ShopSmith Problem

We have not yet put an Ammeter on the saw when it’s under a load, but due to the fact that it keeps tripping the breaker I assume it’s pulling more than it should be.

-- Hutch ...Montana ___ Life is a mystery to live, not a problem to solve! ___

If the motor is a 1-1/8 Hp, he need to be plugged into a 20amp circuit. The headstock my need some maintenance (Oil, bearings, belts, etc). What color is the saw. Green, Gold, or Gray? Gold and Gray are 1-1/8hp and the Green are 3/4hp. Check out the Shopsmith.net forum and Shopsmith.com site. Manuals and alot of help are there.

-- DaveH - Boise, Idaho - “How hard can it be? It's only wood!”

I would also check to see what else is on the same circuit. I am running my Shopsmith on a 15 amp circuit with no problems. The Shopsmith needs to be maintained well to run well. The floating sheeves need to be lubricated, the headstock housing needs to be cleaned out and all sawdust removed periodically. Use an air compressor to blow any dust out of the motor. Does it turn easily by hand? Is the alignment correct? Is the saw binding? I routinely cut 8/4 stock with no problems.

Another thing to examine is whether its on an extension cord. Mine is, but its a very heavy duty one, rated at 15 amps. I have only 15 amp breakers. But I have nothing else on the same breaker with my SS except the shop vac that runs with it. They don’t start up together though.
Have a look at the sawblade. If its dull it will bog the motor badly causing it to demand more power.

Yet another thing to check is the alignment of the rip fence. If its pinching the work it’ll bull its way through .25” stock, but not heavier stuff.

Let us know what you find, will you?

d

-- The best things in life aren't THINGS.

I had one that I bought at an auction; didn’t use it much, and sold it on eBay.
I had to turn the speed down to lowest range in order for the motor to come up to speed, and it drew lots of current until it got up to speed. It wasn’t a problem if I started the motor in the low-speed range, then brought the speed up to your desired RPM with the control knob.

-- Einstein: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." I'm Poopiekat!!

I’ve had a number of “smiths” and they should run fine on a 15 amp circuit providing they are in good running condition. Many guys buy older ones, and since the mark 5 can be up to 55 years old, they may need a clean up and lube or new bearings before putting them back into service. Remember, the grease in the bearings is as old as the machine & may be congealed. This puts a severe load on the motor, especially on start up. It’s really the only thing you really need to do with them to keep them going pretty much forever. I just rebuilt 3 old “greenies”. They were the first mark 5’s. These dated to 1957. I replaced the motor bearings in 2 and revived the other motor and headstock bearings by gently heating with a propane torch (remember, gently) and applying a couple of drops of non detergent oil into the bearings and spinning them. It will sometimes revive the grease.
All these machines run like new & have never popped a 15 amp breaker. I do suggest that you should always turn down the speed dial before turning off so you can start up at a lower rpm. Starting it on the “saw” or “joint” setting is a little like starting out your car in high gear. -SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions. We’ll get to work on it and I’ll let you know what we find out.

-- Hutch ...Montana ___ Life is a mystery to live, not a problem to solve! ___

great post hutch…I have a 520—-the newest…and sometimes I pop a breaker…but I am running off an extension cord…and now I REALLY WANT to use that maintenance video…

The only thing I can add of help—-is to turn down the speed setting each time you turn off (BEFORE YOU TURN OFF—-never move the dial while it is off)...

If you go to the ss website they are now selling several dvds—-I have the RICK SMITH DVD…it is all about maintenance—-i went to a class with him and he was great—-very clear directions…I would recommend it…

matt

-- Matt--Proud LJ since 2007