Shopsmith Forums

the Control sheave is frozen, I beleive the speed control was moved when the headstock was not running. I have tried lubicating slot key and have been working to remove the idler shaft assembly. But I am stumped. What are the steps to remove the belts and the rest of the idler shaft assembly? Anyone removed and replaced the idler shaft assembly?

RMAC;
By frozen I think that you mean that the sheave will not move along the shaft. If this is the case then you will have to remove the control sheave assembly to work on the sheave. The freezing generally comes from a lack of lubrication. Shopsmith has excellent instructions for this job in the owner's manual. One word of caution; there is a bolt under the eccentric bushing that holds that bushing in place to adjust the poly V belt. When you re-assemble the unit DO NOT overtighten this nut or you may wind up breaking the tabs that the bolt goes through. A real disaster!!!!
On the SS website go and find Nick Engler's Sawdust session that deals with re-building a headstock. The video has all the details for doing what you need to do. Not a difficult job but will take a few hours the first time. Come back to this forum for advice from some folks who have rehabbed quite a few machines and they have a lot of experience and will help out.
Good luck.
BillV

This should help some - http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/productmanuals/PolyV_GilmerBelt_Replacement.pdf

Also look at Sawdust Sessions series, titled Shopsmith Reborn - in sessions 21, 22, 23 and 24. http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

Good luck!

1) Remove the speed control. This frees up the 'control' end and provides better access to the sheave.

2) Determine if the motor belt is 'stuck' between the pulley flanges.

3) If the belt is near the top of the MOTOR pulley, remove the belt from the MOTOR pulley.

If however the idler shaft pulley rotates freely WITH the motor pulley, the control sheave is truly 'stuck' on its shaft.

The sawdust session(s) above reveal what is required to remove the shaft and pulley(it goes into the headstock for removal).

I do not think forcing the speed control with the motor not running will cause the sheave to seize on the idler shaft. The quadrant gear etc. is more likely to suffer damage thus inflicted. Sudden movement of the ss while stopped in high speed position can cause the belt to drop too far into the idler pulley and cause the belt to jam.

Keep us informed of your 'progress'!