New Shopsmith PowerPro - Time to save up.....

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 12:48 pm

My guess is they cost less to build then the current one but it will sell for >> more. We should start a pool, but my guess would be $1899 and at that price it would not be high on my shopping list. If it was under $1,500 demand would be very high and at $1,000 I don't think they could make them fast enough.

It would be nice if they offered a preorder (this would also give them some cash) at a discount to judge demand, they did this before with some of the other expensive upgrades.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:25 pm

My guess (and just a guess) This may be cheaper for them to make (less parts to machine) may be a way for them to market the MarkV at a much less cost.

We will have to wait to see.

So much for the rumors of SS going under this summer.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 1:34 pm

markfive510 wrote:I have a hard time understanding exactly what you are saying. Do you believe that the PowerPro Headstock will come in at less than $2000.00. If so, what do you think it will sell for initially. The current headstock sells for something like $1400.00.

I would hope we both want it to be LESS than $2K! Would you not agree you would like to be "wrong" with a $2K estimate, AND that the 'error' would be that it is too high?

I am NOT saying you ARE wrong, just 'wishful thinking'. Actually you are probably pretty close! I DO hope you are NOT LOW!:eek:

P.S. Sorry! Mark! I wrote this thinking it was Dusty I was Responding to. He Got my Drift re Agreeing that we BOTH wish he was wrong.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 3:45 pm

Frankly in this economy if they price it higher than $500 they have their heads stuck some where that doesn't see much light.

Look at the latest Ridgid offering, a hybred saw with granite top table and extensions for under $600. Lowes are doing close outs on Delta contractor saws that sell for under $600 because they aren't selling and Lowes wants the floor space. Go into Sears their zipcode saws are also on close out because they aren't selling.

In this economy manufactures must find ways of lowering prices while offering features that make their product standout. I don't think there is much market for a $2000 power head in this economy.

It will be interesting to see what Shopsmith does.

But my feeling is if they try to market a new power head for more than $500 they will be driving in one of the final nails in their coffin.

Hope I'm wrong
Ed

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:19 pm

What is the current price for the Mark V 520 now?
I think I used to know but do not remember. I seem to recall hearing $3,000 mentioned at the factory store about a year ago but I can't recall if they were talking about a 520 or a 505 (I was listening from across the room)

Does anyone think that the Powerpro will sell as a complete machine w/520 table setup for under $4,000?
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Shrug?

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Just as a price comparison one of my daughters took some of her grandchildren to the county fair last night and the rubber-duckie game was $3.00 a duck...

baddlad · Post by **baddlad** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:32 pm

I wonder how maintenance will be on them. Will we still be able to take them apart as easily and service them?

judaspre1982 · Post by **judaspre1982** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:36 pm

====================

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:47 pm

baddlad wrote:I wonder how maintenance will be on them. Will we still be able to take them apart as easily and service them?

Other than the quill, what will there be to service. I don't expect there to be a sheave that needs oil. I don't expect that there will be a quadrant assembly to worry about. The electronic speed control will most likely be a factory reparable item that requires no customer service action.

Will there be belts and pulleys? Will the speed control be anything like the variable speed dc motor in the Nova 3000 wood lathe. Nobody has said that the motor is DC but if it is variable speed it likely will be.

I think maintenance in the headstock will be almost nil.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:19 pm

Being a woodworker that loves the current headstock. - I'm also not convinced the 520 will give me much return on my bucks, over my well adjusted 510. Yes, I am FRUGAL curmudgeon. But a happy one:) (not a oxymoron)

So - - although intrigued about the extended speed range, I'm not necessarily a fan of more power. (Always thought Tim the Tool-man on TV was crazy, although funny with his more power attitude!) The power source to the headstock would be a good thing to those working in un-improved garages, or working from light sockets, but not a necessary thing for those with ample 20 amp electrical services.

I would certainly be very interested in any demonstrations and honest reviews of the new headstock. I would be very happy to accept a free unit to test and report on. So, If Shopsmith is interested in someone that is willing to give this headstock a fair and mutiple use test - I'm willing and available.

In general, being a skeptic over solid state machines and computers (chips) replacing the old solenoid switches, I am a bit hesitant to say, off the cuff, this would be a great change. This brings me to the real world, where computer and solid state circuitry has replaced old electronics and solenoids in several commercial aircraft. Even though backed up with multiple "fail safe" units, it is not unknown for parts like rudders, pitot tubes, ailerons, and the like to fail causing bad things.

Not that a failure of the new headstock would cause a wreck, but where and how to get replacement parts is a concern.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Fri Jul 03, 2009 5:23 pm

Last price I know of for a mark V was $3,500 and they tossed in a bandsaw.

As far as pricing goes anything at this point is just a guess. Is this headstock made in the USA????? That would be a huge difference.