Shopsmith Forums

Hi:

After catching the bug with a 80's vintage Mark V, I was looking for another one I could afford to use it as shortened power station. My dream came true when I had a local pick-up in EBAY for $99.99 and for 30 extra I got the old jigsaw, of which I already have one, but better two than one ; ))
I put in bold letters below the questions I need assistance with, so you may jump there without going through my long rant.

What I got:

Circa 1955 Greenie
No inspection hole under the logo
Gilmer Belt
Spring held in the motor shaft by a reverse threaded nut.
Motor AO Smith 3/4 HP
The belt covers and motor holder base have no rust inside, just some sawdust and outside many scratches and varnish/paint spots.
The drive belt is useless and the gilmer looks ready for retirement.
The quill is one bearing and looked like missing grease; I managed to get some oil into it. No bad noises.
The main body of the headstock looks shiny aluminum inside and probably is sand casted.

What I plan to do:

Learn a lot by doing and reading this awesome forum.
I will be dismantling and checking all I can get my hands on. I am learning in the process. At this time, if I can, I will avoid major changes and will try to lube and keep the bearings, assuming they are OK. The machine seems in excellent condition internally.
I will make an inspection and oiling holes following Bill Mayo's instructions.
Replace power cable, original has two prongs only, molded rubber plug.

What help I need (for now...):

I started with 100 questions, by now 95 were already answered by searching the forum.
1) I tried to disconnect the clip that connects the "pork chop" to the tip of the axle (sorry, if my terms are not the proper ones). The clip is like a rectangular shaped wire that, I guess, has to be opened on one side to be removed. I tried and I could not open it. I did not force it since I better find out first. What side of the clip (if this is the way) I should try to open? What is the way to do it.?

2) The motor has a phenolic cover plate in the back, which I removed. Very little dust inside. There is a contact that probably connects and disconnects the capacitor. Should I lubricate this contact? It looks in very good condition.
I want to open the motor but I am afraid this switch and springs may get damaged if I don't follow the right procedure. Is there anywhere in the forum (or somebody can assist me) with a detailed description of the dismantling of this type of motor (AO Smith)?

Thanks to all. I have been reading and learning a lot, everyday.

eartigas wrote:Hi:

After catching the bug.....

1) I tried to disconnect the clip that connects the "pork chop" to the tip of the axle (sorry, if my terms are not the proper ones). The clip is like a rectangular shaped wire that, I guess, has to be opened on one side to be removed. I tried and I could not open it. I did not force it since I better find out first. What side of the clip (if this is the way) I should try to open? What is the way to do it.?

I can try to help you with your first question. The wire clip that your referring to isn't removed as you describe. Instead, you need to firmly depress the spring clip that it rides over while pulling it back away from the pork chop. It will then unclip.

What is your units serial number? With the serial number and this post https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=3518 you can determine it's approximate date of manufacture. It's definitely pre- September 1955. Make sure to fill out poll once you find out.

The rectangular clip fits over a flat spring with a "V" detent. You should be able to press the end of the flat spring down and then the clip should slip over the end.

eartigas wrote:Hi:

After catching the bug with a 80's vintage Mark V, I was looking for another one I could afford to use it as shortened power station. My dream came true when I had a local pick-up in EBAY for $99.99 and for 30 extra I got the old jigsaw, of which I already have one, but better two than one ]What side of the clip (if this is the way) I should try to open? What is the way to do it.?[/B]

2) The motor has a phenolic cover plate in the back, which I removed. Very little dust inside. There is a contact that probably connects and disconnects the capacitor. Should I lubricate this contact? It looks in very good condition.
I want to open the motor but I am afraid this switch and springs may get damaged if I don't follow the right procedure. Is there anywhere in the forum (or somebody can assist me) with a detailed description of the dismantling of this type of motor (AO Smith)?

Thanks to all. I have been reading and learning a lot, everyday.

Remenber the pix on ebay. Noticed NO LEGS!:eek: Did any come with it?:)

Yes, the legs were included although were not installed. It was better (first I did not count on having them) because I picked it up with my Subaru station wagon. It would not have fit otherwise. The legs are rusty but not too bad. Also the lower tubes are rusted and the top ones are acceptable. I have seen the reason for this uneven rust posted in the forum.
I was lucky that most people in the NY area are into business and not much into DIY/WW. No other offer than mine for this local pick-up in Brooklyn.

regards

Ed

Great purchase! I keep looking for deals on eBay that have local pickup in Idaho but have never seen one.

It's easier to remove the clip if you stop the saw at the fast speed. Just slide it off the pork chop while depressing the spring on the pork chop. I recommend you pick up a replacement head stock case with access holes off eBay or maybe from Bill Mayo. It will make assembly and future maintenance a little easier.

MickyD thread on his Greenie Rebuid

Bucksaw:

Thanks for the advise. I have read the whole refurbishment saga you mentioned. While I am not planing on getting a holed headstock I do plan to make one as Bill explained in a previous post.

Ed

Now, with the clip out I can remove the speed controller and continue with the "revival". I can't call it refurbishment after seeing some done by others.
BTW, I ordered some parts from Shopsmith (Gilmer belt, etc.) and TWO DAYS LATER were at my doorstep!!

amazing!

Ed (NY)

I finally disassembled and cleaned the headstock. Bearings looked OK and for now I don't have the means to replace them. Next month..may be.

The motor (A.O. Smith) was a challenge, as for most everything else, Nick's videos and the forum had all the answers. I disassembled and cleaned the motor. I put it back together but haven't tested it yet. I will "report" with my findings.

My greenie did not have the famous and almost always mission anti-rattle spring that goes in the headstock against the speed dial. I guess it was never there as the speed control hole in the headstock is different that other I've seen, is just a rectangle.

Here is a photo of the cleaned and partially reassembled headstock (I see still some more cleaning needed, the photo shows some stuff left).

This has been a learning experience. To continue the learning process during the weekend I got a second "greenie" with a jointer attached. If only my wife would understand my need for garage space....

Regards

Ed (NY)

It looks as though you are doing an excellent job. Maintain your patients and continue with that trend. It takes time and patience. Patience is what I find myself always lacking.

It is not important that you are not doing a restoration. The reconditioning job that you are doing will render an equally functional unit though it may not look brand new.

In the photo, the headstock looks to be in a perfect position to doing some oiling and general lubricating. I try to get mine up into the drill press mode, with the motor dropped, at least once a year just for that reason. I even put easy disconnects in the motor wiring to facilitate that.

Keep up the good work and keep us posted with reports of your progress.