Shopsmith Forums

I inherited my late stepfather's SS, I think it is the Mark V (how can I tell?) and I tried turning it on the other day, but all I got was a hum from inside (sounded like motor kicked on, but was not moving...) and nothing moving.

There are no accessories hooked to it, and I don't know if that makes a difference. I wanted to use the band saw, but could not figure out how to connect it to the head.

Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Thanks!

Morgan

Easiest thing to do is post a photo, that will make it super simple to tell what you have.

If the table for the table saw has a red insert and has round tubes, then you have a mark V 510.

If the table has a red insert and boxy aluminum rails, then you have a 520.

Most likely you have a 500, which means it has a table with a lip on the front, but not hte back. As long as you don't see any exposed belts you are pretty well assured that its a Mark V

I just added pictures.

Any ideas on the power on, nothing moving issue?

looks like you have a mark V 500 to me. There hopefully is a pile of other parts not pictured - otherwise you are missing quite a bit of stuff...you have a bandsaw though =)

As for the motor not spinning, try rotating the spindle (the part that extends out when you turn the red handle). It might be stuck from sitting for quite a while and need a little movement. There are more involved things to try, but thats a good start. Make sure the unit is unplugged when doing this.


BTW - do not turn the speed dial while the unit is off. You will break things.

Looks like a Model 500 you are missing the coupler to run the bandsaw. But that is of no concern until you troubleshoot why the headstock is not spinning. Probably needs normal maintenance and has been sitting for a long time that is why it is not purrrrin like a kitten. Go to the Shopsmith site and look at the Sawdust Sessions 21,22,23,24.


Sawdust Session 21

Sawdust Session 22

Sawdust Session 23

Sawdust Session 24

FYI: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=7092&highlight=newowner

What is the serial number found on the shiney round vent plate around the middle output shaft on the 'left' end.

The bandsaw attaches to the headstock by way of splined coupling hubs and a plastic 'coupler'.

The hubs are apparent in your pix. The coupler is about 4 to 5 inches long, and has a spring on one end.

Welcome to the forum Morgan. You will get good advice here.

You will also enjoy your time here. It is like having friends that do not come over and borrow your tools.

If the motor humming problem is not resolved by manually rotating the output shaft, the motor likely has a stuck open start switch(or saw dust or other matter holding the contacts open).

In any event do not try starting the motor until you have determined why it is not starting. Repeated lengthy attempts to start it will likely overheat it and burn the winding insulation. Very short 'attempts' are ok if not repeated too soon.

You may need to remove the belt cover and blow debris out from the motor. GENTLE tapping on the motor casing MAY shake debris holding the contacts open.

Last effort:( open up the motor to determine cause etc.

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Welcome to the forum Morgan. You will get good advice here.

You will also enjoy your time here. It is like having friends that do not come over and borrow your tools.

I have a sign in one shop that says
"We loaned our last tool in June of 1918, If you still have it please bring it back".


.

The fourth picture you posted shows the bandsaw next to the shaft the saw blade mounts onto. Looking at the machine front side The bandsaw , etc, etc. always mount to your left not the right.... If you mount it on the right side and it will run backwards..... The second picture on the upper left shows the hub to drive the bandsaw..... all you would need is the plastic coupler... Good luck, questions ask these guys and you will get straight answers.....