Shopsmith Forums

Hi all, (I noticed this should be here instead of the community section)
I've recently taken posession of my fathers Mark V. I see that he had purchased all of the newer table saw parts and replaced the belts not too long ago. I've just replaced the control sheave because the bearing and rotating nut on the end were completely destroyed and blew out the inner cylinder of the control sheave. As a result, the bare cylinder remaining on the control sheave scraped a moderate gouge in the pork chop inner spring material where it spun against it for a while. This was while the bearings and nut were being thrown around as it finally failed.

With the new control sheave installed and the speed control stop set appropriately, it appears to be working fine now. Would the scrape on the pork chop be a problem? I notice the scratch is not on the pork chop itself, but it's the metal spring that looks similar to the larger spring that the control sheave loop spring locks around on the opposite side. It appears to just lay flat against this inner spring material on the pork chop, and the good control sheave bearing nut just sits against that. Since the new control sheave hooks firmly to the existing pork chop, I don't see a problem, but I'm not sure why the spring material is on that side or if the scratch is a problem brewing. What the purpose of that thin strip of metal that the bearing nut rides against? It doesn't have a spring affect on that side.

Since this is one of the earliest models, it doesn't have the name plate on the back with the access hole so it's a pain to work with. I find I need to drop the motor carriage for almost every service procedure. It's also got the original engine and quill which both appear to be running fine. The lower tubes that support the legs are all rust colored and not shiney metal like I see in other pictures. The upper tubes are in good shape and the head stock moves well still. Were the lower metal tubes a different material back then? It's strange they are all rust coated and the top ones are very clean.

While I'm doing further checkups and repairs, does anyone have other areas I should be concerned about on a unit this old? I'm a little concerned that some of those bearings flying around inside got tossed in the motor. I recovered the nut, 4 bearings and some metal shavings. Do you think I'm safe assuming a few unfound ball bearings is not a big deal and they're not lying in the motor coils to create a problem later. I'd rather not get into the engine. It's running fine. Also, the old control sheave did not seem to have a lubrication hole like the new one. Should I then assume that the blown out sheave was original? If so, it speaks quite well that those bearings lasted as long as they did, not to mention the whole thing since it's 58 years old now.

Oh, one more thing. I see the 2 bearing quill part says it will not fit units with the Gilmer belt like mine. So how could one with an older Gilmer system replace or upgrade their quill? It that possible?
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... gquill.htm

the scrape on the spring should not cause any problems. it is a harder material obviously than the aluminum that the pork chop is made of. the bearing nut you speak of merely slides along it as it does not rotate. a little beeswax should keep it sliding for years to come.

on the older mark V the upper tubes were nickle plated thus they didn't rust like the lower tubes. i've cleaned and polished several sets of tubes over the years. i've also seen pictures of the older tubes that have been painted and look great. personal preference, it's up to you.

i strongly reccommend at a time conveinant(?) to you or at least at your next serviceing to cut an access hole behind the name plate and drill oil holes in the floating sheave and control sheave. after that serving will be a breeze.

the two bearing quill upgrade on the older headstock would require upgrading the gilmer belt to the poly v belt witch would include the idler sheave and upper main drive shaft and nylon coupler.

Hi there and welcome to the forum.

I recently replaced the quill on my SS with the two bearing quill and "got caught out" with the Gimler/Polly situation however after biting the bullet and getting the other parts I now realise what a blessing it was.
Along with the speed controller and the control sheave.
In the process every bearing on the shopsmith was replaced !!
My 1960 Mk V has all new running gear and belts.
Still working with the 3/4 horse motor but that is handling everything I am throwing at it.
After buying the two bearing quill I changed the gimler to polly V system and I had to get the :-
518145 Drive Sleeve Assembly:
515616 Eccentric Bushing Assembly
504177 Idler Shaft Assembly and a couple of belts.

The exercise was a great learning curve and taking it slowly and reading the instructions supplied I had no difficulties in getting it all together.

Nick's Videos were a godsend - I watched them first.!!

Oh how sweet it sounds with the bearings all replaced and the machine just purrs like a kitten.

Regards
Sandy in NZ