Shopsmith Forums

Hi, This is my first post here.

I just got a ShopSmith 500 this year from my father in law/ grandfather in law.

the speed indicator stopped turning when turning the speed control dial. After doing some inspecting, I determined that the gear on the back was stripped so I decided that I need to get a new speed control dial.
I ordered part 504229 from the Shopsmith website.

When it arrived, it looks like it does physically fit, but the style is completely different than my original.
It has a smooth background instead of the checkered pattern of my original dial.
It seems that the lettering is different and the red is a different shade.

Does anyone know what is going on here?
I would be surprised if no one else had this happen before, but I can't find any information on it anywhere.

Thanks.

Joe

Joe;
Welcome to the "Family"
Sorry to hear about your problem. You do know that the speed control handle must not be turned unless the machine is running and all the shafts are turning correct? The changes that you described are most probably cosmetic and relate to manufacturing considerations than anything else. The textured surface would be more expensive to produce and as for the color difference I would suspect fading over the period of time involved.
Be sure to check the machine thoroughly and lube it properly before use.
Come back here often as there a lot friendly and knowledgeable folks on this forum that talk you through almost any problem.
Bill V

jmchale wrote:Hi, This is my first post here.

I just got a ShopSmith 500 this year from my father in law/ grandfather in law.

the speed indicator stopped turning when turning the speed control dial. After doing some inspecting, I determined that the gear on the back was stripped so I decided that I need to get a new speed control dial.
I ordered part 504229 from the Shopsmith website.

When it arrived, it looks like it does physically fit, but the style is completely different than my original.
It has a smooth background instead of the checkered pattern of my original dial.
It seems that the lettering is different and the red is a different shade.

Does anyone know what is going on here?
I would be surprised if no one else had this happen before, but I can't find any information on it anywhere.

Thanks.

Joe

You do know that not all Shopsmith Model 500s were manufactured by Shopsmith correct?

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/markv.htm

understandable, but why would that mean they would supply me with the wrong part?
I think I used the correct part number.
I have contacted their tech support about this.

I don't see any mention anywhere of a difference in appearance

What's the age of your SS? Also that part number says it's for the 505/510/520.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... =Find+Item

jmchale wrote:understandable, but why would that mean they would supply me with the wrong part?
I think I used the correct part number.
I have contacted their tech support about this.

I don't see any mention anywhere of a difference in appearance

It is probably not the "WRONG" part but rather the current (updated) part.

Example: If you had a Greenie and you bought new legs - I'd bet that they would be gray. In fact, they might even be powder coated.

BTW If you are waiting for a return telephone, I would suggest that "you call them again". Waiting for them to call you might not meet your needs.

jmchale wrote:understandable, but why would that mean they would supply me with the wrong part?
I think I used the correct part number.
I have contacted their tech support about this.

I don't see any mention anywhere of a difference in appearance

I will be more direct!

There are no 'wrong' parts.

There may be differently made or different appearing parts.

All are interchangable.

Do realize that there have been 5 different 'manufacturers' over the past 50 years.

I will not mention that the words 'jig saw' have been replaced with 'scroll saw' on the indicator dial.] are[/B] available!:)

FYI.
The image comparison is attached.

I know that I should be "grateful" that this is still available from the MFG.
However, I DID purchase it for $30.
and there is no notification anywhere that this isn't the exact part.

I know it works, but it is kind of like replacing the door on your white cadillac with one that is blue. It works, but it isn't what you were hoping for.

I had heard that some guy replaces the gear for a fee. I wonder if the price is comparable.
I don't know why they have this as one complete component instead of having the gear separate anyway, and I don't know why they made it out of aluminum.

Oh well, while I had it apart, I spent yesterday outside in the drive way replacing the power switch and cleaning out the inside of the headstock with a brush and compressed air.
I guess I need to get some wax now.

PS: I didn't get a chance to get the serial number this morning, but I think it is an earlier model. It is green and grey and it has a toothed "gilmer" belt, that is actually rubbing for some reason now. It is a 3/4 hp.

jmchale wrote:Hi, This is my first post here.

I just got a ShopSmith 500 this year from my father in law/ grandfather in law.

the speed indicator stopped turning when turning the speed control dial. After doing some inspecting, I determined that the gear on the back was stripped so I decided that I need to get a new speed control dial.
I ordered part 504229 from the Shopsmith website.

When it arrived, it looks like it does physically fit, but the style is completely different than my original.
It has a smooth background instead of the checkered pattern of my original dial.
It seems that the lettering is different and the red is a different shade.

Does anyone know what is going on here?
I would be surprised if no one else had this happen before, but I can't find any information on it anywhere.

Thanks.

Joe

I have no exposure to this gentleman's work but I have heard good things about him here on the forum.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHOPSMITH-MARK- ... 4ab47ba7c4

dusty wrote:I have no exposure to this gentleman's work but I have heard good things about him here on the forum.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SHOPSMITH-MARK-V-SPEED-CONTROL-KNOB-REPAIR-FREE-RETURN-SHIPPING-USA-/320855582660?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab47ba7c4

I do have exposure to his 'work', and I can highly recommend it!

However, do realize he does not send you back the one you send him.