Shopsmith Forums

I just purchased a previously owned MK V, born September 1954. Previous owner separated drive head from motor housing and removed the entire speed control unit to replace speed control handle (lost or missing, not with the machine). I noticed when I looked at the video provided by Shopsmith that there is a spring located behind the top of the speed control dial where it is attached to the casting (Parts list exploded ref # 73, part # 504196, Spring). It appears to me that this spring was attached differently on the earlier models. I spoke to someone who said the spring on the earlier models is no longer make by Shopsmith and that spring had somehow been connected to the bottom of the original on/off toggel switch. Anyone have information, a photo of the spring in place, or first hand knowledge available on how this was done and should be done now?

Thanks,

Cayuse

I am working on a 1954 Greenie right now and the only spring I ran across during disassembly of the speed control was a flat curved spring that puts pressure on the outer speed control handle which I assume is to pull the worm gear taught when the speed control handle is installed. I will get a pic of mine later and post for you to see.

wannabewoodworker wrote:I am working on a 1954 Greenie right now and the only spring I ran across during disassembly of the speed control was a flat curved spring that puts pressure on the outer speed control handle which I assume is to pull the worm gear taught when the speed control handle is installed. I will get a pic of mine later and post for you to see.

I think Nick said in one of the Sawdust Sessions that it was to stop the speed control handle from rattling.

I seem to recall seeing something in an older thread similar to what cayusedriver mentions. But I don't even know what to search for...

I know which spring you're talking about, I'll post a pic tonight. It is VERY easy to lose.

I am rebuilding a 56 greenie right now. I spoke with a gentleman at SHOPSMITH last week about that very spring and was told that the earliest MK V's did not have that spring. When I stated that the casting was made for it he was adamant that the earliest (and a 54 would be one of those) did not use the "rattle" spring. I thought this was odd as the casting is made for the spring.

The spring I am talking about is shaped kind of like a Z laid on its side and is part number 504196 (part number 71 on the headstock assembly)

The other spring that is a leaf spring type of thing is called the dial spring part number 504228.

Obviously there is another spring because the one I was refering to was the dial spring which I have but don't seem to have the other one to my knowledge??? Where does it go and am I missing it???

These are just some stuff from my rebuild so forgive please the roughness of the photos.

The first shows my headstock casting. The red area is where the spring goes.
[ATTACH]8449[/ATTACH]

and this is an attempt to zoom in on that area.
[ATTACH]8450[/ATTACH]
The spring spans the gap into the back of the speed ring. Pushing on it to reduce the rattle as I understand it.

Monday I called Shopsmith. A lady answered the phone and I asked a number of questions including the manufacture date of this Mark V. She told me it was made September 1954, as per serial number.

I called this morning spoke to a different lady and ask questions including the question I posed here about the spring. I became aware of the spring when I viewed the How To Videos provided on the Shopsmith web site. It was carried on Video # 17 under the repair and maintenance section. The instructor specifically mentioned and showed that spring. The lady from customer care said that the specific spring that attached to the early models is different from the newer ones. The newer cast housing has a cutout to accomadate the spring across the rear of the speed control dial plate. My machine has no such cut out. When I explained that to her, she put me on hold and returned to tell me that the original one was designed to attach to the bottom of the on/off switch face (I see like a lip on the bottom of that switch with maybe a rivet) and I think she said it then tucked in behind the dial.

AND Fellow forum members thanks so much for the replys, I really appreciate them. This is my first Shopsmith it's in a couple of pieces so I hope I won't annoy anyone with questions.

Cayuse

Mikelst:

My casting has a rectangular opening instead of the polygonial opening you have on your photos.

Cayuse

cayusedriver wrote:AND Fellow forum members thanks so much for the replys, I really appreciate them. This is my first Shopsmith it's in a couple of pieces so I hope I won't annoy anyone with questions.

Cayuse

We love talking about our Shopsmiths here, so the more questions the better!