Shopsmith Forums

I live in Manchester, MA and have an old Mark V. I want to get the engine tuned up. Where can I take it to a repair shop in my area - north shore of Boston i.e.Gloucester, Peabody, Salem, Beverly?

Any suggestions?

Assuming it is running correctly, All it likely needs is some oil. That is something you should not only be able to do but something you should do often.

When kept well lubricated these machines run for a very long time.

They also run quite a while without it, just not as well nor without complaining!

Thanks for the reply. The switch no longer turns the engine off. I just unplug it. It would be nice to have it work properly.

I would suggest that you let the guys here teach you how to not only maintain your machine, but repair it as well. They are very simple machines, very maintainable, and very repairable. Once you do your own work on them you will be able to keep it running at it's peak operation for the rest of your life. Changing a switch is a simple process. It is possible someone on the board lives in your area that would be willing to help, just ask, but you really would be better off learning how to do it yourself. Take some pictures of your machine, post them, and you will have more help than you can handle ....

JMHO

I just picked one up with this exact issue. Removing the switch is simple, and dare I say these things are fun to work on. With all the online help and videos, it's hard not to find one that will help you do what you need.

In my case, the switch was completely full of sawdust, which seemed impossible. I cleaned it out and went to bend the contacts on the inside a little to make sure they made a solid connection... well I broke them. Not a big deal because I found almost the exact same switch at Home Depot. The outer contacts were angled differently and actually a little thicker so I had to file them down slightly, but it works perfectly and now my machine turns on and off without issue.

I have no prior experience with these machines before this. But like I said, plenty of online help so I'm positive you can do it yourself too.

EDIT: Regarding the rest of the repairs and maintenance, the same thing applies. I was able to pull the whole thing apart and thoroughly clean and lubricate it with some help here and from the Sawdust Sessions videos. Again, with no prior experience on theses machines. So unless you have some unusual issue, and I doubt it, ask away and these guys should have all your answers.

Thanks for the reply. Your note and the next one seem to tell me to try the fix myself.

Thanks for the reply. Glad to know that Home Depot might have the part I might need. Guess I will have to attach it.

mime wrote:Thanks for the reply. The switch no longer turns the engine off. I just unplug it. It would be nice to have it work properly.

So, replace the switch.

Not difficult. http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... Switch.htm

A bit of advice re a replacement switch.

Make sure it is rated 20A at 125v AC (1 1/2 HP).

A 15A switch will not last as long.

Many thanks for the link. Makes it sound easy to replace the switch.