Shopsmith Forums

Hi guys, I bought a used 1984 machine and I am trying to get it running (I did have it running two years ago). However, when I tried to use it last year it would not run (when I turned it on it would do nothing and just pop my breaker). This year I have installed a new motor and cleaned a really gummed up speed dial assembly, but it still wont run. But, if I manually spin the blade at the same time as throwing the on switch on it will start up for about 5 seconds and then blows the breaker.

Based on other posts I believe I really should have a dedicated 20amp circuit. Currently my whole garage shares a 15amp ciruit, so I know this not ideal but it was working fine with this before.

Any suggestions on what I can do would be appreciated?

still_waters_43 wrote:Hi guys, I bought a used 1984 machine and I am trying to get it running (I did have it running two years ago). However, when I tried to use it last year it would not run (when I turned it on it would do nothing and just pop my breaker). This year I have installed a new motor and cleaned a really gummed up speed dial assembly, but it still wont run. But, if I manually spin the blade at the same time as throwing the on switch on it will start up for about 5 seconds and then blows the breaker.

Based on other posts I believe I really should have a dedicated 20amp circuit. Currently my whole garage shares a 15amp ciruit, so I know this not ideal but it was working fine with this before.

Any suggestions on what I can do would be appreciated?

YOU SAY YOU CLEANED UP THE DIAL ASSEMBLY.

Did it occur to you that the control and idler sheaves might also be 'gummed' up?

When you 'spin the blade', how easy does it 'spin'? What do you have the speed control dial set at?

IF the speed control dial is NOT at lowest speed, do the following: Put a face plate or sanding disk on the quill spindle.(un plug it first). While pulling the TOP of the disk towards you(standing on the side with the speed dial) turn the speed dial to slowest speed setting.( you are spinning the disk so as to be rotating all the sheaves etc.) If you have NOT lubricated the sheaves, now would be a good time to do so. DO NOT USE A SAW BLADE INSTEAD OF A FACEPLATE OR SANDING DISK.

If you do not know how to 'lubricate' the sheaves, consult your manual. If you do not have one or need more direction, holler!

I cleaned out everything I could but I did not pay any attention to the control and idler sheaves. So, I'll dig in there tomorrow and clean things up (I have a manual so I hopefully can take it all apart).

I am worried about the quill (it's a single bearing :-( ). When I removed it, it was really stiff and I still have a real hard time getting it in and out (even after cleaning and waxing). When I rock with the sanding disk I feel a light clunk, but it spins without too much resitance (not freely though!, I have keep manually turning it?).

still_waters_43 wrote:I cleaned out everything I could but I did not pay any attention to the control and idler sheaves. So, I'll dig in there tomorrow and clean things up (I have a manual so I hopefully can take it all apart).

I am worried about the quill (it's a single bearing :-( ). When I removed it, it was really stiff and I still have a real hard time getting it in and out (even after cleaning and waxing). When I rock with the sanding disk I feel a light clunk, but it spins without too much resitance (not freely though!, I have keep manually turning it?).

Methinks the ss has had a history of improper lubrication which has gummed up just about everything. A thorough cleaning and lubrication seems appropriate.

still_waters_43 wrote:I cleaned out everything I could but I did not pay any attention to the control and idler sheaves. So, I'll dig in there tomorrow and clean things up (I have a manual so I hopefully can take it all apart).

I am worried about the quill (it's a single bearing :-( ). When I removed it, it was really stiff and I still have a real hard time getting it in and out (even after cleaning and waxing). When I rock with the sanding disk I feel a light clunk, but it spins without too much resitance (not freely though!, I have keep manually turning it?).

If I understand you, you did knot understand why you are spinning it by hand. You are spinning it by hand so that you can turn the speed control to "Slow". Once your speed control is turned to "Slow", you might try starting it again. If the breaker pops when it is set to "Slow", something else is wrong.

The reason I was spinning it was just to try and get it started and BTW when it did start I increased the speed right away.

So, tomorrow I will manually spin it back to the slow setting and then see if I can get it started from there.

And thanks for the help guys. I have a shelving project that's very high on the "Honey-do" list, so I need to get the SS working :-)

a1gutterman wrote:If I understand you, you did knot understand why you are spinning it by hand. You are spinning it by hand so that you can turn the speed control to "Slow". Once your speed control is turned to "Slow", you might try starting it again. If the breaker pops when it is set to "Slow", something else is wrong.

Yep TIM I DId forget to tell him that!:o

I suspect that your bearings have dried out. If you can get the shopsmith running at slow speed, just let it run at that speed for awhile to warm up the bearings. You may have to replace all the bearings if they have been sitting too long without use.

still_waters_43 wrote:The reason I was spinning it was just to try and get it started and BTW when it did start I increased the speed right away.

So, tomorrow I will manually spin it back to the slow setting and then see if I can get it started from there.

And thanks for the help guys. I have a shelving project that's very high on the "Honey-do" list, so I need to get the SS working :-)

While the Speed Control Dial is set to FAST, remove and slide the belt housing out of the way. Then you should be able to pull the motor Floating Sheave toward you and work the motor belt off the sheave. Do not let the Floating Sheave go but ease it close being careful of your fingers. Now try the motor. If the motor quickly operates, then the other suggestions in previous posts should help take care of your problem. I do the lubrication of the Floating Sheave and Control Sheave when the Speed Control Dial is set to FAST.

billmayo wrote:While the Speed Control Dial is set to FAST, remove and slide the belt housing out of the way. Then you should be able to pull the motor Floating Sheave toward you and work the motor belt off the sheave. Do not let the Floating Sheave go but ease it close being careful of your fingers. Now try the motor. If the motor quickly operates, then the other suggestions in previous posts should help take care of your problem. I do the lubrication of the Floating Sheave and Control Sheave when the Speed Control Dial is set to FAST.

I logged on this morning with the intention of making a recommendation but I find that Bill has already done so.

It was to be my recommendation that you first verify that the motor is, in fact, good. You can best do this by removing the drive belt and running the motor (under a no-load condition). If the motor runs without tripping the breaker, you then know that the motor is not the cause of the tripped breaker. Your problem is elsewhere in the drive system.

You already have the speed control set to fast. All that is left to do is remove the belt and check it out.