Shopsmith Forums

I've been using my Shopsmith with the power pro head as a lathe with no problems for at least three years. Today it began to slow and stop under a small load turning a bowl. Started out turning at 500 rpm with a rough cut and it hung. Now each time I put any pressure on the piece it slows and stops and then restarts and comes back up to speed. No error codes. Any ideas?

Belt slipping?

i.e. Does the motor continue to turn as the workpiece stalls etc.?

Does the RPM indicate the slow down?

As was mentioned a slipping belt is likely the cause (or a loose pulley). If you have been using the machine for a couple of years it might well need a belt adjustment anyway. One of mine is pretty stable but the other one has about twice as many adjustments for some reason but seems to have established a better spacing after the first couple of years.

So best guess at this point will be the belt adjustment.

Ed

Thank you both for the assist, that seems to have fixed the problem. The belts had a bit too much play. As a side note, when I removed the cover I found a bolt and a set screw in the bottom of the housing from the lower part of the mount. All the rest were still tight and I was able to locate the empty holes and replace them both. I guess it's not a bad idea to pull the covers every once in a while to make sure things are still tight.