Shopsmith Forums

While we're at it, we need to give many kudos to Jim McCann. Jim is the soft spoken and unobtrusive type of guy who will probably not seek out recognition - yet - his "fingerprints" are all over this Power Pro.

Jim, many thanks for using your many talents to bring this product to us.

8iowa wrote:While we're at it, we need to give many kudos to Jim McCann. Jim is the soft spoken and unobtrusive type of guy who will probably not seek out recognition - yet - his "fingerprints" are all over this Power Pro.

Jim, many thanks for using your many talents to bring this product to us.

As an Engineer, I truly appreciate the level headed no-nonsense thinking that went into the development of this product. He also thinks as I do - Keep It Simple stupid!

Add my Kudos to Ralph's!


Now if ss would just send ME my e-mail notice!!!!!:mad:

I'm in. For the record I'm 44 yrs old.

Just placed my order for the DIY kit! WOOT!

Well I see it is finally here. I think I will be in for the upgrade. Wife says it's in the budget (We've been happily married for 42 years so I appreciate and respect her input). Just not sure about which option is best for me. Sending back my 5 year old power head for $200 seems foolish as shipping will probably eat up most of that. Guess I might look for a stand to make a mini-SS for the bandsaw and put a grinder or polisher on the right side...Am I re-inventing the wheel here?:eek:

Based on the responses so far, it seems that the price for the Power Pro is right on. It seems that most of those who have responded have already placed their order or are about to. So even though it is too expensive for me; it seems that I am in the minority.

Very exciting news!

This is a little higher than my "no brainer for Roy" buy, but, for pretty much the same reasons that Paul stated above, I'll very likely buy the DIY conversion kit. However, due to other things happening, I'll have to wait for a few months. I wish there were an option without the quill, as I purchased a new one last year, but I can definitely understand SS's reason for including it.

My situation is a bit different than many others and it dictates a no, not ever answer.

1) I have a shop full of top line stationary tools and impressed as I am with what SS does with what it has, I can't fool myself into believing that it is, now or upgraded, a better TS than my unisaw, a better bandsaw, planer, jointer, sander, or any of the other many uses than my stand alone tools. Sorry.

2) My attraction to SS is a fascination with the ingenuity of the design and the clever mechanical solutions to complex problems that were the hallmark of the mechanical golden age in which SS was born. A modern day electronic solultion leaves me cold. Sort of like putting an electronic music synthesizer under the hood of a Steinway Grand.

If I had a small shop and didn't have all the tools and if I valued somewhat improved performance over tradition, and if I truly believed that buying improved tools could make me a better craftsman, then my answer might be different.

Paul M

shipwright wrote: Sort of like putting an electronic music synthesizer under the hood of a Steinway Grand.
Paul M

Oh great. Another project to add to my list.

I had to vote "Maybe later". One stumbling block is knot knowing where it is made.