Problem with my shopsmith

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navycop

navycop

Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2010
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2,334
Location
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
I was turning some pens this afternoon. I went to turn the shopsmith off at the swithc and it kept running. I thought maybe the RPMs where to high and it was a safety thing, so I dialed it down alittle bit. Still kept running. I got it set up on a dedicated outlet so I just cut the power. I wonder how hard (and expensive) it will be to replace the switch?
 
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I never had mine stay on but i do have issues turning it on sometimes. It is always dust build up. Try giving it a burst of air from the compressor. If that does not work you may need a new switch but i dont think they cost much and are easy to swap.
 
Had the same problem with mine. Actually burned out two switches.:mad:

I didn't want to pay the outrageous price for the Shopsmith replacement switch, so I went to the local appliance repair shop and found a replacement for about $12.

This was just a standard size rocker switch and it fits/works great.
 
Haven't had that problem yet (knock on wood), however, agree with Snowbeast. You can get it up and running in one day at probably a quarter of the cost of going through Shopsmith.
 
If a switch does not trun on, dismantle the switch and gently sand the contacts. Then reasemble the switch and presto, it works.
 
There's definitely something wrong with your switch, either dust buildup keeping the internal contacts from moving, or the contacts have fused together either from being burnt or something. I've put a new one in my old greenie, that uses the old-fashioned metal toggle switch and assume the the newer rocker style switches aren't much harder to replace.
 
navycop said:
I was turning some pens this afternoon. I went to turn the shopsmith off at the swithc and it kept running. I thought maybe the RPMs where to high and it was a safety thing, so I dialed it down alittle bit. Still kept running. I got it set up on a dedicated outlet so I just cut the power. I wonder how hard (and expensive) it will be to replace the switch?
Click to expand...

Not difficult at all! The switch on the SS is a standard type. Before doing any work, make a note of the wire colors and connections. The most common cause of this kind of problem is that saw dust has gotten inside the switch and prevents the contacts from fully closing (or opening).

If you have the bat toggle type it should be a slam dunk to find a replacement part at any big box hardware store. Try to get one that is "dust proof". If the switch on your SS is a safety toggle you may need to order one from SS.

I would try to fix the older switch type and maybe the newer one as well. If the switch is soldered in, cut the wires right at the switch and put quick disconnect spade connectors on the wire ends. Most switches will accept this kind of connector. Caution should be used as there is a spring under tension inside the switch.
 
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