Power Pro 'Review'

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Nov 25, 2010 2:21 pm

Twould be to SS's advantage if there were more 'complimentary reviews'!

http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpower ... rchase.htm

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:52 am

Kinda guess some would rather hold their thoughts awhile longer before making a statement. The jury is still out as I myself am not sure if the new motor and electronics are up to par for a duration run. 2nd generation Powerpro (rev a, b or whatever) may prove better. JMO..

hwee00 · Post by **hwee00** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 3:29 am

Hey, I am also of the same opinion that some time we should wait until we give a positive review to the product. There should be some trials done and the results should be checked properly. Anyway, I checked out that link provided above, thanks a lot for that. When I decide to buy, I will definitely check out this.

chucks · Post by **chucks** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 6:20 am

Speaking of reviews...has anyone tried the power pro on a Mark VII?(Original)

hdtran · Post by **hdtran** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 8:25 am

JPG40504 wrote:Twould be to SS's advantage if there were more 'complimentary reviews'!

http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpower ... rchase.htm

For close to $2K, I'm not sure that I'd consider the typical short reviews such as "great sandpaper, sticks really well!" very useful.

I'm considering buying the upgrade myself. As others have posted, I'm interested in more extended reviews. So, not to hijack JPG40504's topic, but here are some of my questions: (I'm actually intending to call Shopsmith & ask them these questions)

(1) Are the spindle bearings (quill bearings) of the same quality as the older headstock?
(2) How hard to rotate the spindle by hand with the power off?
(3) With the heavier weight, is it significantly harder to slide back & forth on the way tubes?
(4) Sounds like there may have been issues with the early adopters and the bandsaw, or did I misunderstand?
(5) Pushbutton interface intuitive? (Would it have been better to have a speed dial, for example?)
(6) Any mishaps going into reverse by accident? (fat finger push?)
(7) If firmware needs to be updated, is that a "ship the unit back" update, or is it a DIY "replace this chip" sort of update? (Can the firmware be updated?)

etc.

Anyway, good thread! Thanks!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Dec 16, 2010 9:07 pm

hdtran wrote:For close to $2K, I'm not sure that I'd consider the typical short reviews such as "great sandpaper, sticks really well!" very useful.

I'm considering buying the upgrade myself. As others have posted, I'm interested in more extended reviews. So, not to hijack JPG40504's topic, but here are some of my questions: (I'm actually intending to call Shopsmith & ask them these questions)

(1) Are the spindle bearings (quill bearings) of the same quality as the older headstock? I do not know of any reason to think they are different.
(2) How hard to rotate the spindle by hand with the power off?Not sure, but it will not vary with speed setting!
(3) With the heavier weight, is it significantly harder to slide back & forth on the way tubes?Probably slightly harder.
(4) Sounds like there may have been issues with the early adopters and the bandsaw, or did I misunderstand? Issue being addressed.
(5) Pushbutton interface intuitive? (Would it have been better to have a speed dial, for example?)IMHO as I understand it, it is very intuitive.
(6) Any mishaps going into reverse by accident? (fat finger push?)Two button push required(confirm prior to action).
(7) If firmware needs to be updated, is that a "ship the unit back" update, or is it a DIY "replace this chip" sort of update? (Can the firmware be updated?)Those folks with the 'issues' have been given instructions for altering the 'firmware'. Only those which have not been duplicated by SS have required a 'ship back'.

etc.

Anyway, good thread! Thanks!

The responses above are as I understand things, but is based solely upon the experience shared by other members of this forum. I truly believe we be 'typical' of the external customer base(maybe more informed;)).

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 9:56 pm

My PowerPro got repaired December 23rd. According to Jim McCann, it is now free from all surging when used with the bandsaw. They have been working on it since November 29th.

I declined shipping until we got home from Christmas visit in Mesa, AZ. Am now expecting delivery on January 4th.

Will report more when it is running in my shop.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:00 pm

GREAT that they finally got the problem sloved. He tell ya what the problem was?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:42 pm

charlese wrote:My PowerPro got repaired December 23rd. According to Jim McCann, it is now free from all surging when used with the bandsaw. They have been working on it since November 29th.

I declined shipping until we got home from Christmas visit in Mesa, AZ. Am now expecting delivery on January 4th.

Will report more when it is running in my shop.

Hope everything else still works!:D;)

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:40 pm

beeg wrote:GREAT that they finally got the problem solved. He tell ya what the problem was?

Yes! More later - the whole story - - after I have it running. Here's some interesting reading that may (probably) applies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_effect_sensor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller