Shopsmith Forums

Hi all,

I'm sure these questions have all been answered many times over, but I guess I'm looking for a trusted or "authoritative" resource for each of the following:


1) Regular headstock maintenance: Is there a one-stop "best" resource for regular maintenance, including exactly how to execute each step, materials needed/used, and how often to perform these steps? I'm looking for something more in-depth than "oil your sheaves often." Would love pictures, actual product names (for oil, etc.) and firm usage intervals, if possible. Really a "for dummies" type of guide. Again, I'm sure this exists, just want to be sure I have the best resources in one place.


2) Basic breakdown and rebuild: If I have a weekend to dismantle, clean, spot-check, and rebuild the entire headstock, what's the best process? What's realistic to get done, and what should be avoided? In what intervals should this be done (I'm thinking more like every 6-months to 1 year?)? Again, if belt replacement or oiling or graphite is used, what brand-names are best, and are the pictures of exactly where to apply? As with #1, assume NO knowledge, and a poor working knowledge of machines in general (hey, I work with WOOD, right?). Presumably, as part of this process, we'd evaluate whether belts need replacement, or any part-sets need "special attention" of any kind.


3) Major overhaul: Presumably not necessary if you are running #1 and #2. I guess this would be for an ebay/craigslist purchase or otherwise inherited SS. Timing be damned, I'd assume this process will break the headstock down to its component parts, each evaluated and cleaned or replaced as needed. Stuff like "do I need two bearing on my quill" will be answered.



I'm not sure if I'm asking a totally clear set of questions here, but to me, these three approaches seem like totally different projects, with different purposes that apply to different situations. For example, the Sawdust Sessions four-part series linked below seems like a good example of a "Major Overhaul" (#3) from above:

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt1.htm

Is it the best resource? Are there others worth cross-referencing? Let me know your favorites, thanks!

cobalt60 wrote:Hi all,

I'm sure these questions have all been answered many times over, but I guess I'm looking for a trusted or "authoritative" resource for each of the following:


1) Regular headstock maintenance: Is there a one-stop "best" resource for regular maintenance, including exactly how to execute each step, materials needed/used, and how often to perform these steps? I'm looking for something more in-depth than "oil your sheaves often." Would love pictures, actual product names (for oil, etc.) and firm usage intervals, if possible. Really a "for dummies" type of guide. Again, I'm sure this exists, just want to be sure I have the best resources in one place.


2) Basic breakdown and rebuild: If I have a weekend to dismantle, clean, spot-check, and rebuild the entire headstock, what's the best process? What's realistic to get done, and what should be avoided? In what intervals should this be done (I'm thinking more like every 6-months to 1 year?)? Again, if belt replacement or oiling or graphite is used, what brand-names are best, and are the pictures of exactly where to apply? As with #1, assume NO knowledge, and a poor working knowledge of machines in general (hey, I work with WOOD, right?). Presumably, as part of this process, we'd evaluate whether belts need replacement, or any part-sets need "special attention" of any kind.

3) Major overhaul: Presumably not necessary if you are running #1 and #2. I guess this would be for an ebay/craigslist purchase or otherwise inherited SS. Timing be damned, I'd assume this process will break the headstock down to its component parts, each evaluated and cleaned or replaced as needed. Stuff like "do I need two bearing on my quill" will be answered.



I'm not sure if I'm asking a totally clear set of questions here, but to me, these three approaches seem like totally different projects, with different purposes that apply to different situations. For example, the Sawdust Sessions four-part series linked below seems like a good example of a "Major Overhaul" (#3) from above:

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt1.htm

Is it the best resource? Are there others worth cross-referencing? Let me know your favorites, thanks!

1. My personal preference is the DVD available from Shopsmith: Shopsmith Journals by Rick Davis. Clearly shot, well organized.
2. Interval for maintenance: 10-50 hours of operation. Interval for overhaul: When something breaks, or 50 years, whichever comes first. Mine is 48 or so years old. I have replaced belts and speed changer, switch and quill, all due to wear. I doubt Previous Owners did anything more.
3. Sawdust Sessions are the best resource for rebuild. Rick's DVD is best for maintenance and alignment.

If it ain't broke - don't fix it.

I recently did the PowerPro upgrade which is essentially a complete breakdown and rebuild - in only a few hours (plus time for the paint to dry). I was quite surprised to find that the internal parts of my 25 year old headstock were in fantastic shape - even the original belts had many hours of life left in them!

The best reference would be the owner's manual (I don't have the DVD). The owner's manual clearly describes the necessary maintenance procedures and recommended intervals. From my experience, I don't feel a periodic overhaul is needed (nor is it recommended in the manual). What is more important is to check the table alignment annually.