Shopsmith Forums

Just acquired a "Greenie" Shopsmith and am now in the process of tearing it down to find out what needs to be repaired or replaced. The first thing replaced was the power cord due to its frayed condition. I had some power cord stock available but no rubber strain relief so had to resort to a clamping type strain relief.

I removed the quill and quill depth adjustment assembly because when the quill was extended it did not return to its normal rest position which led me to believe the spring was broken or not attached. I scoured the web looking for info on removing the spring - a dangerous endeavor but something that needed to be done!

Between this forum and Jacob Anderson [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbHVTwSp9DI&t=282s], plus another YouTube video by Michael Heward [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S66Lf9V ... haelHeward], I rigged a system using a short piece of wood [what else!], a screw, and a heavy zip tie I was able to remove the spring from its casing. It looked like the previous owner may have installed the spring 'backwards' [as per the Michael Heward video] so the 'keyhole' end was bent and not attached to the shaft return spring post. Hopefully I will be able to find a replacement spring!

Looking forward to restoring this fine machine to its former glory and get to making sawdust!

Congratulations on your "new" Shopsmith. I inherited a 1957 Greenie from my father in law in 1986 after marrying his daughter. I used it until last year when I acquired a 1986 model 510. Now the older machine is dedicated to sanding functions and part-time drill press. These machines are addictive and I wish you luck and much enjoyment with your 500. The wonderful guys on here will be much help in your restoration.

Thanks, Wiley! Appreciate feedback.

Welcome aboard.

No need to replace the spring, the bent "key hole " end can easily be straightened out with a pair of pliers. On one of mine that end had broken off and I was able to drill a new set of holes without any problem.

Thanks. I am in the process of doing just that. I did order a new one so will keep it on hand just in case.

I doubt the spring was installed backwards.

More likely the end was bent while forcing the quill 'up' with the spring disconnected and the stud pressing against the end of the spring.

Thanks JPG... I will be working on it tomorrow so will see if indeed the spring can really be installed 'backwards' or 'incorrectly'. Watch the video by Michael Heward mentioned in my post as that is who mentions the 'correct' way to install the spring.

Be careful! The Model 10 spring is on the opposite side of the quill shaft/pinion gear than the Mark 5. Do adjust the procedure to account for that.

The thing to remember is that the open side of the bend on the outside of the spring must be towards the quill shaft end of the headstock.

Thanks JPG. Apprecate the 'heads up'. I think that's what Mr Heward was probably referring to in his video; guess he was just saying it a different way when indicating 'backwards'.

I will take pictures and post them later.

15909workshop wrote:Thanks JPG. Apprecate the 'heads up'. I think that's what Mr Heward was probably referring to in his video; guess he was just saying it a different way when indicating 'backwards'.

I will take pictures and post them later.

He was saying there is two ways to place the spring onto the shaft(right way and wrong way). He demonstrated the right way for a Model 10.

However if you are working on a Mark 5 and position the spring housing and shaft/gear/spring identical to the video, it will be backwards.