Shopsmith Forums

Hi,

I need help. When I use my shopsmith in tablesaw mode, it runs fine. When I turn it off about 2-3 sec before it stops it makes one click sound. Anyone know what is going on?

Thx
Angelo

I am no electric motor tech, but I often hear exactly that noise when turning off many electric motors. I can not say what it is, but I think it might be a normal noise. You might want to contact the SS toll free technical help line for their opinion. 1 800 762 7555

You could also call a local electric motor re-builder and ask.

I hear the same or similar click every time I shut down the Dust Collector. Have never thought it to be a problem. Sounds like a spring releasing. Don't know what it is, but think it's normal. Can't say I've ever heard this when running the headstock. Maybe I just never listened for it.

I've never had a Shopsmith motor apart, but there may be a spring loaded centrifugal starting current (capacitor)switch in it. When the motor is stopped or rotating slowly, it alows extra current to flow through the motor windings to provide an extra kick to get it started. Once the rpms get up to speed, it opens the starting circuit and the motor continues to run on at it's normal current draw. What you hear may be this switch closing as the rpms get too low to hold it open as the motor is coming to a stop. This is in effect reseting itself for the next startup cycle.

The noise is the closing of the centrifugal contacts that open upon start up to kick out the starting capacitor.

Induction motors use a starting capacitor that supplies an extra kick upon startup. After the motor gets up to speed the centrifugal contacts open.
When you flip the switch off the motor begins to slow and the at some point the speed drops enough to allow the contacts to slam shut.
Ed

I am submitting a quote from Bill Mayo from the SSUsers Forum in regards to your question. From my understanding, Bill is quite experienced with the Shopsmith and has rebuilt many of them.

"That is the start winding switch resetting for the next start of the
motor. Nothing to worry about, it is normal"