I'm fairly sure that I'm going to upgrade my Mark V (520) with the PowerPro headstock. The question is how and, as such, I'm interested in the opinions of the forum as to whether it is worth the trouble to do the upgrade myself or buy either a rebuilt or new unit directly from Shopsmith.
Since I really have no use for an extra headstock motor, I guess the other option would be to send my existing motor back to SS and have them do the work, but the time involved for the work to be done (and I would not have my SS available) and the cost of freight both ways, seems to offset any price advantage.
Anyway, I'd appreciate feedback on the difficulty of doing the upgrade myself from those who have actually done it. I'm not helpless, but certainly not a mechanic If you had to do it again, would you do the same or buy either new or rebuilt?
PowerPro Buying Options
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paulrussell
- Platinum Member
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- Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:35 am
- Location: Dewitt MI
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
If you have no use for the extra motor, sell it, along with the rest of the parts removed during the upgrade.
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
I did the DIY and it went pretty smooth even in 2010 when the PowerPro was brand-new on the market. I'd think it's even more ironed-out now. And this let me sell the Emerson induction motor as well as build a special 'mini' with the leftover quill etc.
Chris
Chris
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
I did the DIY and was amazed at how easy it was to do. The templates and drilling jigs made the job much easier than expected and extreamly precise. A friend had an old headstock minus the motor, so I am going to be making a mini using the now spare motor. I love the PowerPro!!!
Neal
Mark V 500, Mark V 500 Power Pro, SS mounted Planer, Jointer, Bandsaw, Belt Sander, Jig Saw, Nova G3, Universal Tool Rest
Mark V 500, Mark V 500 Power Pro, SS mounted Planer, Jointer, Bandsaw, Belt Sander, Jig Saw, Nova G3, Universal Tool Rest
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
When I upgraded my original 1976 model I went with the kit which wasn't a big deal to do and if I were to (and I might) do it again I would do the same thing.
In my case I wanted to keep the housing due to nostalgia, you know, your first shopsmith and all.
Next was the fact I have 3 other machines that all can use replacement parts as needed from the left overs of the upgrade.
And lastly I like to play with mechanical things and to do the conversion myself was like getting a new toy, a new toy that then produced a better shopsmith when it was done. For me that is/was an ideal combination.
It ends up being a personal thing, some take advantage of selling the old parts to offset the expense, some don't have the time or care to do the upgrade and would rather shopsmith provide that....
I am thinking of doing a second machine, one of my machines I keep in drill press mode and it would benefit from the powerpro speed range. And depending on the out come of a sliding mortising table I'm building it may become a good place for that to be used.
What ever way you go I feel you will be happy with the upgrade to the powerpro. If were not for the cost I sure most people here would also own one.
Ed
In my case I wanted to keep the housing due to nostalgia, you know, your first shopsmith and all.
Next was the fact I have 3 other machines that all can use replacement parts as needed from the left overs of the upgrade.
And lastly I like to play with mechanical things and to do the conversion myself was like getting a new toy, a new toy that then produced a better shopsmith when it was done. For me that is/was an ideal combination.
It ends up being a personal thing, some take advantage of selling the old parts to offset the expense, some don't have the time or care to do the upgrade and would rather shopsmith provide that....
I am thinking of doing a second machine, one of my machines I keep in drill press mode and it would benefit from the powerpro speed range. And depending on the out come of a sliding mortising table I'm building it may become a good place for that to be used.
What ever way you go I feel you will be happy with the upgrade to the powerpro. If were not for the cost I sure most people here would also own one.
Ed
{Knight of the Shopsmith} [Hero's don't wear capes, they wear dog tags]
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paulrussell
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 675
- Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:35 am
- Location: Dewitt MI
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
Today I finished a project that has been in the works. Part of the project involved cutting tapers in 1.5" oak and maple. The cuts I made pre-PowerPro have burn marks. The PowerPro cuts are completely clean.
I have no regrets for buying the PowerPro. My plan for the removed hardware is to find a non-functional Shopsmith and turn it into a deluxe SPT power stand with the bandsaw mounted there by default. (As it is the tool I most often wish was always at the ready)
I have no regrets for buying the PowerPro. My plan for the removed hardware is to find a non-functional Shopsmith and turn it into a deluxe SPT power stand with the bandsaw mounted there by default. (As it is the tool I most often wish was always at the ready)
Re: PowerPro Buying Options
Since I have, over the years, upgraded my 510 to the 520 and 520. The upgrade to the PowerPro headstock was the next logical step. I did the DIY upgrade to my headstock. The instructions and video they send with the parts are very good. I was able to complete the upgrade in an afternoon. As for the extra parts, I built a shorty, with a headstock case that I got off of e-bay and the extra parts that I still had from the previous upgrades. The parts that I had to buy only cost me around $300. I now have a dedicated sanding station.