Setting the Speed Dial To Slow Without Turning On the Headstock

Setting the Speed Dial to Slow Without Turning On the Headstock

The following procedure lets you re-set the speed dial on your headstock from any speed above “D” to a speed at “D” or slower without turning on the motor. If for some reason you fail to turn the Speed Dial to “D” or below before you turn off the headstock, this procedure MUST be followed before re-starting your Shopsmith machine.

To turn the speed dial from a faster speed to “D” or below without starting the motor, use your sanding disc to rotate the spindle SLOWLY and CAREFULLY as you turn the speed dial. To avoid damaging the headstock's speed changing mechanism while you lower the speed, the shafts must be rotating and the belts must be moving against the sheaves while you turn the speed dial.

Note: It is important that you get into the habit of ALWAYS turning the speed dial down to “D” or slower, before you turn off the headstock, after every procedure you perform with your Shopsmith machine. Doing this only requires a couple of quick turns of the speed dial. After following this procedure for awhile, you will establish a new habit that will become automatic without even thinking about it. Turning the speed dial to “D” or below will significantly increase the life of your MARK Vs motor and switch. It will also protect the wiring inside your headstock, as well as the circuits your shop.

Caution: ALWAYS turn the speed dial on your headstock to “D” or slower BEFORE turning off your machine. Failure to heed this warning will cause excessive amperage drawn by the motor and:

• Blown fuses or circuit breakers
• Burnt-out Power Switch
• Over-heated wires in the Headstock
• Serious damage to your Headstock Motor

Caution: NEVER turn the speed dial from high speeds to low speeds, without the shafts and belts moving inside the headstock. Turning the speed dial without the shafts and belts moving inside the headstock, WILL cause major damage to the speed change mechanism in the headstock.

Tools Required:

• 5/32" Allen Wrench

Procedure:

1. Unplug your headstock from the wall outlet or other power source.
2. Slide the worktable away from the headstock so you have plenty of room to rotate the sanding disc without hitting the worktable or other parts of the machine.
3. Remove any accessories from the headstock and install the sanding disc to the quill spindle of the headstock. Secure the sanding disc to the flat of the spindle by tightening the setscrew with a 5/32" Allen wrench.
4. While rotating the sanding disc with your right hand, SLOWLY and CAREFULLY turn the speed dial counter-clockwise with your left hand. When doing this:
   • Feel for the appropriate force needed to move the speed dial. You will be able to sense the drive belt sliding against the sheaves and the speed change mechanism moving inside the headstock. Do not force the speed dial to turn.
   • The speed dial will seem easy to turn with every rotation of the sanding disc. However, it will not turn easily when the sanding disc is not moving.
   • Continue to rotate the speed dial and sanding disc until the speed setting is at “D” or below.
   • If, while turning the sanding disc, the speed dial becomes difficult to turn or sticks, STOP what you are doing immediately!
   • Do not force the speed dial to move, as doing so will do major damage to the speed change mechanism inside the headstock.
   • If, while turning the sanding disc, it becomes difficult to rotate, STOP what you are doing immediately!
   • If you find that the sanding disc or speed dial becomes difficult to turn during this procedure, there is another problem.
     • The sheaves could be stuck and need lubrication
     • The drive belt could be severely worn and caught in the sheaves, and need to be replaced.
     • OR BOTH

If you have difficulty with this procedure or have further questions, contact Shopsmith Customer Service at (937) 890-5197.