After-market "upgraded" coupling on E-Bay

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 12:55 pm

Just wondering if anyone has one of these or any thoughts on this redesign of the SPT coupler:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DESIGN-SHOPSMITH-MARK-V-POWER-COUPLING-KIT-UPGRADE-/320595188050?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item4aa4f65952

I've never had a problem with my SS coupler, although I haven't really used it that much overall...but I have to admit it always seemed like a weak link and I wondered why they made it out of plastic. Anyway, just curious what folks think of this redesigned coupling.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:18 pm

dgale wrote:Just wondering if anyone has one of these or any thoughts on this redesign of the SPT coupler:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DESIGN-SHOPSMITH-MARK-V-POWER-COUPLING-KIT-UPGRADE-/320595188050?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item4aa4f65952

I've never had a problem with my SS coupler, although I haven't really used it that much overall...but I have to admit it always seemed like a weak link and I wondered why they made it out of plastic. Anyway, just curious what folks think of this redesigned coupling.

It was over twenty years before I had to replace a coupler so I don't believe that being plastic is a problem. Besides, the coupler should not be under much force and if it suddenly is - maybe you would prefer that it break.

Then, being extremely tight, $60 plus shipping seems like a lot.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:18 pm

dgale wrote:Just wondering if anyone has one of these or any thoughts on this redesign of the SPT coupler:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-DESIGN-SHOPSMITH-MARK-V-POWER-COUPLING-KIT-UPGRADE-/320595188050?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item4aa4f65952

I've never had a problem with my SS coupler, although I haven't really used it that much overall...but I have to admit it always seemed like a weak link and I wondered why they made it out of plastic. Anyway, just curious what folks think of this redesigned coupling.

Actually I believe the coupler is designed to be the weak link. You sure don't want a problem in SPT to stall the SS. I think the coupler is designed to give before any damage can be done in the SS by a SPT being locked up.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 3:24 pm

Okay - good point. I agree $60 seemed like a lot but it does look sturdy...perhaps that's not such a good thing.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:13 pm

I still use my original coupling that came with the MarkV. Purchased it in 1989. I agree with others. Much rather have the coupling snap vs damage to a bandsaw or jointer etc.......

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Nov 12, 2012 10:25 pm

You can get 2 and almost 3 couplers from SS for $60.

I am still using my original coupler that came with my goldie in 1963.

I do not like messing with set screws all the time anyway!:rolleyes:

skou · Post by **skou** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 1:12 am

This looks like a replacement coupler for the old ER jigsaw, but it's longer. (But, I'm SURE you have a knife.) The jigsaw coupler has 2, 5/8ths ends, if you're looking.

For the ER jigsaw, it's doable. For an SPT, I'm stickin' with my SS version. That is what I use on my bandsaw on my ER. I'd MUCH rather have a "weak link" in there.

steve

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Nov 13, 2012 10:12 pm

Back when my PowerPro headstock was acting up, I twisted off two plastic couplers during the banging/jumping stages while using the bandsaw. I sent them into Shopsmith with the headstock for repair. They sent me two replacement couplers. Both just like the original.

I still have my original coupler. It fits loosely on the SPT, so I didn't use it much with the bandsaw, I got two new ones that fit tightly to try and cut down on possible play in the rotating gear. The new ones (that twisted) both fit tightly. Go Figure! Now that my PowerPro is fully repaired, there is no need to go searching for a heftier coupler.

Before purchasing this "new upgraded" coupler, I will wait for it to appear in a Shopsmith add.

P.S. One of our forum members purchased another brand coupler and reported good luck with it during his Bandsawing issues.

worknhard · Post by **worknhard** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:05 am

I have never had a problem with the SS plastic couplers, however I think I've seen somewhere (maybe on this forum) that the Lovejoy couplers work well... perhaps because they accept slight misalignment better, and can dampen out some of the vibrations (just me speculating). They run about $30.

[ATTACH]19088[/ATTACH]

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:47 am

And they be 'shorter'!

A attribute appreciated by 'mini' folks.