PowerPro - good news

[keakap]

... since I have a lift assist installed I will need to buy a stronger strut from Shopsmith to accommodate the heavier headstock. ...

That settles me. All I needed was another good reason to get rid of that thing, and this will do. I'll just have to add a couple of exercises to my daily workout.

Looks like my Lift-Assist will be coming off, at least for now.

[charlese]

Yes, the PowerPro is definitely 10lbs heavier than the old unit. Maybe even a little more! Although I don't own a Lift Assist I can certainly understand those folks depending on one, should strongly consider getting the more powerful cylinder.

I have found that moving the headstock a bit closer to the pivot sure helps with the heft. Also have noticed the more difficult back and forth slide on the weigh tubes.

Now I am seriously considering getting a small hydraulic jack in order to raise/adjust the headstock when already in vertical position. Had to do that by the armstrong method today and found out they could use more strength.

[keakap]

...
Now I am seriously considering getting a small hydraulic jack in order to raise/adjust the headstock when already in vertical position. ...

Hi, C,
You revive a good idea here, and one which seems popular: that of a small hydraulic jack for levitating the headstock vertically. I recall reading some threads talking about that subject and almost bought a jack based on them.

I'm not fond of the Lift-Assist (personal preference, a few reasons) anyway and I do believe this is the perfect opportunity to add the "Drill Press Enhancement" Upgrade to my system. I've never been happy with putting all that stress on the table (locks) when drill-pressing.

Thanks.

[billmayo]

Hi, C,
You revive a good idea here, and one which seems popular: that of a small hydraulic jack for levitating the headstock vertically. I recall reading some threads talking about that subject and almost bought a jack based on them.

I'm not fond of the Lift-Assist (personal preference, a few reasons) anyway and I do believe this is the perfect opportunity to add the "Drill Press Enhancement" Upgrade to my system. I've never been happy with putting all that stress on the table (locks) when drill-pressing.

Thanks.

This is my dedicated drill press/milling machine. It has a Master Shop cast iron/steel (its heavy) carriage, main table and extension with a small jack for raising the headstock. I have a short piece of "L" bolted to the carriage the the jack sets on. The jack is also bolted to the "L".
[ATTACH]10445[/ATTACH]

[keakap]

This is my dedicated drill press/milling machine. It has a Master Shop cast iron/steel (its heavy) carriage, main table and extension with a small jack for raising the headstock. I have a short piece of "L" bolted to the carriage the the jack sets on. The jack is also bolted to the "L".
[ATTACH]10445[/ATTACH]

Ah, yes, I remember now. Your setup seems to me to be about the best configuration. I like the carriage sitting on solid ground (so to speak) with the only real movable element being the jack-raised (lowered) headstock.
Solid.
I'll add a couply (fixed) blocks under the table directly below the quill, for even more support of the workpiece.

[billmayo]

Ah, yes, I remember now. Your setup seems to me to be about the best configuration. I like the carriage sitting on solid ground (so to speak) with the only real movable element being the jack-raised (lowered) headstock.
Solid.
I'll add a couply (fixed) blocks under the table directly below the quill, for even more support of the workpiece.

In case you did not notice, I forgot to say that the headstock, carriage and main table0areis mounted backwards on the way tubes so it over the base and base arm so it takes less room (footprint) on the cabinet. Yes, I have a couple 2X4 blocks under the table when using it as a milling machine. I use a X/Y vise for this task.

[keakap]

In case you did not notice, I forgot to say that the headstock, carriage and main table0areis mounted backwards on the way tubes so it over the base and base arm so it takes less room (footprint) on the cabinet. Yes, I have a couple 2X4 blocks under the table when using it as a milling machine. I use a X/Y vise for this task.

Thanks for the extra info. Very interesting.

I did notice the carriage/ways et al had something different about them, but couldn't see (or didn't go deeply enough into it to) exactly whut it wuz.
Cool.
Why do I get the feeling you have a lot of fun in that shop?

(I don't have an X-Y vise yet; I use two old Incra Jigs, until I can somehow rationalize the expense of an X-Y.)

If you ever decide to make a video, say "A Day in the Shop of billmayo", give us a shout. I'm sure you'll be an instant success!

[JPG]

. . .

If you ever decide to make a video, say "A Day in the Shop of billmayo", give us a shout. I'm sure you'll be an instant success!

Yeah! Like "Ben's Mill" but with ss stuff etc.

[keakap]

[quote="nuhobby"]Hi,



- Wes estimated that some 18 early Power Pro units were shipped with the wrong calibration values. Subsequent Power Pro production has been corrected.

-I guess mine, that came yesterday, is "Pre-Subsequent".

Chalk up another non-GFI capable chatterbox.

Gee, I'm not even disappointed. I'm just kinda numb.
Good thing I don't have a boat dock here...

000000000000000000000000000000
(later)-- yah, good thing-- the boat dock idea would've been a real dumb mistake.
On the theory that the chatterboxing" was not serious enough to hurt anything I went ahead- after replacing the GFI outlet with a standard to eliminate that problem-- and tried the motor out. After tentative runs, for short periods, at various speeds, I settled at a quiet and smooth speed and let it run for a little while.
Theory was to let the belts get "broken in" a bit.
Well, whether it was right or not, it worked.
Most of the stacotto noise from the speed regulation was gone, and what was left I determined harmless. As I tried different speeds and functions, things just got better (weren't hugely bad to begin with, and I probably wouldn't have been bothered if it had not been for the stories come before of Wes's Rescues et al).

All's well.

Oh, by the way, with the Speed Reducer installed, a 2 1/4" Forstner just moseyed through a fir 2x4 like it was cream cheese, and I couldn't detect a significant variation in the P-P speed {indicated 250}, or noise (almost non-existent).

I'm havin fun now, my new tables are on their way, and I'm not only going to keep the Lift-Assist but I'm going to avail myself of the "deal" for a replacement, heavier duty gas cylinder for it. And I'll be gettin a small jack for the Drill Press mode. This sucker is, indeed, heavy.

Another note: The aux spindles do get Very Hot at hi speeds, so I Will diligently keep the "heat sinks" (or tools) on at all times.

SS rating: P-P = * * * * so far

[claimdude]

Hey All,

Great news! I just got a call from Shopsmith. They wanted to know what stile power switch I have on my Mark V as they ae geting ready to ship my DYI upgrade kit. She said they plan on shipping later this week or early next week. Yipeeee!!!!! I ordered on Dec 2nd so that makes for a really short 4 to 6 week wait period..

Go Shopsmith!!!

Jack
520 soon to be a 520 w/PowerPro upgrade, bandsaw and way too many other tools to list....