JPG
dickg1 wroteHeath,
IMHO the control mount appears to mandate a new headstock.
Dick
HUH???? What in the pix 'mandates' a new headstock.
Previous info (Nick) stated Headstock up grade kit(kit implies stuff to modify existing headstocks).
WA2CRK My thinking exactly! Seems familiar some how.:rolleyes:
STEVESPIX For a 'demo' go watch a teknatool video.
horologist
I think I would prefer it as a new upgraded headstock assembly instead of just swapping out the internal parts. The bulk of the expense is in the drive and control, not the housing. To me having the old headstock to use as an improvised "power stand" would be preferable to a box of parts taking up space in the shop or the landfill.
Troy
tdubnik
horologist wroteI think I would prefer it as a new upgraded headstock assembly instead of just swapping out the internal parts. The bulk of the expense is in the drive and control, not the housing. To me having the old headstock to use as an improvised "power stand" would be preferable to a box of parts taking up space in the shop or the landfill.
Troy
You wouldn't have to worry about the spare parts taking up space. Not everyone will upgrade (most likely myself included) and those spare parts will be welcome when we have a part fail and need a replacment.
mbcabinetmaker
tdubnik wroteYou wouldn't have to worry about the spare parts taking up space. Not everyone will upgrade (most likely myself included) and those spare parts will be welcome when we have a part fail and need a replacment.
Tdubnik is right. Although I plan to upgrade at least one of my headstock's to the new model I will still have a couple of the standard models to keep running.
nuhobby
For my part ... I realize everyone is on pins and needles awaiting my input to make their decisions about the New Headstock...
- I'm going to wait to hear how a few other folks like it before even thinking about it, but I will think about it. Very curious on how readily the machine can be stopped and restarted without a lot of soft-button presses.
- I see it as a natural fit to multifunction Mark V's. Not so natural to my shorty machine of course, which mostly just runs my bandsaw.
- I am, after some time of angst, pretty much indifferent now whether the newest Shopsmith becomes a raging growing company again, or a boutique specialist firm for older machines & their updates. It's only very slightly in my control. I very much like to use this Forum, and I continue to patronize Shopsmith to help defray the costs of my entertainment here.
- I also plan to set one of my Machines to about 16-2/3 or 33-1/3 rpm and play some vinyls or shellacs of my soapbox opinions.
cv3
I agree, I will not be upgrading any time soon. I share the hope that the new unit is a big success and put SS back full production.
tsaguy
I just want the price and release date. Can I be a beta-tester?
JPG
tsaguy wroteI just want the price and release date. Can I be a beta-tester?
Yer too late I hope!
easterngray
I just want the price and release date
Amen to that. Anyone from Shopsmith listening?
easterngray
Glad to see Bob F.'s update - the machine looks great and I was pleased to learn that it will first be available as an upgrade.
I would assume that one could return to the original mechanical configuration if one chose too - unless the control panel neccesitates cutting a larger opening in the headstock. Hopefully SS can answer this question, though I suspect we will know soon enough.
"a fraction of the cost of a new machine" certainly covers alot of turf, but I am going to have a swing and say that the upgrade will sell for between 700 and 900 dollars. There are no, or few, parts that Shopsmith has to manufacture here, as far as I can tell. That should keep costs down. I think that if they can hit that price point for the upgrade they will have a winner. Alec
kd6vpe
Thank you for the updates an opinions all. I sure hope thiis works out for SS. Being one of the 1 of 10 I will not be able to do the upgrade but I do need SS to survive if I need parts for my original machine. Whooooo Hoooooooooo for SS.
billmayo
kd6vpe wroteThank you for the updates an opinions all. I sure hope thiis works out for SS. Being one of the 1 of 10 I will not be able to do the upgrade but I do need SS to survive if I need parts for my original machine. Whooooo Hoooooooooo for SS.
I have stockpiled many dozen sets of Shopsmith headstock parts for future use and have many B & C headstock casings waiting to see what is required to install the PowerPro update. I make and use jigs so I can do multiple changes/modifications at the same time like cutting 3" access holes under the Logo cover in the early Greenie A headstocks. Also, I have been able to recondition many parts that Shopsmith owners have had replaced in their headstock.
I hope to offer B & C headstocks that are ready to install the PowerPro Update Kit to my customers once the PowerPro Update Kit is released. I hope to be able to have some of the unique headstock parts made by my son who is building a casting and foundry shop only if Shopsmith does cease to exist anymore. Thanks.
fjimp
This morning I visited with one of the fine ladies at Shopsmith. I asked two questions first when we might expect the new Pro update. The answer was March wouldn't be to soon from Shopsmiths point of view. The other question was what other new items they are focused on. The answer; "none we are totally focused on the introduction of the upgraded headstock." No real date offered yet I felt a strong committment for a release very soon. No they would not give me a price nor would they allow me to order one today. Jim
riot_nrrd
fjimp wroteThis morning I visited with one of the fine ladies at Shopsmith. I asked two questions first when we might expect the new Pro update. The answer was March wouldn't be to soon from Shopsmiths point of view. The other question was what other new items they are focused on. The answer]
Good intel Jim - thanks!
RiotNrrd
riot_nrrd
Just got my annual bonus, and I am ready for the PowerPro. Where is it guys? Hurry up, before my wife goes and makes me do something stupid with it like "saving" it. :-)
Seriously, though - any thoughts on letting people go ahead and start ordering, and then shipping it when you have it? I mean, that already happens with backorders...
RiotNrrd
chrispitude
This sounds like a good move all around. I suspect they have completely rethought speed control, and are going to a variable speed direct-drive motor (no need for the V sheaves). This would also explain the increased motor efficiency aspect. This should be a win-win for Shopsmith - we get a better, more reliable product needing fewer tune-ups, and they get a less complex product with more profit margin.
Shopsmith - PLEASE make the start/stop buttons actual hard buttons and not touchpads. Also please make the stop button more prominent than the start button (stick it out a bit more, etc.) to help in emergency situations. I do not want to stab at a soft touchpad "stop" button and have the machine not stop because finger was not dead center on the touchpad.
- Chris
wlhayesmfs
I was thinking the same thing on the bonus this year to use on the new power pro head and maybe a DC motor for one of my ER's but instead I got walking papers after 23 years the company is cutting back so guess that won't happen. Now instead of a bonus I have to find a job by April 9th or no paychecks. Guess it could had been worse they could have called me in and stopped the pay check that day and not give me notice. But in my 60's I guess I might have to find a new line of work. At least my SS's are still here and working great.
kd6vpe
Oh my Bill,
So sorry to here about your situation. I am with you and it is not very good out here job wise. I will be filing for unemployment in the next couple of days. I have never had to do this in my entire career. The web page does not seem to be a secure site and they want my ssn??? I keep trying to call to make sure the site is correct but all you get is a message saying due to high volume of calls call back later and it hangs up. Man it is tough. Might have to be a freight unloader but not sure about that either due to age. Call center jobs are out there but they don't pay much and no health ins. Keep in touch. PM me I will give you more info.
fjimp
kd6vpe wroteOh my Bill,
So sorry to here about your situation. I am with you and it is not very good out here job wise. I will be filing for unemployment in the next couple of days. I have never had to do this in my entire career. The web page does not seem to be a secure site and they want my ssn??? I keep trying to call to make sure the site is correct but all you get is a message saying due to high volume of calls call back later and it hangs up. Man it is tough. Might have to be a freight unloader but not sure about that either due to age. Call center jobs are out there but they don't pay much and no health ins. Keep in touch. PM me I will give you more info.
Bill and Jim, ouch I keep hearing our economy is improving and in the same breath more jobs disappearing. You are both in our prayers. Jim
roy_okc
I'm looking at this as possibly eliminating the need for a couple other accessories that I was looking at needing in the next year or so:
Speed Increaser (looks like it will at least do 9500 RPM) - $280
Speed Reducer (display shows 250 RPM, maybe lower?) - $278
I would have been willing to pay $200-300 for a reverse function that doesn't exist so I don't have to mount lathe pieces on the left side for sanding.
So a $1000 price tag for a retrofit kit would be a pretty easy sell for me especially considering the benefit of a more powerful and new motor and the apparent convenience factors. If it were in the $500-750 range I'd have my debit card out right now! $1500+ will cause me to wait to see how others review it.
Roy
