Shopsmith Forums

I just bought this used shop smith and I was turning some oak and it began to make a terrible noise internally. I pulled the cover to expose and it sure seems as though the noice is deeper in the machine. I can turn the spindle by hand. I have had the unit for five days. I hope, it is nothing serious, but I don't live in a fantasy world.

Please help.

Spencer

Spencerb wrote:I just bought this used shop smith and I was turning some oak and it began to make a terrible noise internally. I pulled the cover to expose and it sure seems as though the noice is deeper in the machine. I can turn the spindle by hand. I have had the unit for five days. I hope, it is nothing serious, but I don't live in a fantasy world.

Please help.

Spencer

If you haven't already done so, go to the maintenance & repair forum and read the "sticky" threads (threads at the top) that go over basic inspection and maintenance of used machines. I would recommend a thorough cleaning, oiling and alignment before going further. There are also a series of old videos, called "Sawdust Sessions" that will walk you through tear down and inspection, cleaning and putting it all back together. Find those on Shopsmith.com here: http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

In case you didn't get the manual with your Shopsmith, here is a link to the alignment and maintenance portions.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/manu ... manual.pdf

Mike

Spencer
welcome!! Can you describe the type of noise that you are hearing? Squeal,thumping, grinding or clattering? They might make a difference. Is the noise louder at higher speeds or does it start and stop as the speed increases or decreases?
The more info the better. Can you post your location? you never know when someone is lurking nearby who can help.
Bill V

It is more like something finding. Not a good sound at all. As I mentioned I can turn the spindle and create the sound. I didn't want to run it to check speed variations because of concern of making the problem worse.

I did get all the manuals and will go through the inspection process.

Binding not finding!

Bill, I found out what it is, the binding noise. I looked inside of the machine. The lower shaft has a clip of some sorts on it that is broken. Not sure where to go from here. I guess the whole assembly will have to be pulled out, bottom shaft that is. I am still looking for a parts breakdown in the owners manual.

OK
Is the shaft the one that the speed control arm connects to? If it is then the bearing in the end of the shaft is probably bad. There is a good exploded diagram on line at the SS website that can be blown up for easier viewing.
Full instructions can be had from SS website in the sawdust sessions section or keep coming back here. We have a bunch of knowledgeable and helpful folks here.
Bill V
P.S. We like pix here so if you can post a few.....

If it is the 'clip' on the end of the control sheave, we need a pix to ascertain next step.

I assume lower means idler = middle?

Ok, will do this afternoon. Still looking for a parts schematic. Now on Shopsmith web page.

Thanks for quick response.

Spencer