Shopsmith Forums

and install pull down outlets that would retract when not in use. Anyone use anything like this??

I do and it is incredible. Mine only hangs from a spring and drops to about chest height, so I still end up with extension cords. The convenience of it being in the center and never obstructed is great though. I had it installed by an electrician, but the price was high. If I had it to do all over again I would have had him run a box to the ceiling and don the set-up myself. If you are talking about a reeled extension cord I imagine that would be even better.

I think that the reeled type of extension cords was a topic of discussion here some time in the past.
I don't like 'em. The limiting factor in all of them that I have seen used is the current carrying capacity of the slip rings. The cord may be 12 gauge but over time I believe that the springs that provide the tension for the contacts weaken and as a result the slip rings start to pit and current carrying ability degrades from that point. Too much pitting can cause heat and they can become a fire hazard.
Some areas have banned them so check with your Fire Dept as well as your insurance agent.
Bill V

Go with a 200 amp service box. Use at least one 20 amp circuit for the garage shop, and preferably two circuits. One 20A for the Shopsmith, one 15A for shop lights and hand power tools. A Shopsmith does not like the combination of a 15A circuit and an extension cord. Ask me how I know.

I'm leaving the service at 100 amp service, and I do appreciate the suggestions.

I talked quite a bit with my electrician and I feel comfortable with the decision I made. Going to 200 amp would cost me more $$ and I don't see the need today or in the future to go that route. I am going with a 30 pole panel, still 100 amp and the panel isn't one that he had sitting around in his shop.

We're talking a complete new panel and new breakers. This process is costing me much more than I can afford already - the added expense to go to 200 amp just isn't in the cards - but to be honest if the electrician told me it was the way to go I would probably do it anyway. But he didn't so there we are.

In the end I'll have two new 20a circuits in the garage along with the existing 15a circuit.

I went from knowing very little about electrical to knowing a little more, thanks for all the posts that increased my knowledge!

[quote="jebber"]I'm leaving the service at 100 amp service, and I do appreciate the suggestions.

I talked quite a bit with my electrician and I feel comfortable with the decision I made. Going to 200 amp would cost me more $$ and I don't see the need today or in the future to go that route. I am going with a 30 pole panel, still 100 amp and the panel isn't one that he had sitting around in his shop. ]

A reasonable cost effective solution for the present.



Whatcha gonna do with the old box and breakers?:D Bet the electrician claims them!;)

[quote="JPG40504"]Whatcha gonna do with the old box and breakers?:D Bet the electrician claims them!]

What value do they have? The breakers are 20+ years old so that leaves the Panel. What could that be worth? Probably more to the electrician

[quote="jebber"]What value do they have? The breakers are 20+ years old so that leaves the Panel. What could that be worth? Probably more to the electrician ]
Actually the breakers for replacing old breakers may no longer be available. You did not say what brand either the old or the new box was. I assume a new box is not available that would take the old breakers. If the old box is 'ITE' pushmatic, it is quite valuable to him.

Regardless they are likely of no value to you.

Age does not mean much.

How many times have they tripped in 20+ years?;)

The one breaker to my garage had tripped many a time over the years, too many to count.

jebber wrote:The one breaker to my garage had tripped many a time over the years, too many to count.

At least you know that one works!:D