PowerPro Woes...

[TomH]

Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem:

Upgraded to PowerPro head stock. Works fine except in drill press mode, when extending or retracting the quill, there is a distinct vibration in the handle. Not there when motor is off or if motor is on but quill not moving.

Have spent tons of time on the phone with Shopsmith Tech support but nothing has worked. They are having me ship it back for service.

Since I had to wait 5 months to get one and Shopsmith can't tell me how long I'll be without my headstock, I'm a bit peeved. Nonetheless, curious if anyone else has had this issue?

Thanks!

[wa2crk]

Tom
Did you get a factory assembled headstock or did you get a DIY headstock. If you bought a complete headstock try installing your original quill and making another test. Actually whatever you bought you should have another quill to try.
You may also check the motor mounts and see if anything is not tightened properly
Bill V

[TomH]

Tom
Did you get a factory assembled headstock or did you get a DIY headstock. If you bought a complete headstock try installing your original quill and making another test. Actually whatever you bought you should have another quill to try.
You may also check the motor mounts and see if anything is not tightened properly
Bill V

Was brand new, fully assembled head. Odd Shopsmith didn't ask me to try changing the quills or checking the mounts.

I just figure for $2,000 + it ought to work out of the box. Not impressed with QA procedures.

Thanks for the reply!

[JPG]

Tom
Did you get a factory assembled headstock or did you get a DIY headstock. If you bought a complete headstock try installing your original quill and making another test. Actually whatever you bought you should have another quill to try.
You may also check the motor mounts and see if anything is not tightened properly
Bill V

Was brand new, fully assembled head. Odd Shopsmith didn't ask me to try changing the quills or checking the mounts.

I just figure for $2,000 + it ought to work out of the box. Not impressed with QA procedures.

Thanks for the reply!

Does this vibration occur (A)under cutting load or (B)merely when advancing the quill with no load. If you do send it back, they might then inform you (B) is 'normal'. If (A) you need to check your cutting tools(bits...).


Used a drill press much?

P.S. I be curious for a description of this vibration.

[dusty]

Did they not offer you a loaner?

[TomH]

Thanks for the replies...

1. Vibrates under no load (choice b). My old head never had this issue and yes, I use a drill press quite a bit. It also doesn't retract without pushing it. They had me remove the quill and remount it, readjust the set screw and so on but it mostly made things worse. If you ignore the issues, it drills just fine, no apparent reduction in power or ability. If feels like a chatter or like it's sticking on something and gets worse the faster the motor speed.

2. Nope, no loaner but they did send a prepaid shipping carton.

[JPG]

I am gonna guess a 'cocked/out of round coupler' or a bent spline.

I assume it does not vibrate unless the motor is running.

[TomH]

That's right, it's only when the motor is running. Like I said my old head stock was smooth as silk and a pleasure to use. This was just an annoying mess.

Other than that, the PP head is great, less noisy and I don't have to keep digging the speed chart out of the mess on the bench.

[wa2crk]

I did have a problem with my factory assembled headstock when it was new. The quill did not retract the same as yours. Try removing the quill and if you can blow out the spring housing to remove any debris that may be trapped. I replaced the bearings in my original quill with high speed bearings and that quill assembly is still in my headstock.
Bill V
PS You may want to check the motor and make sure that the set screw that hold the pulley on the motor shaft is not loose or missing. Mine came loose twice and the second time I found it the bottom of the motor pan. Blue Loctite cured that problem.

[TomH]

I did have a problem with my factory assembled headstock when it was new. The quill did not retract the same as yours. Try removing the quill and if you can blow out the spring housing to remove any debris that may be trapped. I replaced the bearings in my original quill with high speed bearings and that quill assembly is still in my headstock.
Bill V

Bill: Thanks. I've had the quill out several times at the request of Shopsmith but never thought about trying to blow out debris. Good idea! Unfortunately it's all packed up and waiting for FedEx right now. I guess I could unpack it and give it a shot.