Shopsmith Forums

jsburger wrote:

RFGuy wrote:There is an alternative that uses newer controls, etc. from Striatech:

https://www.smartdigitalmotor.com/home

Very interesting. So they sell a full upgrade. I wonder if their control panel is a drop in replacement for the SS Power Pro panel. If Striatech is using the same power supply module as the Power Pro I would think it would work. They don't list separate prices however.

Well, I think the guy behind this alternative version came up with his own hardware to mount the controls in or he paid a place to do tooling for this. The “stock” box from Striatech is rather large and I believe houses both the power supply and the controls. His alternative version is thinner so it can more easily mount to the front of the headstock through area where the speed quadrant would mount. It would be nice if you could plug and play from one to the other, e.g. a newer control board would allow connecting an emergency stop button functionality. I think his version is similar to the PowerPro in that it has a power supply that goes inside of he headstock and this control panel that mounts outside.

Here is an update on my pp button problem. I took my powerpro apart to see if there were any loose wires. Disassembly not that bad. Have built two DIY powerpro never had any problems with the controller board. Have not taken apart the main board but does look like it can be taken apart. Did not see anything loose contacted StriaTech by email and their customer service from Teknotool referred me to a Sue Powell from Shopsmith. I was hoping that Striatech repaired the main boards or I could buy the parts separately but does not look like it unless I have to go through SS to get it repaired. Will keep you updated. Waiting to hear from Sue Powell.

Got a call from SS Sue Powell this morning. The main controller has to sent to SS for them to determine what is wrong with it and then will let me know about sending to Teknotool for repair. I was hoping like I stated before that I buy the part directly for the manufacture company or be fixed by them. It is a lot of duplication in my opinion. Because all SS with do is determine if it is defective. Sue told me SS does not repair the motors anymore. Although, I have not taken apart the controller board it has a couple of small board that could be easily replaced.

If that clown can obtain them surely others can also.

JPG wrote:If that clown can obtain them surely others can also.

Yeah, as much as I would love to have a PowerPro for low RPM for woodturning, I just don't see myself spending $2k anytime soon for his alternative solution or Shopsmith's. For everything else that I do, my Mark V works well. I have no problems sawing, jointing or planing 8/4 lumber with it. I do have to make sure my blades are clean and sharp and the belt is properly tensioned though. Maybe some day, Shopsmith will update the PowerPro with new controls and a lower RPM setting that will entice me to purchase it, but until that day I will keep making sawdust with my current headstock. I am sure those that own a PowerPro will say I don't know what I am missing until I have it and that may well be true...

RFGuy wrote:

JPG wrote:If that clown can obtain them surely others can also.

Yeah, as much as I would love to have a PowerPro for low RPM for wood turning, I just don't see myself spending $2k anytime soon for his alternative solution or Shopsmith's. For everything else that I do, my Mark V works well. I have no problems sawing, jointing or planing 8/4 lumber with it. I do have to make sure my blades are clean and sharp and the belt is properly tensioned though. Maybe some day, Shopsmith will update the PowerPro with new controls and a lower RPM setting that will entice me to purchase it, but until that day I will keep making sawdust with my current headstock. I am sure those that own a PowerPro will say I don't know what I am missing until I have it and that may well be true...

You do have the option of getting a Nova Lathe upgrade motor,
https://www.tools-plus.com/nova-lathes-53101.html

The specs are different than the PowerPro.
This one has a speed range of 100-5500 rpm as opposed to 250-10,000 for the PP
you would have to fabricate your own motor mounts, and control mount. and provide your own motor and idler pulleys.
and the controller is programed to be a lathe only so you would loose the PowerPro programming for different functions.

A gain would be the option of adding the Nova wireless remote
https://www.tools-plus.com/nova-lathes-55522.html

I just purchased Striatech/Teknatool motor and controller from Amazon for 550 USD.
I had $300 discount and basically my cost was only 250.
I will have to figure out how to install it but don't think it will be to complicated. Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk

Let us know how the Striatech install goes. You'll have to machine some motor mounts to attach it to the headstock and also some means of attaching the control box. Keep us updated on how it works and what choices you make for installing it. That is an incredible price for it...

RFGuy wrote:Let us know how the Striatech install goes. You'll have to machine some motor mounts to attach it to the headstock and also some means of attaching the control box. Keep us updated on how it works and what choices you make for installing it. That is an incredible price for it...

I am curious if the striatech motor mounts would fit the SS mounting adapter(s). I.E motor mounts the same.

JPG wrote:

RFGuy wrote:Let us know how the Striatech install goes. You'll have to machine some motor mounts to attach it to the headstock and also some means of attaching the control box. Keep us updated on how it works and what choices you make for installing it. That is an incredible price for it...

I am curious if the striatech motor mounts would fit the SS mounting adapter(s). I.E motor mounts the same.

Good question, but will SS sell you the mounting adapters? Probably not.