Powerpro idlershaft alignment

dig · Post by **dig** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 11:33 am

I received a new Powerpro headstock. I noticed the hub for the jointer/bandsaw power shaft does not clear the ventplate. The ventplate would need to be removed first in order to have complete access to the allen screw that retains the hub to the shaft. Also, the upper drive shaft (on the same side) rubs on the edge of the opening in the drive cover. Does anyone else have this?

Dig

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 3:42 pm

dig wrote:I received a new Powerpro headstock. I noticed the hub for the jointer/bandsaw power shaft does not clear the ventplate. The ventplate would need to be removed first in order to have complete access to the allen screw that retains the hub to the shaft. Also, the upper drive shaft (on the same side) rubs on the edge of the opening in the drive cover. Does anyone else have this?

Dig

Loosen the two screws attaching the vent plate to the belt cover. The cover has oversize holes for the screws and large(wide) tinnerman 'nuts'. Once loosened the plate can be repositioned. Then just retighten the screws.

Regarding the adjustment of the idler shaft, removal of the belt cover is required.

Why pray tell do you feel a need to readjust a 'new' headstock???

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 5:24 pm

dig wrote:I received a new Powerpro headstock. I noticed the hub for the jointer/bandsaw power shaft does not clear the ventplate. The ventplate would need to be removed first in order to have complete access to the allen screw that retains the hub to the shaft. Also, the upper drive shaft (on the same side) rubs on the edge of the opening in the drive cover. Does anyone else have this?

Dig

If I understand correctly, I would be concerned about the alignment of the two belts that go around the idler shaft. If the idle shaft is in its appropriate position axially, you should have easy access to that allen screw. I would contact Shopsmith, especially since you got the headstock from them. Sounds like a QC problem that they should be aware of (not the first that we have heard of with the Powerpro).

dig · Post by **dig** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:25 pm

Unfortunately the vent plate hole is totally occupied by the splined hub that is attached to the shaft by the allen screw. To avoid shipping it back, SS wants me to try pulling the shaft out further, which might also help with the alignment of the upper drive assembly. My impression is that it was aligned incorrectly to start with and not tested once assembled, or it was dropped before it was boxed.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:27 pm

SDSSmith wrote:If I understand correctly, I would be concerned about the alignment of the two belts that go around the idler shaft. If the idle shaft is in its appropriate position axially, you should have easy access to that allen screw. I would contact Shopsmith, especially since you got the headstock from them. Sounds like a QC problem that they should be aware of (not the first that we have heard of with the Powerpro).

Whoops! I missed that little detail!

Does that also mean they are shipping them out with hubs already attached???

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 6:34 pm

dig wrote:Unfortunately the vent plate hole is totally occupied by the splined hub that is attached to the shaft by the allen screw. To avoid shipping it back, SS wants me to try pulling the shaft out further, which might also help with the alignment of the upper drive assembly. My impression is that it was aligned incorrectly to start with and not tested once assembled, or it was dropped before it was boxed.

Either way a QA problem. I would prefer the first one.

Help upper drive assembly alignment? It is wrong also?

Methinks a complete setup and alignment is in order.

P.S. The bandsaw attaches to the upper output shaft.

michaeltoc · Post by **michaeltoc** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 7:32 pm

Photos may help

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 7:58 pm

dig wrote:I received a new Powerpro headstock. I noticed the hub for the jointer/bandsaw power shaft does not clear the ventplate. The ventplate would need to be removed first in order to have complete access to the allen screw that retains the hub to the shaft. Also, the upper drive shaft (on the same side) rubs on the edge of the opening in the drive cover. Does anyone else have this?

Dig

Yes, this happened to my repaired PowerPro during the shipping back to me. But I am sure you are talking about only the lower shaft. The upper shaft is the one that powers the bandsaw.

Before you call Shopsmith you should remove the belt cover (2 screws) and look at the position of the bearings in the eccentric. they have probably slipped inward. If the bearing is protruding past the inside of the eccentric you are sure this has happened. Also, the outside bearing will be clearly inside the eccentric.

The fix is to loosen the eccentric and using a piece of wood (about 3/4"X3/4") to pry the shaft back out so the bearing matches the outside of the eccentric. However you may want to call Shopsmith about this situation before changing things.

But then you will have to do an adjustment of the eccentric to equal out the tightness of the two belts. If your manual has these instructions it will be an easy operation. My instructions came with my "do it yourself" changeover purchase.

I had to tighten the two ears below the eccentric more than I thought was normal in order to get the bearings to hold in place. My bearings slipped three times before I got them fixed in place. - - The upper belt should ride centered in the upper shaft's grooves.

dig · Post by **dig** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 8:45 pm

Here are some pictures. Both shafts rubbed when I hand turned it.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Feb 15, 2011 9:10 pm

dig wrote:Here are some pictures. Both shafts rubbed when I hand turned it.

Has SS cs seen these pix? Some pix of the headstock casting with the belt cover removed may tell a tale! The misalignment of the upper shaft is unusual. Needless to say the idler shaft situation is also unusual.

You may have a 'malformed' belt cover.

Interesting threaded (pierced?) holes between the two shaft holes!!!!!

The shape looks different! Is the belt cover stamped steel, or a casting???