Shopsmith Forums

Hello all

Newbie here, just acquired a shopsmith Mark V circa 1980s, with original manual. Needed a new switch, no problem. Also figured I would replace the belts. After breaking down the headstock, I found this on the motor (picture, no lower motor unit sheaves) in my research, I can't find any configuration like this. Figured previous owner "rigged it". Any confirmation of my thoughts would be appreciated. Look forward to getting this bad boy working.
Thanks!

You are correct, that is not an original Shopsmith motor, it was "rigged"

With a fixed sheave on the motor, it'll only run at one speed. If you turn the speed control up, the belt will slip, and if you try to turn it slower, you could damage the speed control. You'll need the motor and sheave assembly - a pretty expensive part (almost $500) if you buy it new. They're available used if you shop around.

The "bad boy" is the person who sold that.l

Some options to consider are,

buy a new motor from Shopsmith
https://www.shopsmith.com/service/heads ... iagram.htm

look for a used motor. Join the Facebook Shopsmith Sales group and post in search of.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298235127282459/about

convert it to run a variable speed dc motor salvaged from a treadmill. There is a Facebook group for that too.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/shopsmithdigital/about

and a member here, peterm, converted one of his to run on an industrial sewing machine motor.
viewtopic.php?t=12225

Brrpac,

First off Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

You have already been given options on what you can do. A new motor, a used motor or other substitute. Buying a used motor can be more cost effective than buying a new one and are easily found at online auctions. A used motor is a sold "as is" item. Ron already suggested the Facebook forum and there are other sources. Many used motors have come up for sale that are in very good condition and include the Pulley Sheaves too just like the new motors coming from the factory. Many are from Mark V's upgraded to the Power Pro DVR motor. That is an additional option for you as a motor replacement to go with the Power Pro DVR Motor. It is a more expensive option though and something you may not want to do yet.

Another concern I have is what was the motor belt going to. Has there been modifications to the Idler Shaft Assembly too?

Good idea to send us more photos. At this point you should definitely drop the motor pan and motor and take some pictures from underneath to see what's there. Even with the motor still in you can take a picture to see what's in the area above the pulley shown above. We don't know what kind of upper pulley is there.

If not for the special configuration of a Shopsmith motor there would be even more of these decades old machines still alive and operating.

Damn! I figured as much. I deeply appreciate all the feed back. I don't fault the seller as he said it was his dads,, and wasn't sure of the condition. Only paid$100 and has saw, sander, lathe, and bandsaw attachments. I've dropped the motor, and had my hands up and in the headstock. The floating sheaves and upper assembly attached to the adjustment dial is fine....had to lube a little. Well, at lease I know where I stand and what has to be done. Again, I appreciate everybody's feedback and will research all options.

BRRPAC

Brrpac wrote: Mon Feb 07, 2022 6:06 pm Damn! I figured as much. I deeply appreciate all the feed back. I don't fault the seller as he said it was his dads,, and wasn't sure of the condition. Only paid$100 and has saw, sander, lathe, and bandsaw attachments. I've dropped the motor, and had my hands up and in the headstock. The floating sheaves and upper assembly attached to the adjustment dial is fine....had to lube a little. Well, at lease I know where I stand and what has to be done. Again, I appreciate everybody's feedback and will research all options.

BRRPAC

For $100 you are probably okay. A word of caution if you go with a used motor and sheaves, which is what I would do. Sellers are sometimes unclear about motor HP, for example will say a 3/4HP motor will work in all models or not list the HP. Not exactly false since it will fit and run, but machines built in the last 60 years or so use a 1-1/8 HP motor. That's probably what you want. Used in good condition these run about $150 - $250 plus shipping. They are frequently available on ebay, and there are several on there currently.

- David

Unless it has problems, the Bandsaw is worth more than $100. Of course, you need something to power it.