Got the #Shopsmith (My great uncle's 1947 model 10E if you recall) switch sorted, the Reeves Drive is now working perfectly. This and the motor are critical...if they weren't good, I probably wasn't going to restore the machine.

Now time to disassemble, clean, check bearings (one sounds clicky in the headstock), etc. These things have a cult-like following, lots of fun to be had.

https://peertube.tv/w/iWZWFW4278tvMeNhsw99bw

First test of the 1947 Shopsmith Variable Speed rebuild

https://peertube.tv/videos/watch/91593ab8-e36e-4222-9d68-c70929b858e2

Bought a DPST switch from my local electronics supply yesterday. Put it in the #ShopSmith and sparks flew when I plugged it in (and the breaker didn't trip; something else I will be replacing today).

Spent a long time trying to find my mistake, eventually put the switch under my scope to read the tiny writing, and it's not the switch it claimed to be. Right package, right number of lugs, but it's a different part number from the package.

At least the problem wasn't me.

Had new Reeves Drive bushings machined for the ShopSmith 10E under restoration. I had to do the final O.D. on a wood lathe...works better than you expect. They're an interference fit. Little torch on the axle, froze the bearings, JUST got them in with my dinky little 1 ton arbor press.

Those bushes are supposed to have 3-5 thousandths clearance. Lack of maintenance much? 😋

The Reeves drive is a super elegant variable speed device, MUCH cheaper than an electronic VSD.

#ShopSmith #restoration

My brother just delivered our great uncle's 1948 #Shopsmith to me; my turn to be custodian. It's a 10E model, the very first.

I'll post some pics once I clean it a bit, un-crud the ways, get everything operational.

It's not been in a happy place for some time. But it's all there, including the table saw/drill press table with the fence, lathe tailstock, sanding disc, 4 jaw and 3 jaw chucks, Jacobs chuck, wood lathe tool rest, live centers, etc.

1/2

Oooh, a near mint #ShopSmith in the #Boston area! I'd be all over this if I didn't already have one in the workshop!

https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/tls/d/stoneham-shop-smith-mark/7881513983.html