Shopsmith Forums

Looking for help here. I have an older Mark V that I have upgraded several times but nothing to do with the motor. It was purchased in 1981. The problem is the motor and don't know if I need a rebuild or not. The motor doesn't hum or buzz so I don't think it is the motor itself. The motor will start up sometimes and run for a few minutes taking its time to come up to speed. Then i start cutting and it trips a breaker. It will reset immediately and the same thing happens. Then the next time it runs fine.

Sometimes I will turn on the switch and it won't start at all. Play with the switch a bit then...it fires up.

Is this a switch or capacitor problem or worse...a motor problems. All suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

If I had this problem, I would "first of all r4emove the motor drive belt to isolate the motor from the mechanical load. I would then disconnect the switch and bypass the switch with a pair of jumper wires. The problem you describe screams loudly of a bad switch.

If the motor starts right up, try this again three or four times and if symptoms don't change - go get a new switch.

While you have everything apart - clean (compressed air or vacuum) and lubricate (especially the sheaves).

If replacing the switch(I reccommend doing that first)does not make the problem totally go away, it may be the start switch is intermittently sticking on. A long shot!!!!

Or, install a PowerPro upgrade ;-)

Jack

Thanks for all of the quick replies. I kind of figured it is probably the switch. Going out to shop right now and will clean and oil the Sheaves and work with the switch. Liked the PowerPro upgrade idea but not the price so will work with what I have here. I'll get back and let you know how it goes.

P.S. No extension cord is being used and is on a dedicated outlet. At least the SS is the only thing running at one time on that circuit.