Shopsmith Forums

After replacing the quadrant gear, I'm trying to set the slowest speed so it's around 700 RPMs. Right now it's at 900 RPMs. (I know this accurately because I recorded a video clip at a high frame rate and counted 150 turns in 10 seconds.) Anyway, the belt on the upper sheave sticks out *past* the sheave about 1/32", and what I'm reading suggests it should be 1/16" inch *in* from the edge. There's a little more room left for the spring to compress on the lower sheave, but is it OK to crank it a little slower still? I'm attaching pictures, including one of how open the lower sheave is at my current slowest speed - I've heard it can be bad if the belt goes in too far.

Another question: at the fast speed, the set screw stops you from going past. So what exactly is stopping you at the slow end? Thanks for any help!

I just take the easy way out when doing jobs like this. I simply adjusted it so the belt is into the pulley the 1/16" recommended and use it that way. I'm not really concerned about what the actual speed might be. Everything works, and that is what matters to me. I installed a new Shopsmith belt before adjusting.

I like putting hours of use on the machine and hate tinkering on it. After all, isn't that what tools are made for?

The belt is I believe too long. IIRC 25.5" is correct = about 650 mm.

Also the width is too wide(15/25.4 = .590") s/b about 1/2to 9/16.

Both cause faster speeds.

The slow speed 'stop' is determined by the travel limit of the control sheave(fully closed).

Thanks! This is just what I needed to know. I won't worry too much about the exact speed, but it was still puzzling me why it was off.