Shopsmith Forums

I am in a process of replacing original DC motor with Teknatool DVR motor.

My machine is not original Shopsmith but very similar "Asian cousin".

If there's interest, I would like to share some information with members of this forum. Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

Sure. Keep posting. I believe you are doing this conversion on a Smithy Super Shop, correct? It would be interesting to see how you install this DVR motor into it.

I agree, the subject is interesting and has application for the Shopsmith community even though it is different. In addition to "how" I am also really interested in the "why." Like RF Guy, I'm making some assumptions about your 'cousin' and note that it is not really a clone like some other brands. Among those assumptions, you already had a variable speed (DC) motor rather than a mechanical means of varying speed like SS (and some clones). What attracted you to DVR as opposed to repair or upgrade of the existing DC system?

Machine is Iron Wood brand.
It is hand me down and motor had some issues even before I got it.

I converted this machine to CNC lathe / horizontal mill and goal is to maybe get to control this motor directly from mach3 someday.
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Thanks. I think the brand is actually Smithy. Apparently Iron Wood was another series of tool sold by Smithy, similar to their Super Shop model. Either one of these don't come up for sale that often, but interestingly another Iron Wood is for sale in the last week. I don't know if this is of interest for you, e.g. if you need spare parts, etc. for yours. If you are interested, here is the link:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 150467525/

This is interesting. I recently got a Smithy Supershop. Before that I attached a treadmill motor to my shopsmith to slow the RPM way down for metalwork. I have the same DC motor in my supershop as your bad motor. What's interesting is I just did some rough measurements and found my 3HP treadmill motor is very close to the same size as the supershop motor.
OAL (case) 10" ;OD 4.6", short shaft dia .625" (15.9mm) ; long shaft dia .670"(17.0mm)and centerdistance of case bolts approx. 3.720" (94.5mm) ( close by my eye to my supershop motor).
So it looks like it wouldn't be too much to adapt a treadmill motor to a supershop. I was kinda wondering where I would get a replacement motor if mine died. Now I know.
Good luck with your conversion.

I know that I could get replacement DC motor but I had my eyes on PowerPro setup and Digitalplus. I just couldn't justify their price.

I started using one credit card for all my daily purchases and collecting reward points. When I had enough points I converted them for Amazon gift cards ($300.00).

Deduct that amount from already low price on Amazon and I got my DVR package under 300.00 dollars.

Of course credit card bill is paid in full every month.

Maybe this will work for some of you to get that tool from "must have list".


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So I tried to test fit motor and here are some issues.
It is "hitting" housing at right corner just under the way tubes. (Looking from inside toward pulleys).
Also, gear box is on the way on left side. Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

I see two options to mount new motor.
First one is to make new plate and secure it just like an original.
Second is to make adapter bars and secure it length vise on motor body and headstock frame
Second option is used by Digital+ and PowerPro.
I will try flange plate option. Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

I just made rough version of the flange plate from some scrap piece of aluminum.

Motor fits on headstock very tight.

I had to take off fan cover for minor clearance issue. Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk