Shopsmith Forums

I pulled the speed changer out of my 500 to clean. When I replaced it, the sheve seems to be hitting the control arm on the speed changer. I can get it to move off the arn but when I try to change the speed ti bags back in to it. What do i need to do to make it go back in properly ?

I wasn't even aware of the potential of this problem until I viewed Nick Engler's new DVD's, "Maintaining and Repairing the Shopsmith Mark V (two volumes).

In this series Nick disassembles the speed changer and shows how to adjust the hex head set screw to prevent this type of interference with the control sheave.

Hi squid! Welcome to the forum! You have one of the more common problems of first time adjusting Shopsmith owners. There is a speed control adjusting screw that serves as a stop of the quadrant, so the sheave doesn't hit the arm.

I recommend you watch this video from the Shopsmith "Sawdust Sessions" http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... hanger.htm If you are in a real hurry look at the last two photos on the blackboard (I think #10 & #11) and start the video at about 12 minutes in. However the whole 18 minutes will be valuable to you.

Best Wishes, and if you have problems - holler! I mean send us another post.

HI Squid, Welcome. Take it from me these guys know whats up with all the SS stuff! Spend some time on the sawdust sessions, especially the ones on rebuilding the headstock. I'd guess that 90% of what I know about the "innerds" of my 510 came from these guys and Nicks videos. Great guys, great info, great fun and great price for the whole package!

Thanks for the help. I adjusted the stop and solved that problem.

I now am trying to decide what is causing a "grinding" sound. I think it is the bearing in the end of the control sheave. Can the bearing be replaced or do I have to replace the entire unit ?

1) I am concerned that 'removing/cleaning/remounting' the speed control created a 'interference' problem with the control sheave! Removing/replacing it should not have changed spacing between speed control arm(porkchop/quadrant gear) and control sheave unless high speed stop WAS changed while OUT.

2) Are you able to adjust speed correctly to 'low' speed?

3) If the bearing on the end of the control sheave is "grinding" you should be able to feel the problem by hand.

4) Did you oil the control sheave(5-6 drops into hole)?

5) Hopefully you did NOT fail to align control sheave keyway with the key on the idler shaft!!!!

Sorry these are more questions than answers, but they could reveal cause of "grinding".

P.S. You DID put loop on end of control sheave back OVER the speed control arm?!!!

jpg40504 asked good questions. I could also ask them. Additionally, could you tell us more. For example, can you isolate the noise? Which end of the headstock is it coming from? Extend the quill and listen to it. Has this machine been un-used for a long time?

You might be able to use a piece of wood as a stethoscope to see if you can isolate the grinding.

I think you have some diagnosis work to do. Look inside, turn by hand and as said by jpg, you should be able to feel a grinding bearing when rotating the spindle or axillary spindle by hand.

squid wrote:Thanks for the help. I adjusted the stop and solved that problem.

I now am trying to decide what is causing a "grinding" sound. I think it is the bearing in the end of the control sheave. Can the bearing be replaced or do I have to replace the entire unit ?

If it turns out the problem is bearings, they can be replaced if you have access to a bearing separator and press. I just replaced all the original bearings on my 1953 Greenie, including the motor bearings. I pulled all the old bearings and took them into my local bearing supply house. They were able to match all the bearings with exact fit replacements. I'm not sure Shopsmith sells the bearings.

I failed to notice that the bearing in question was part of the Control Sheave. Two parts that recommend be replaced by purchasing new are the Idler and Control Sheave assembles. Both take special skills to rebuild.

squid wrote:Thanks for the help. I adjusted the stop and solved that problem.

I now am trying to decide what is causing a "grinding" sound. I think it is the bearing in the end of the control sheave. Can the bearing be replaced or do I have to replace the entire unit ?

Shopsmith only offers the Control Sheave with the bearing, roll pin, retaining loop and button as a complete unit (515556). I find that the Greenie's Control Sheave button is the inner race of the bearing and cannot be reused. Unless you are very experienced and have the tools for replacing and pegging for this type of bearing installation, I would recommend buying the complete Control Sheave from Shopsmith. I place the new Control Sheave with the bearing down and place a dozen or so drops of Zoom Sprout Turbine oil inside the sleeve and leave overnight. The oil should leak through the bearing and lubricate it real good.

This is the most common repair job I do. I find a lack of lubrication is always the problem. If the bearing seizes, it normally destroys the quadrant at that time. I place the Speed Control Dial to FAST first, then I place 5-6 drops of Turbine oil in the Control Sheave oil hole. I find lubricating the Control Sheave after around 40 hours of actual operation and the motor Floating Sheave every 3th time seems to prevent any headstock problems from occurring for me.

Thanks for all the ideas. I checked the quill and all the other bearings. All seem to be OK. I pulled the control sheave an turned it by hand. It feels rough to my touch and makes a noise when I spin it. I bought the machine used a couple of years ago so I don't know what kind of maintence it has had. When I disasembled the unit the retaining loop was missing. (I found it in the motor housing !)

I ordered a new sheave. I will let you know if it solved my problem.