Shopsmith Forums

More issues with my 'new-to-me' Shopsmith Mark V.

I took off the cover to see that the drive belt is being shredded.

Here's what I think is happening...checking in to see if I'm looking in the right direction....

I removed the sheaves from the motor shaft, and found they were sticking, possible with a burr on the key. I greased it and put it back on, hoping for the best.

Cut to now, and it looks like the outside of the belt has been rubbing on one of the waytubes. It's as if the floating sheaves aren't moving, which causes the v belt to ride on the outside, and stay pressed against the previously mentioned waytube.

Has this happened to anyone? I've been having continuing issues with the speed control, too, so perhaps the floating sheave is the root.

Also, can I buy a replacement v belt anywhere?

Any help is appreciated.

I am mediocre here on internal problems but have redone 2 with help here. I think you are correct about the sheaves, that have to move as smooth as silk.
Any build up of an old belt/burr on the shaft has to be removed. I got my new belts from the MS, it was easier and got the bearings from them too, I just did it because I knew I was getting all the correct items, and came with detailed instructions. I think if you KNOW what you are looking for you may beable to get else where a bit cheaper, not sure on that on the belts, but for sure on any bearings.
The MS though gives us this forum, so some support to her is always a thought in my mind when buying things I could get local cheaper, unless it is a gouge from Mom playing the quilt trip to sonny boy.

Saturn, it been 2 years since I did mine, I was not clear, or I assumed some things, you will have to clean up and make sure the upper sheave shaft is just as smooth and operable.
I think your assumption is correct, one set was not moving, and alot of slack giving backlash on the slack belt, hitting the way tube.

When you say that you greased the shaft, you meant oiled, correct? No grease should be used. Needs a thin oil that will get where it is needed...

File down any burr on either the shaft or the key(all 4 sides).

The mother ship is the ONLY source for a motor belt(non-typical size today(common back when the M5 was created).

No grease!!!!! #10 machine oil(= 3 in 1, turbine,sewing machine) only.

The speed control is dependent upon the floating sheave being able to 'float'.