Power Pro control panel cracked

[RLR01]

Last month I was using the bandsaw on my Power Pro and the cut-off dropped off the back of the table and punched a hole in the face of the control panel (pic. attached). It still works fine but I put a strip of packing tape over the hole to keep the dust out.

I haven't seen any posts on replacing the control panel or it's parts so thought it would be helpful to post the repair saga as it unfolds and would appreciate any suggestions along the way. I'm waiting on parts so this is part 1.

The long story so far:
I contacted SS thinking it was just a clear plastic surface piece and they gave me a part number which I ordered. It turns out the part they said I needed was just the black plastic body of the control panel (part #522647). It turns out this was not what I needed but it does match what I erroneously described. I contacted them again and their tech sent the number for the actual keypad part (part# 522671) along with a very helpful description of how to replace it. I ordered the keypad today. When I get the part and start the repair, I'll post steps.

cracked shopsmith control faceplate.jpg (344.65 KiB) Viewed 996 times

[edma194]

522671 is the list PowerPro parts. 522647 returns nothing on the website search. 522646 is the part number for an entire control panel.

Are you getting an entire control panel? Did they have a part 522647 that is just the black plastic body part? Replacing the controller component of a PowerPro for $99 seems like a great deal compared to the price of the other two major components.

[RLR01]

Here is the parts list:
522646-entire control panel assembly -$99 on website but they charged me $64.29 when I called in my order (not sure why the lower price).
These are the sub-parts of the control panel. They are not on the website. Available only by call-in order.
522647-black plastic body -$18.98 --This is what I originally got & I'll be returning this
522671-keypad -$54.24
What I ended up ordering are one entire control panel & 1 keypad. My logic for getting both was that the control panel is probably the most vulnerable electronic part on the PP so I'll have a backup & at the lower price.

[edma194]

That's interesting to see. I would order and extra control panel but I'd like to find out more about it. I want to know how much of the control logic is contained on the control panel and if there will be newer versions with updated software someday.

I hope they would improve the panel in other ways too, like larger keys with better tactile feedback. Maybe the panel could be made to rotate in drill press mode. But mainly I want to find out what logic is processed in the controller and the other components to help in diagnosing problems.

[DLB]

I bought a used PowerPro with a dent in the control panel in almost the same location. I now understand how that might have happened. On 510/520, the main table with a floating table on the left side could be located to prevent this. The power switch, unlike the control panel, is well protected from anything but a precision hit.

- David

[RLR01]

David, Good idea using the floating table to protect the control panel. I was wondering how I would protect it. Quick enough to set up, protects the panel, and expands the bandsaw table.