Shopsmith Forums

Newbe here. I have a Mark V model 500. The machine has not run in awhile and acts like it froze up. I flip the start sw on and the machine will not start/turn over. The speed dial turns but takes effort (not like new). The speed dial will not turn anymore past a 1/4 turn either direction. If I isolate the motor (by taking the belt off) the motor runs fine. I'm thinking the grease on the gears has aged and hardened. What do I trroubleshoot next? Thanks.

First, don't turn the speed control (dial) until you get the motor to turn the spindle. Second, if the motor is working does it make any sound with the belt on? Like is it trying to work?
Can you put a large sanding disk on the spindle and turn the spindle by hand?

dwss wrote:Newbe here. I have a Mark V model 500. The machine has not run in awhile and acts like it froze up. I flip the start sw on and the machine will not start/turn over. The speed dial turns but takes effort (not like new). The speed dial will not turn anymore past a 1/4 turn either direction. If I isolate the motor (by taking the belt off) the motor runs fine. I'm thinking the grease on the gears has aged and hardened. What do I trroubleshoot next? Thanks.

First and foremost, the Speed Control should not be turned unless the main drive shaft is turning. As has already been said, attach the sanding disk to the spindle and then while turning the sanding disk BY HAND turn the speed control to HIGH SPEED.

With the motor still disconnected, while using a sanding disk on the spindle, can you turn the main drive shaft (sanding disk)? There should be some resistance but not great. The main shaft and quill are turning and the poly-v (gilmer) belt is turning and rotating the idler shaft. Everything is moving under human power.

Don’t feel bad. I’m speaking from experience here.

The problem with turning the speed control when the machine is not running is that when you turn the speed control to the right you are pulling the upper (idler and control) sheaves apart. The drive belt, which is under tension between the lower and upper sheaves, then gets pulled down onto the idler shaft and gets pinched and caught between the sheave fins of the upper sheaves. When the machine is turned on the belt can’t rotate and jams, which is not good for the belt or idler shaft, and is definitely not good for the motor.

The first thing to do is unplug the machine. Then when you have the belt off of the lower sheaves, check to see if the belt is free and loose on the upper sheaves. If it’s not, you’ll have to free it up.

If that's not the problem then you should be able to turn the spindle by hand and the drive belt should rotate in the sheaves and the upper belt should rotate on the idler and drive sleeve pulleys. If they do they that would indicate that the drive system is working mechanically. If they don’t rotate then you have some other mechanical problem. If the motor won’t run under load, then you may have an electrical problem.

What year is your Mark V, and where are you located? Perhaps a local user can help you out. Nick Engler shows how to tear down and rebuild the headstock in the latter SawDust Sessions.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

holsgo wrote:First, don't turn the speed control (dial) until you get the motor to turn the spindle. Second, if the motor is working does it make any sound with the belt on? Like is it trying to work?
Can you put a large sanding disk on the spindle and turn the spindle by hand?

The motor will not turn over with the belt on. I will try turning spindle by hand. Thanks

dusty wrote:First and foremost, the Speed Control should not be turned unless the main drive shaft is turning. As has already been said, attach the sanding disk to the spindle and then while turning the sanding disk BY HAND turn the speed control to HIGH SPEED.

With the motor still disconnected, while using a sanding disk on the spindle, can you turn the main drive shaft (sanding disk)? There should be some resistance but not great. The main shaft and quill are turning and the poly-v (gilmer) belt is turning and rotating the idler shaft. Everything is moving under human power.

I'll try your suggestions. Thanks

Ron309753 wrote:Don’t feel bad. I’m speaking from experience here.

The problem with turning the speed control when the machine is not running is that when you turn the speed control to the right you are pulling the upper (idler and control) sheaves apart. The drive belt, which is under tension between the lower and upper sheaves, then gets pulled down onto the idler shaft and gets pinched and caught between the sheave fins of the upper sheaves. When the machine is turned on the belt can’t rotate and jams, which is not good for the belt or idler shaft, and is definitely not good for the motor.

The first thing to do is unplug the machine. Then when you have the belt off of the lower sheaves, check to see if the belt is free and loose on the upper sheaves. If it’s not, you’ll have to free it up.

If that's not the problem then you should be able to turn the spindle by hand and the drive belt should rotate in the sheaves and the upper belt should rotate on the idler and drive sleeve pulleys. If they do they that would indicate that the drive system is working mechanically. If they don’t rotate then you have some other mechanical problem. If the motor won’t run under load, then you may have an electrical problem.

What year is your Mark V, and where are you located? Perhaps a local user can help you out. Nick Engler shows how to tear down and rebuild the headstock in the latter SawDust Sessions.

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Mark V is early 90's, think 90 or 91. Located in Raleigh, NC. I will definitely look at "sessions" if I haven't found problem following above forum suggestions. Thanks.

beeg wrote:Did ya oil it up yet?

I'll admit I haven't. I'll add that to my checklist. Thanks