Shopsmith Forums

I don't have a PowerPro but I have back-up's.

I keep watching but am not quite ready to commit yet. Not that I have any real reservations or doubts of SS making any possible problems go away, I just have too much else on my plate right now to even have time for one. I am also waaaay over my toy budget for the last decade and there still some other things I want yet.
I figure that if I give it another year SS will still need customers and more little possible bugs will be found and ironed out.. so I'll wait and look at it again later.
There is absolutely no way that I can justify that it would ever pay me back. The PowerPro is strictly on the toy list. My little sawmill on the other hand will easily pay me back for its investment and then some. Some things are like that. Some are not.


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paulmcohen wrote:That is the one thing that scares me about the PowerPro with no serviceable parts but for now I am thrilled.

Woa there!!!! Just a minute!!! When we talk about no serviceable parts we should be more accurate to say there are no serviceable ELECTRONIC parts. We can service all bearings, shafts and belts. The reason the PowerPro DIY includes a new spindle is to make sure the user has all new bearings. Also, although I have no confirmation, the motor mounts should also be user serviceable.

I suspect that a few years down the road when the electronics begin to fail there will be someone who will offer repair service and/or rebuilt parts. When was the last time you ever heard of a computer or electronic component in a car failing. I can only hope the PowerPro electronics hold up just as well. And my Prius has two big electric motors/generators and all sort of electronic components and computers and it just keeps on going and going.

fredsheldon wrote:I have a feeling just about everyone here has at least 1 backup powerhead waiting in the wings if it's service is required

Wrong here, I have no spare parts. I sell everything I can to pay for all the upgrades. Also if something terrible happened I could put a used Shopsmith for its powerhead and sell the rest of the part to pay for it. Hopefully it will never come to that.

The only thing I would encourage everyone to add to their circuit breaker panels are whole house surge protectors. Some companies like Square D make plug-in assemblies which take up two circuit breaker locations. Others make units which are external to the circuit breaker panel/load center. You'll not only protect your PowerPro, but you'll protect all the sensitive electronics in your home.

I have two PowerPros and would feel stupid if a voltage spike killed one of them. We lost our very expensive washer /dryer microprocessor motherboards within 6 months of each other. Replacement boards were $350 a piece! That was 4 years ago & added the whole house protection and individual protectors are locations where expensive electronics plug in.

Purchase decent protectors- not the cheap $19.95 strips which don't seem to do anything.

backhertz wrote:The only thing I would encourage everyone to add to their circuit breaker panels are whole house surge protectors. Some companies like Square D make plug-in assemblies which take up two circuit breaker locations. Others make units which are external to the circuit breaker panel/load center. You'll not only protect your PowerPro, but you'll protect all the sensitive electronics in your home.

I have two PowerPros and would feel stupid if a voltage spike killed one of them. We lost our very expensive washer /dryer microprocessor motherboards within 6 months of each other. Replacement boards were $350 a piece! That was 4 years ago & added the whole house protection and individual protectors are locations where expensive electronics plug in.

Purchase decent protectors- not the cheap $19.95 strips which don't seem to do anything.

What type of protector can I buy that plugs into the outlet that I can plug my PP into that would do the job? Thanks in advance for any advice you might be able to provide.

Fred
Don't operate the SS during lightning storms and unplug it when not in use and you should be OK. I used to make some surge protectors for electronic equipment using MOV's (metal oxide varistors) to clamp the overvoltage. They are not total protection but they are better than nothing. Also tie a few overhand knots in the power cord to add inductance which will also help. If you do use the MOV devices DO NOT MOUNT THEM INSIDE THE WALL OUTLET. The failure mode is a short circuit and they will heat up. Install them in a metal utility box in the clear. The devices are a very high resistance when the voltage is below the threshold but rapidly drops as soon as the voltage rises above the threshold. Most electronic damage is from very short duration spikes on the AC mains caused by lightning and the response time of the MOV is in the nanosecond range. No device can protect from a direct lightning strike. If you do have a direct strike The first phonecall is to 911 the second is to you insurance agent.
All that being said unplugging is the best option.
Bill V

Since the PP and the earlier headstocks all have a switch that disconnects the 'innards' from the supply, switching it off is essentially the same as unplugging it except unplugged, it is no longer grounded.

'Smart' devices today are constantly connected to the ac and therefore ARE more prone to damage caused by line surges etc.

fredsheldon wrote:I suspect that a few years down the road when the electronics begin to fail there will be someone who will offer repair service and/or rebuilt parts. When was the last time you ever heard of a computer or electronic component in a car failing. I can only hope the PowerPro electronics hold up just as well. And my Prius has two big electric motors/generators and all sort of electronic components and computers and it just keeps on going and going.

That really is the only concern with me about these DVR units and longevity. They do have a decent sized heat sink and heat exist.
Anyhow, you really need to jump into the automotive forums and read of the massive failure of electronics in ALL makes and brands of cars. Most have high probability of surviving, such as you and a good Prius, but go to any car repair / dealer and talk to them. Electronic failures are very common. The heat cycles and harsh environment take its tolls on components. Of modern era high-tech electronic equipped vehicles for 15 years of ownership is pushing the limits. BMW, Audi, MB, Cad... are loaded with electronic failures. When out of warranty, some of these electronic boxes are $2000 plus.

brad_nalor wrote:That really is the only concern with me about these DVR units and longevity. They do have a decent sized heat sink and heat exist.
Anyhow, you really need to jump into the automotive forums and read of the massive failure of electronics in ALL makes and brands of cars. Most have high probability of surviving, such as you and a good Prius, but go to any car repair / dealer and talk to them. Electronic failures are very common. The heat cycles and harsh environment take its tolls on components. Of modern era high-tech electronic equipped vehicles for 15 years of ownership is pushing the limits. BMW, Audi, MB, Cad... are loaded with electronic failures. When out of warranty, some of these electronic boxes are $2000 plus.

And we complain about ss parts prices!:rolleyes: