Shopsmith Forums

I have a 1964 vintage Shopsmith Mark VII and have a question about the motor capacitor. Without the drive belt attached, the motor starts and runs fine. The beast has set for probably 10-15 years without being run so the belts in it are most likely set in the position it was left in. With the old belts installed it would sometimes fail to start, just humming instead. Troubleshooting leads me to believe much of the problem is the belts, which I'm in the process of acquiring new, but my Dad, who purchased the tool, thinks the capacitor may be troublesome.

Any thoughts from the group? If so, I don't have the parts list in front of me so don't know if the cap is specified in it - does anyone know the rating of the cap for replacement? I also don't know if it's an AO Smith or a GE motor at this point.

Thanks
Bill Lugg

Since the motor starts and runs fine without the belts I suspect the problem is elsewhere. It must be long overdue for some maintenance. I do not have an old Mark VII myself but other than the difference in the speed changer it should have the same lubrication requirements as the Mark V for the motor and idler shaft pulley sheaves. If the sheaves on those pulleys are not moving open and closed it could cause the belt to get stuck not allowing the motor to start. Hopefully someone with a Mark VII will jump in here with more help.

I doubt the start capacitor is the culprit.

Now the start switch and the power/direction switch are another matter.

Belt dressing will help soften the set in the belt.

The start circuit depends totally upon the switches.


I agree with most of what Chapmanruss said.

when I got my mark VII the motor didn't start. It would definately "buzz", not "hum".
Turned out to be the start relay.
Good luck.

Have you tested the capacitor ? youtube has videos on how to test them ,it can save you a lot of time and money , harbor freight sells a capacitor tester for less than 10 bks . jmo

lahola1 wrote:when I got my mark VII the motor didn't start. It would definately "buzz", not "hum".
Turned out to be the start relay.
Good luck.

Is there a source for a replacement relay? A local motor shop told us the relay on our motor is in fact bad.

Thanks
Bill Lugg

luggw1 wrote:

lahola1 wrote:when I got my mark VII the motor didn't start. It would definately "buzz", not "hum".
Turned out to be the start relay.
Good luck.

Is there a source for a replacement relay? A local motor shop told us the relay on our motor is in fact bad.

Thanks
Bill Lugg

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