Shopsmith Forums

Has anyone seen the new headstock? I think I would like to upgrade my MK V 500 with the new one, especially if the power switch is not the small toggle that I have.

On a related subject, I think that I would like to purchase a power switch with larger buttons to plug the Shopsmith into and operate the off/on with the button switch. What are your experienced thoughts?

the old swampgator in FL

swampgator wrote:Has anyone seen the new headstock? I think I would like to upgrade my MK V 500 with the new one, especially if the power switch is not the small toggle that I have.

On a related subject, I think that I would like to purchase a power switch with larger buttons to plug the Shopsmith into and operate the off/on with the button switch. What are your experienced thoughts?

the old swampgator in FL

They have knot yet made that headstock available.

swampgator wrote:Has anyone seen the new headstock? I think I would like to upgrade my MK V 500 with the new one, especially if the power switch is not the small toggle that I have.

On a related subject, I think that I would like to purchase a power switch with larger buttons to plug the Shopsmith into and operate the off/on with the button switch. What are your experienced thoughts?

the old swampgator in FL

If you do not like the 'toggle switch, I doubt you will like the new headstock's membrane switch(think flat, no knob/lever, no detectable motion, controls on your microwave).

The 'problem' with what I think you are suggesting re on/off switch is its size and where would locate it? Just about anywhere you mount it either causes problems with disassembling the headstock, or it gets in the way! JMHO

Hey, JPG,

Was thinking of mounting it on the side of the headstock so that I could use it in place of the toggle. It would be located in the same area so that it would have the same accessiblity as the present toggle. The difference would be less fumbling to turn it off as it would have the big red button to turn it off quickly if necessary.

Which brings up another related topic about somewhere in thse forums, I read that the new cord is 12 guage. I think that would be great. But, I'm sure that SS has its own unique cord design, not the regular electric wire. So, this would be a proprietary product, but would well be worth the investment along with the new headstock.

Just waiting on the rain to stop so I can make some sawdust. My equipment is all inside, but it is situated that when I work, my stock and cut stock will sit on the back of the pick up. Have too many trees in the garage. Just to answer that question, 2 red cedar trees, one pecan and one black walnut. Thinking of making a dining table with the pecan as the table top and the black walnut as the pillar. Thanks for making me welcome on this forum.

the old swampgator in FL

beeg wrote:I'm knot sure the new cord is 12ga. All ya need is a 3 conductor 12 ga wire. People have been replacing the 14ga with a 12 ga wire.

The only onerous details are the strain relief at the motor pan and the wire end connections.

You can order strain relief fittings for the power cord from http://www.delcity.net/. I really do not think there is any reason to replace the 14g factory cord if you are plugging directly into the wall. If using an extension cord, use a 12g extension cord. If you are replacing the SS power cord because it is worn out, replace it then with a 12g. When I replace my SS cords, I replace them with a 25' 12g cord.

Thanks for all the good comments. The manuals tell us to start the motor speed on slow and then turn up to the desired speed. I think part of that is due to the 14 gauge wire and the small household circuit. I think that with the new headstock and upgraded wire, a 20 amp circuit would allow a user to start and stop the unit at whatever speed last used. Using the larger and safer switch would also save the normal wear and tear on the SS toggle switch. The unit is more than 20 years old and the cord is fraying near the plug. So, it must be replaced, but it seemed like a good idea to upgrade and give the motor a little room to breath. That's all that I was really thinking. I may be way off base here, but I'm going to start moving in that direction. Will get an electrician to install the new wire to ensure it is correctly wired. Then wait for the new headstock so I can upgrade. Will make upgrades later as $$ arrive. Thanks again for your time and patience.

the old swampgator in FL

swampgator wrote:Thanks for all the good comments. The manuals tell us to start the motor speed on slow and then turn up to the desired speed. I think part of that is due to the 14 gauge wire and the small household circuit. I think that with the new headstock and upgraded wire, a 20 amp circuit would allow a user to start and stop the unit at whatever speed last used. Using the larger and safer switch would also save the normal wear and tear on the SS toggle switch. The unit is more than 20 years old and the cord is fraying near the plug. So, it must be replaced, but it seemed like a good idea to upgrade and give the motor a little room to breath. That's all that I was really thinking. I may be way off base here, but I'm going to start moving in that direction. Will get an electrician to install the new wire to ensure it is correctly wired. Then wait for the new headstock so I can upgrade. Will make upgrades later as $$ arrive. Thanks again for your time and patience.

the old swampgator in FL

The powerpro headstock has ramped startup. It starts slow and gradually increases to set speed. This reduces startup current surge.

My original ss switch lasted almost 35 years.

Not sure what you mean by 'fraying'(it is not fiber wrapped), but if scuffed up etc., cut it off and replace the plug.

What knowledge of the ss does your 'electrician' have?

I just like to get professionals on subjects of which I am neither proficient or professional and electrical wiring is one of them. My electrician will look at for about 5 seconds and do it all with a couple of minutes. Its just he knows wiring and I don't. I can change out a light switch or an outlet, but past that, I leave the rest alone. I've made too many sparks. Thanks for the question.

The fraying is the rubber insulation is cracked by the plug indicating that it was either plugged in or the plug was stuck into something with the cord hanging down. I just don't want to hurt myself when it bites me. :-)

The old swampgator in Pensacola, FL:(