upgrade to Power Pro or not?

[chuckoliver]

My venerable Mk V, circa 1979, apparently died yesterday. I had been using the disk sander and turned it on a second time, but it stopped before coming to full speed. There was a slight smell of burnt insulation. I checked the on-off switch and verified power to the switch and was stumped as to what to check next.

Shopsmith customer service said the motor probably failed. My hope is that it might be the capacitor, but it is a pain to disassemble everything to check it/have it checked. LOML has no reservations about an upgrade.

S0 - spend the money and get a power pro or fix the current unit. I use it mainly to power the jointer, sand misc items and buff bowls I turn on my Nova lathe. I have a stand alone bench saw, band saw and small drill press, so I rarely use the Shopsmith in a saw or lathe mode. It would be handy to have a second lathe with variable speed. Opinions all??

[dusty]

With spousal support I would already have a new PowerPro Headstock on order. I see no further reason for debate.

[JPG]

I agree with Dusty, but, would also check the power switch(smell test ).



Ya do need to know yer 'disposal' options.

[nuhobby]

Often the "burnt smell" is the one thing that isn't readily fixed on the induction motor -- if the smell is from the motor and not the nearby wiring. So you may be looking at $200 or more for the motor, plus any extra bearings/belts done at the same time.

I have the PowerPro. My order of mode use is approximately: Drilling/Boring, Strip-Sanding, Lathe, Table Saw, Disc Sanding. I have the BS on another station. And I have a jointer but my type of projects usually lets me use a handplane. The last 2 years my wife always seems to be right above my 'shop' trying to work at her desk. The PowerPro actually makes many of "my style" jobs quiet enough that she doesn't mind the noise. So it's been great. I feel like the guy with the best of all worlds -- high power when needed, and handwork tranquility the rest of the time.

[JPG]

Since it 'stopped' rather than tripping a breaker, I am more suspicious of things external to the motor. Also since de smell only occurred at the time of failure. I assume it had not 'smelled' prior to then.

A suddenly shorted winding could act like this, but is more likely to trip the breaker.

[charlese]

Hi, Chuck! Welcome to the Forum. First post and a big question - At least a big step.

If you could use a second lathe with variable speed a PowerPro is just the ticket. Attached to a speed reducer, your speed can go down to 36 RPM.

Where in this world do you live? You may be able to find a PowerPro owner living near you.

[kalynzoo]

Your situation would probably tip me to finally purchase the PowerPro. Just one thing: I was using my chop-saw last week when I jammed a piece of wood and thought I blew the motor. Smoke, smell, and no restart. The breaker was ok so I just new it was the motor. A google search showed the Triton saw is no longer in production and several negative posts were found relating to motor failure. I just knew all was lost. The next day when I plugged a different tool into the socket it also would not work....I had tripped the GFI and did not notice it since it is on a nearby outlet.
Long story short: Are you sure the Mark V is powered? Just asking.
Based on my use of my shop as a hobbiest, I can't bring myself to upgrading to a Pro, but if my 510 failed I would upgrade in an instant.
JMHO
Gary

[berry]

I'm one of those members here who love their SS but haven't purchased a new PowerPro. My philosophy is, "if it ain't broken - don't fix it" (that's somewhat oversimplified but it works). New cars have all kinds of features that would be nice, heated seats, anti-lock brakes etc. but the old mini-van is still running so.... However when it dies or the expense of keeping it on the road out weight the cost of new I'll go get a new one.

I think you should order a new PowerPro.

[ryanbp01]

May as well go for the upgrade. Trade the old headstock in and get a new one. I think it the company is giving you $200 trade-in value.

BPR

[tgamel]

My venerable Mk V, circa 1979, apparently died
S0 - spend the money and get a power pro or fix the current unit. I use it mainly to power the jointer, sand misc items and buff bowls I turn on my Nova lathe. I have a stand alone bench saw, band saw and small drill press, so I rarely use the Shopsmith in a saw or lathe mode. It would be handy to have a second lathe with variable speed. Opinions all??

While I would love a power pro upgrade ($1,600) if you have your headstock upgraded. Do you really want to spend that much for a piece of equipment you yourself state you rarely use? Course I am not sure what it would cost to get your Mark V repaired, but I am sure you could get a new motor or yours repaired for quite a bit cheaper than $1600, but maybe I am misguided. Having said that, if you got the new power pro upgrade would you be inclined to use it more? If so it may be a decent investment, if as you say it has been regulated to a joiner and sanding station $1600 is a lot of cash just to perform those few functions. This of course is coming from a guy who would love to have a power pro upgrade but does not have the cash in the budget to buy one.