Shopsmith Forums

My adventure with a used Shopsmith continues. As the sheaves still bind on the idler shaft, I know that it needs to be replaced, so I removed it. The Poly-V belt was dried and cracked, so I started to replace it. When I came to the step to remove the spring to move the drive assembly… there was no retaining spring, and it does not look like anything I see in the manuals. I’ll attach a few images so you can have a better idea of what I am dealing with… and to see if you might have some thoughts on how to remove the drive shaft to install the Poly-V belt.

Shopsmith was closed when I finally determined that I would need a new idler shaft assembly, so I will call again on Monday morning. I’m wondering if I have ended up with a clone as there are a few subtle differences to what I am familiar with (having purchased a new Shopsmith in 1980, which is still in good working order in another location). Following are the discrepancies on my “new” unit compared to what is noted in manuals:
1. The allen screw clamping the eccentric bushing is 5/16”, not the 1/4” indicated
2. There is no groove in the eccentric bushing
3. There is a cover ring (image attached) over the end of the drive shaft that is held in place with an allen screw
4. There is no retaining ring for the drive shaft assembly

Thanks for all the help, Ken

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judaspre1982 wrote:Hi Ken
It looks like you may have a clone machine. The drive assembly is much different than a SS.
Does your machine have SS emblems on the headstock/speed control handle?
You may want to link the picture thread to this thread, so it is easier to view them and answer any ?s here.
Someone with more knowledge of some of the clones can give you better answers to which clone you may have.
Good luck---Dave

You are right. He sent me some pictures (none of the emblems) and it is a clone machine. I will offer any assistance I can as I have repaired a few clone headstocks and have been able to modify/machine a few Shopsmith parts to fit the clones.