Just ordered my PP upgrade DYI

[michaelb]

I bought my 510 from my brother in Illinois and had it shipped over here to Asia, where I live. The problem was that the Electrical supply here is 240v, 50hz. I called Shopsmith and they assured me that the PowerPro would work on either voltage or frequency level without modification, so I had the rebuild kit shipped with it.:
Well it arrived the other day, and I spent the first day cleaning and reading. The instructions were very good, and the DVD was great. It took away that feeling that I may have gotten in over my head. But with the book sitting open on the bench, I followed each step-by-step instruction, and
I didn't like the lower belt being as loose as it was, so readjusted the motor mounts and checked the alignment according to the instructions. Then when I first turned it on to balance the belts, all I could do was stand back and smile. This thing runs so smooth and quiet, I just let it run for 10-15 minutes and sat down and had a beer, still smiling.
If anyone out there is contemplating buying the upgrade kit, I would highly recommend it. The instruction book is very clear, and the DVD shows exactly how it's done. Hard to go wrong.
Looking forward to lots of fun with my new toy.
MichaelB

[beeg]

Welcome to forum Michaelb.

[wurlitzerwilly]

I bought my 510 from my brother in Illinois and had it shipped over here to Asia, where I live. The problem was that the Electrical supply here is 240v, 50hz. I called Shopsmith and they assured me that the PowerPro would work on either voltage or frequency level without modification, so I had the rebuild kit shipped with it.:
Well it arrived the other day, and I spent the first day cleaning and reading. The instructions were very good, and the DVD was great. It took away that feeling that I may have gotten in over my head. But with the book sitting open on the bench, I followed each step-by-step instruction, and
I didn't like the lower belt being as loose as it was, so readjusted the motor mounts and checked the alignment according to the instructions. Then when I first turned it on to balance the belts, all I could do was stand back and smile. This thing runs so smooth and quiet, I just let it run for 10-15 minutes and sat down and had a beer, still smiling.
If anyone out there is contemplating buying the upgrade kit, I would highly recommend it. The instruction book is very clear, and the DVD shows exactly how it's done. Hard to go wrong.
Looking forward to lots of fun with my new toy.
MichaelB

Exactly the same with me. It would seem that Shopsmith don't tighten those motor mounts before they ship. Perhaps they only do that when they do the rebuild? You're right though, you gotta have those belts darn tight!

I had also phoned Shopsmith and they said for 240V 50Hz, just change the plug. They're right and of course you get some extra HP.

I ran mine for a bit and the belts got quite hot (I could smell it), but I'm assured that's normal for that type of belt.

The main trouble I've had is with the bandsaw drive hub coming loose and you may want to read other threads on this forum if you experience issues. One thing's for sure, the drive coupling for the BS needs to be tight and preferably a new plastic coupling.

Apart from normal wood cutting noises, the headstock is now quiter than the dust collector.

[michaelb]

Thanks for the advice. I didn't tighten the lower belt as tight as everyone says it should be, guess I was afraid that it would be too tight. I've got her all cleaned and waxed, and now going through all the table and way tube alignments. I guess I'll see how it fairs up when I make the fist cut and put a load on it. It shouldn't be that hard to re-tension and balance the belts if they seem to slip.
As for the plug, luckily here in Thailand we use a multiple type outlet that accepts a U-Ground type plug used in the U.S. so I didn't even have to change the plug.
Bob- thanks for the welcome. Looking forward to lots of fun.

[athomas01]

It's always good when plan comes together... glad things worked out well for you!

[rickm808]

Here's the exact wording (excuse spelling - theirs not mine):

Supplement on using a
Ground Fault Interupter

When using your PowerPro with a GFIC plug, there are two options:

1. Remove the ground fault receptacle in the wall and replace it with a standard 15 Amp receptacle. Then install (or have an electrician install) a ground fault breaker in the breaker box. The breakers do not blow where the outlets trip when the PowerPro Headstock is plugged in and turned on.

Or,

2. He can plug the PowerPro into a non-GFIC Plug.

___________________________________________________________
877127 Rev A 12/10

This has probably been answered elsewhere in the forum but I wasn't able to find it.

Has the GFCI issue been eliminated with the PowerPro upgrades currently in production?

If not, does it apply to both 15 and 20 Amp circuits with GFCI receptacles?

Thanks,

Rick

[JPG]

This has probably been answered elsewhere in the forum but I wasn't able to find it.

Has the GFCI issue been eliminated with the PowerPro upgrades currently in production?

If not, does it apply to both 15 and 20 Amp circuits with GFCI receptacles?

Thanks,

Rick

I would recommend option 2 and forget gfci's.

[billmayo]

For anyone doing the PowerPro upgrade, I have several extra "C" rotary switch headstock casings and Logo covers (1991 & later). I had planned to use the headstock casings for the PowerPro Upgrade Kit but my health seems to prevent me from every doing that action. Contact me if interested.

[allsas]

First: Call a good friend and throw ALL of your hammers or other driving tools into his trunk, like the 18" crescent wrench. Tell him not to give you any of them during the upgrade, even if you offer to buy them back or threaten suicide to get them back.

If you think you need them during the install, you're doing something wrong.

My upgrade took 3 days, but I repainted the Headstock, belt cover, and motor pan. Over half of the time was spent with the instructions, or the DVD.
and another day to reread all the instructions, to make sure that every step was rechecked before I plugged it in.

The surprises were: I forgot about the set screw in the old eccentric. The two washers go on the headstock lock. New eccentric is softer than old, the new may be a softer alloy.

Its worth it.... for the slow speeds! And its so quiet! did I say its quiet!.... Now it is so easy to check clearances, restart, re- turn, stop, recheck clearances, repeat, repeat, ......... Plus forstner bits at less than 500 rpm. And starting to turn unbalanced turning rounds at 250. Did I mention its so Quiet. I'll have to move my radio, now its right above the SS and interferes w/reception. It's so quiet.

[fjimp]

So my curiosity requires I ask, just how much damage did you do with the hammer before discovering the easy solution? Jim