Strange conversation with SS

[masonsailor2]

In building this codex armoir I am going to be bandsawing some 1/4 inch brass and it seemed a good time to finally get a speed reducer. I called and tried to order one and it was back ordered. That was OK. I get that they may not keep any on the shelf because it is probably not a common item. But when I asked them for an approximate delivery time l was told they could not even estimate a time because he doubted they even have the parts to build one. It would definitely be weeks he said. Not good.
Paul

[algale]

Weeks? Consider yourself lucky! I've waited over a year for a 3 bead molder knife that was on back order.

[thpalex]

Anyways, what is SS?

[Joe226]

Anyways, what is SS?

SS=Shop Smith

[charlese]

Geeze, Paul! a couple years back I made some brass hammers for my family "mechanics". I just used a 1/2"+ blade and cut a 12", 1/2" diameter bar into two inch lengths. \

You should be able to saw your 1/4" brass with available tools.

Didn't have a PowerPro at that time so cuts were done at slow speed (750? RPM).

Anyway, a wood cutting blade and cutting slowly worked well to go through that 1/2" diameter bar.

Here's a post from 2008 about the hammers. (third post in this thread)
http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... ers#p26282

[mauka]

Any update on your Speed Reducer order?

I'm thinking about ordering one, but don't want to wait months, and don't like open ended delivery times.

Alan

[dusty]

I would pursue this further with Customer Service. If they have depleted the parts inventory, the demand for a Speed Reducer may not be great enough for them to "go back into production". With the advent of the PowerPro, Shopsmith may not be too enthused about building Speed Reducers and Speed Increasers.

[mauka]

Yes the Power Pro is a factor and is really a better solution for slowing down lathe operations. It's also on back order, and speaking for myself - it's not a good value at 50% of the price of a complete new Mark VII SS.

I suspect you're right about the potential for it being discontinued.

Alan

[wa2crk]

I use my speed reducer quite often to finish some lathe turnings. Slowing to about 35 RPM makes the finishing a simple task. If the finish is a bit runny I leave the machine running until the material firms up to eliminate runs.
BTW there was a speed reducer on E-Bay for $285 but a new one according to the SS website is about $297.
Bill V