Shopsmith Forums

Bought my SS in '79. Used it some. Upgraded a little. Last used it about 15 years ago. I'm taking it out of storage to do some things. Is there anything special I should look for before I power on? Are there any precautions I should take before I hit the switch? Anything I should do after I get it started (if it does)?

The last time I used it was before the good Lord invented forums. So, I'm new here. Please be gentle.

Have a safe New Year.

Clean it and lubricate it. Wax the tables and check ALL of the alignments. Locate the instruction manual and read through it (again, I hope).

Before plugging it in, turn the shafts my hand. If the speed dial is set at low speed, it will be difficult to turn. It will be much easier when set at high speed.

Before you start doing a lot of work, turn her on and let her run for fiver minutes or so to loosen those belts. When left for a long time, they take a set that needs to be eliminated.

Welcome to the forum. Please consider completing the user profile. You just might be a nearby neighbor (to one of us).

Thanks for your response. I've done as you suggested and updated my profile. Even though I live in Ohio I'm a ring knockin' Sun Devil.

Start here http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Archives/SS121/SS121_Shopsmith_Reborn_Pt1.htm

There are three parts. Watch them also. Then watch the lubrication and alignment ones(You will learn by seeking them out yourself).

If ya gets lost, holler - we be here!;)

oddie wrote:Thanks for your response. I've done as you suggested and updated my profile. Even though I live in Ohio I'm a ring knockin' Sun Devil.

You be awful close to the motherlode!:eek::);)

Yes, dropped a lot of money in THE place. Right after I bought my SS at a show in San Antonio TX I got my orders for Ohio. So I brought it home.

I've now gotten all the crud off the surfaces and waxed them. Next phase is to lub. But I took a look at my quill and found the quill feed mechanism is bound up. After some effort I was able to get the quill out. But the feed mechanism will not work without force and certainly will not automatically retract. I have not taken it out for inspection. Does anyone have any insight as to what I can expect when I do remove it on Monday (I hope)?

oddie wrote:I've now gotten all the crud off the surfaces and waxed them. Next phase is to lub. But I took a look at my quill and found the quill feed mechanism is bound up. After some effort I was able to get the quill out. But the feed mechanism will not work without force and certainly will not automatically retract. I have not taken it out for inspection. Does anyone have any insight as to what I can expect when I do remove it on Monday (I hope)?

Forgive me for asking the 'obvious', but you did release the quill lock knob?

The quill stop is 'released?

Cruddy shafts/bores, return spring mangled/jammed/bent/...

Yes, it's "released". Both knobs are freely turning? Even after I took out the quill the mechanism is stiff. How difficult is it to replace the spring as opposed to replacing the entire mechanism? In one of the Shopsmith Session Nick said it's easier to replace the entire thing. I heard it's more cost. Is it really that difficult to wind and hold the spring until the cover is back on?

oddie wrote:Yes, it's "released". Both knobs are freely turning? Even after I took out the quill the mechanism is stiff. How difficult is it to replace the spring as opposed to replacing the entire mechanism? In one of the Shopsmith Session Nick said it's easier to replace the entire thing. I heard it's more cost. Is it really that difficult to wind and hold the spring until the cover is back on?

That would depend upon who ya ask!:D

Do not ask Dusty, his answer will scare you and all impressionable young children for miles around!:eek:

I ain't easy. It can be done. I find it easier to hold the housing with the end of the spring slipped slightly into the 'slot' and use the housing to hold the spring while using the shaft to rotate(recoil) the spring. The spring will eventually get small enough to slide into the housing. Use a vise to hold the housing while pushing and twisting with the quill lock wingnut also works(when yer palms get tired of doing it without the vise - that way you can push/twist with two hands. It helps to form the inside end of the spring so it will not slip off the pin easily.

I have not tried it, but a radiator hose worm screw type clamp may help to squeeze and hold the spring until is is small enough.

I have quill that needs refurbing(came from somewhere in the great NorthWest). I will document that and start a thread(sometime this week!).