dusty wrote:I can't see where a longer coupler would become a problem.
I also can not imagine why you think the coupler needs to be redesigned unless you have ideas for using it in a manner other than what we normally do.
Remember, it is designed to break apart as a safety measure.
I just don't like having to mess up a careful setup on the quill end just to keep from running a spt full time. I consider letting something like a jointer jigsaw, belt sander or bandsaw run while I make some repeat fussy aligned cut at the quill end to be dangerous by nature and unnecessary wear on the spt. Also we all know that in some heavy stuff the SS needs all of the power it can muster and anything sitting out on the left end running even without load robs a little of that power.
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I have had and still do have a whole batch of belt driven power tools that are not Shopsmith and not one of them has a breakaway coupler. Not one. Their slip clutch is a vee belt. The Shopsmith also has a vee belt drive. I will at least on the prototype retain the nylon end cups but I don't consider a break-away couple any more necessary on a Shopsmith SPT than on any other power tool. The breakaway design dates back to the days of the Gilmer belt. Shopsmith even dropped the slip clutch out of the drive sleeve when they went with the poly Vee drive. They were not protecting the SPT with that coupler, they were protecting the Gilmer belt. They just didn't see a need to change them since they were working OK. I just want the ability to shut SPT's off without moving the headstock. I'm not advocating it for the rest of the world, just me.
I do though want to share any design I come up with that works well with anybody that wants it.
