shaft may be boogered as a result).