Shopsmith Forums

I am just getting back to using my Mark V, after sitting for a number of years.
It is difficult to start. When I turn it on, the motor hums, but does not turn immediately.
It takes a little nudge to make it go.
I made a little video to show what is happening since I know I am not describing it well.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/8NBD-5PNSqQ[/youtube]

kevinja212 wrote: Tue Aug 24, 2021 10:09 am I am just getting back to using my Mark V, after sitting for a number of years.
It is difficult to start. When I turn it on, the motor hums, but does not turn immediately.
It takes a little nudge to make it go.
I made a little video to show what is happening since I know I am not describing it well.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/8NBD-5PNSqQ[/youtube]

Start switch has debris between the contacts.

The first attempt tried then retracted(reverse direction).

The second attempt(IIRC) did nothing.

The third attempt was normal(it started on it's own).

I think repeated attempts will eventually clear out the debris.

Main thing is to make sure it does not "hum motionless" for a great period of time(>1 sec).

A second look at the video reveals some additional observations.

The first attempt slowly got up to speed after starting.

The second attempt did twitch.

The third attempt was at a slower speed.


In addition to that in my previous post, I recommend full lubrication of the speed control movable sheaves.(and anything else that has been ignored for ? years).

P.S. There is nothing wrong with that description!

kevinja212,

First off welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

I agree with JPG's comments and at this point servicing would be a real good idea. Remove the saw blade and run it up to high speed. Unplug and open up the belt cover and remove the rear cover plate just as instructed in the Owner's Manual. Lubricate the Speed Control and add several drops of oil into the hole on both the motor and idler pulley sheave holes. Since it has been sitting for ? years add more oil to the sheaves than the regular maintenance suggests. Don't add so much that is ends up running out. I did notice turning the speed changer dial was a bit difficult going back to lower speeds and proper lubrication should help that. If, when you open it up you find it dusty inside clean, vacuum and/or blow it out first before lubricating.

Thanks very much guys,
I tried oiling the sheave holes a couple of times
even tried penetration oil a couple of times.
I came across another thread here about the same problem
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=17624&start=20

So I disconnected the belt to the motor, and voila, the same problem.
Tomorrow, I take apart the motor!
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

Hi Kevin,

I think we have been in touch before. Glad to see you have joined up and are moving forward with fixing this motor. I'm sure the guys here can guide you through this.

Later,
Ed

kevinja212 wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 4:35 pm Thanks very much guys,
I tried oiling the sheave holes a couple of times
even tried penetration oil a couple of times.
I came across another thread here about the same problem
viewtopic.php?f=10&t=17624&start=20

So I disconnected the belt to the motor, and voila, the same problem.
Tomorrow, I take apart the motor!
Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

Sometimes tapping on the motor and/or compressed air help. Sawdust lodged in the start switch contacts is kinda common on headstock motors that won't start. If you do get it started that way hit it with compressed air again while its running and the contacts are open.

- David

Will try,
Thanks