Power Pro Lifeless

[mountainbreeze]

After thinking about this a bit more, I think my hesitation to upgrade to a PP (other than cost) is less the reliability issue but is more an issue of getting it repaired in the rare event of a failure. Both the PP headstock and the non-PP headstock have the ability to fail but I currently have more confidence in being able to obtain parts for and repair (or get repaired) a non-PP headstock in a timely manner.

While on the subject of PP headstocks, was the "banging when using the bandsaw" and the "shutdown due to heat when running at 5000 RPM for more than 15 or 20 minutes" ever resolved? It sounds like both of these issues are somewhat minor (yes?) - just wondering if they were ever fixed.

[reible]

I've taken the plunge twice for the powerpro. So far so good. I've never had the bandsaw banging or over heating so are they fixed, or is it just that not everyone sees them?

Now it could be that bad things are in my future but I can't forecast that with what I know. I just keep going to the shop and doing things and if they happen then I'll have to decide what to do.

My fear of the powerpro issues is that the cost to repair will be too high to make it worth it when it comes. I love the features and have even thought about a third one but the nagging feelings of having to deal with repair costs worries me some. I don't expect a 50 year life but I don't think 20 years would be too much to ask.

Now as to repair time and lack of parts on a timely basis that can come down to how you expect to deal with them. Back some years now I decided that I'd be better prepare for possible down time by getting a second shopsmith. I got a used basket case to fix up and that gave me the backup that I wanted. I've not needed it but its nice to know it is there. And it is nice to have a second machine for use at other times as well.

I also carry a good supply of spare parts for the conventional headstock by way of left overs from the two upgrades I did as well as having several more machines. Some of this was due to the worry about shopsmith going out of business some years back. Hope it doesn't happen but prepared if it does was the though of the day then, and perhaps this might be something others need to do to feel comfortable now.

Ed

[dusty]

But Ed, what parts do you think you could put in backup stock. The major problems with the Power Pro are most likely to be on either the circuit boards or in the cabling or with the software. Most all of the information that I can imagine being needed is pretty much "proprietary".

Do you even have a wiring diagram? I don't know because I don't have that sort of documentation to look at.

[reible]

But Ed, what parts do you think you could put in backup stock. The major problems with the Power Pro are most likely to be on either the circuit boards or in the cabling or with the software. Most all of the information that I can imagine being needed is pretty much "proprietary".

Do you even have a wiring diagram? I don't know because I don't have that sort of documentation to look at.

In electronics the power supply has been the weak link, a much higher FIT rate then other parts so I would guess that most failures in the powerpro will be power supply related. But I'm not advocating that everyone will need to or want to stock their own backup parts for the powerpro. Most likely cost prohibitive anyway. What I am saying that a good back up in most cases is a spare headstock with the conventional drive system. And if you are going to do that then maybe the best way if you have the space is a second shopsmith.

I have no spare parts for the powerpro but do have a second powerpro..... I do have a list of things I want to order from shopsmith and that will include the powerpro belt, anything more might be elusive setscrew but that has not been an issue for me, yet anyway.

Preparing for a single point of failure says you need duplication, just the facts of life.

Ed

[EliWalton]

[...] I don't expect a 50 year life [...]

Got me thinking... my 1976-vintage SS is now 42 years old. I DO expect it to hit 50!



Ed

[reible]

[...] I don't expect a 50 year life [...]

Got me thinking... my 1976-vintage SS is now 42 years old. I DO expect it to hit 50!



Ed

I got my first and only new shopsmith in 1976 but it has sense been upgraded so not much of the old machine left. Makes dating things a bit difficult. Powerpro is in the old headstock and then the 500 was upgraded to a 520 and the double tilt.... casters were upgraded so it has changed a lot over the years. It was nice to think about it being that old but not much of it dates from back then anymore.

Ed

[Billdit]

I've had my PP upgrade for over two years now... never has missed a lick...
y'all need to quit borrowing sorrow from tomorrow...

[JPG]

2018 - 1963 = 55.

All original except a motor belt and control sheave.(and some 'new' accessories )

Being a EE, I have the same 'concern' re reliability and $$ to fix.

Concern, yes, but not a show stopper.

[Hobbyman2]

Off topic I have a friend who has a new truck , it was involved in a accident , went to the body shop and was repaired , looks great , but there are some electronics on it that now dont work right, he was told it is a glitch in the soft ware , ?

60k for a truck and a glitch in the soft ware, let that soak in.

[JPG]

Off topic I have a friend who has a new truck , it was involved in a accident , went to the body shop and was repaired , looks great , but there are some electronics on it that now dont work right, he was told it is a glitch in the soft ware , ?

60k for a truck and a glitch in the soft ware, let that soak in.

By whom?