Shopsmith Forums

I like serial numbers. One unique number, issued sequentially, for each machine manufactured. Think about it - 001000. Now that means something while 070412 tells me very little.

It doesn't even tell you when it was manufactured. It tells you when it was serialized.

I'm with you on serial numbers Dusty. But I can see the logic in the SS method - warranty qualification is instant and no-one outside the company knows if they're selling well or badly.

Reminds me of the first couple of weeks of a business I set up years ago: I only had 2 customers at that point so jobs 1 & 2 were numbered as such, job 3 became ... number 19!:o Must have impressed them - thry kept coming back!

However, there is a benefit to the SS system ... it'll keep everyone here occupied with guessing for the next 10 years:D

reible wrote:So do each of these powerpro have a unique serial number? If so might they be sequential? If so we would have a good start on tacking this by gathering information from members here.

Just thinking.

Ed

The upgrades seem to have nothing on them. Also I saw a new PowerPro this past weekend and when it booted it's firmware was dated 2011, I wonder what the differences are?

Which leads to the question: will the software by updateable in the field if there is a patch or will you have to send the control unit back.

The serial number on my PP is 9/1/10. I believe mine was one of the first 10 sold. There are others out there which were beta evaluation units which would have an earlier date. The first several months the PP was in a limited availability situation, so it was probably six months or more before deliveries really started.
It seems that the demos at Lowes have had some success in creating interest and sales.
I have no basis upon which to estimate how many PPs are out there now but it appears that quite a few forum participants either have one or have one on order and at the very least are budgeting for one.
Where will the PP be in ten years? My guess is that there will be more sales of the PP model than the original. I have no clue what the number will be!
Dick

dickg1 wrote:The serial number on my PP is 9/1/10. I believe mine was one of the first 10 sold. There are others out there which were beta evaluation units which would have an earlier date. The first several months the PP was in a limited availability situation, so it was probably six months or more before deliveries really started.
It seems that the demos at Lowes have had some success in creating interest and sales.
I have no basis upon which to estimate how many PPs are out there now but it appears that quite a few forum participants either have one or have one on order and at the very least are budgeting for one.
Where will the PP be in ten years? My guess is that there will be more sales of the PP model than the original. I have no clue what the number will be!
Dick

You can bet that RLF Inc. is hoping that you are dead on with this statement.

dickg1 wrote:The serial number on my PP is 9/1/10. I believe mine was one of the first 10 sold. ....Dick

Same number on my unit even though it was sent back to Shopsmith and received all new internal parts. This number is attached to the safety sticker. I had to put it on the case. It came in the DIY kit.

Just think - Those guys that got a DIY and didn't stick on the decal don't have any date or serial number of the PowerPro.

"ERROR CHECK" and EDIT After checking today found my number is 9/2/10.

charlese wrote:Same number on my unit even though it was sent back to Shopsmith and received all new internal parts. This number is attached to the safety sticker. I had to put it on the case. It came in the DIY kit.

Just think - Those guys that got a DIY and didn't stick on the decal don't have any date or serial number of the PowerPro.

I put on all the decals, where exactly is the serial number?

Maybe in 10 years I will be able to find a used Mark V with a PP headstock for sale on Craigslist or some other sales site. By then, maybe my skill levels will be up there to where I could really appreciate it.

tgamel wrote:Maybe in 10 years I will be able to find a ...a PP headstock for sale on Craigslist...

My thoughts exactly. I went to a demonstration at Lowe's and left without being tempted to spend the bucks on the unit. I really hope this doesn't come across as sour grapes because it isn't. I just simple don't see that there's nearly enough value in the upgrade to warrant the price of the upgrade. The key points I heard at the Lowe's demo were:

-It easier to set the speed on the PP. My thought was okay but the Mark V isn't hard enough to set that I've ever once considered it in 30 years of owning a Mark V.

-The PP starts with fewer amps. To which I though, I've got my Mark V on separate circuit and never worry about starting amps. A non-issue for me.

- The PP can go faster and slower than a Mark V. Well slower may have some advantages with the lathe but it hasn't been an issue with me yet. Higher speeds make the router and shaper possible. I bought a dedicated router with three different router bodies and a nice table for < 25% of the cost of the PP upgrade. I don't need a Mark V/VII router. To use the router effectively you really need the double tilt option and that's $389 more.

- The motor won't bog down doing heavy cuts. This hasn't been a problem for me yet. I'm not sure I've ever cut more than 8/4 lumber and that's rare. Usually 4/4 and 5/4. I'd be inclined to get a cabinet saw (3 HP or more) if I was doing lots of heavy cuts.

I realize a lot of wood tool snobs look down on the Mark V with disdain. That's a mixed blessing. It keeps the Craigslist prices low but frankly the Mark V is one heck of a good machine. It is capable of far greater accuracy that I am and they are certainly both durable and fixable. For the average person wanting to do wood working, it's a great tool that will let you build everything from bird houses to fine furniture without a hitch - as long as you have the skills.

What does the Power Pro add to the capabilities of the Mark V? Well, some power, ease of use, reversible motor, and greater speed range. Its worth $300 more than the Model 520 - which is what the difference is between a new PP and a new 520. I just don't see where the value is that justifies a $1,500 to $2,000 upgrade.

So, when I see a PP on Craigslist for $500 or less, I may go shopping. Until then I plan to make sawdust with my 520...or my 500...or maybe there's an ER-10 in my future.