Help me understand.....

[JPG]

My garage has room for one SS, 1 big table saw, 2 Harleys, two big rolling shelves, and all the other stuff crammed into it. I wood not be a wouldworker were it not for Shop Smith. I've designed a great SPT/accessory cabinet, and now I need to build it. I love the idea of Shop Smith. I actually get to make and fix things with wood, at a level I have never before experienced.

However, I am still suspicious of the electronics. Our new stove's "keypad" went out yesterday. We paid for that warranty because I did not trust this fancy stuff. It is a cook stove not a computer, for heaven's sake. Let's see if they honor the warranty......

Sophisticated switchery in a dusty environment? I understand and trust analog much better, except on cars..

And why exclude cars?????

[charlese]

Do you realize how many free standing power tools you can buy used on CL for this!!!??????????
556176 New PowerPro Headstock ... $1,979.00
Not to bash SS, but there are just something a specific tool does better, has more specific features.

The key words being "specific features":mad: How 'bout many features? Yes, you can buy a lot of stuff, but it's not a PowerPro.

[JPG]

[quote="charlese"]The key words being "specific features":mad: How 'bout many features? Yes, you can buy a lot of stuff, but it's not a PowerPro.]
Ahhh, but you can now(or at least soon) purchase a drill press with a similar motor etc.

First the lathe, then SS then drill press.

I am sure others will follow.

Monitoring the $$ will prove interesting.

[teacherman]

And why exclude cars?????

Because somehow a Subaru keeps going and going.............

[JPG]

Because somehow a Subaru keeps going and going.............

Did you paint it green and yellow?:):D

[benush26]

Is the Mark 7 really that much better than the Mark 5?

I had tried to post a reply that said yes and included reasons, but it failed to upload(possibly due to the server??), which may have been for the best because I changed my answer.

After much thought I would have to say "It depends on your needs". Do you NEED a larger table area? Is most of your work able to be accomplished on the smaller 500 table? What about slower or faster speeds? Those can be accomplished with add on speed increasers and reducers (or on an ER10, pullies). Reverse? There are posts on this site showing the reverse switching modifications. Double tilt? Would it be less expensive to buy a standalone shaper? Or even more to the point do you NEED a shaper? Can the SPTs tell whether they are being powered by a 500 or a PowerPro? That one might get a maybe when considering the torque advantage of the PP, but then that depends upon whether that torque is needed.

I think calling the Mark 7 "better" does a disservice to those who own and faithfully use ER10s and 500s. The Mark 7 has perceived advantages. But the proof of the tool is very often the skill of the user.

I truly enjoy my Mark 7 and have no buyers remorse. Frankly, the absence of oiling sheaves and disregarding where the RPMs were when I shut it off are GREAT. Some relish the tune up of the headstock, but I am not one. The larger table is somewhat of a psychological safety device for me. I will use the double tilt for shaping. For me, the PowerPro is the real benefit. However, if I didn't have the M7, I would still enjoy the 510 and 500.

The Mark 7 could be construed as an accumulated progression of features. They are only better if you need better (want should be left out of this). As I've stated before, this was a present to myself. The space I have allocated is also a determining factor.

So, no, I do not think the Mark 7 is better than the Mark V, but for me it has advantages that I appreciate.

Be well,
Ben

[WmZiggy]

I have two upgraded Mark 500s (1978 & 1982). I just purchased a speed increaser - which I can use on both Mark Vs - to improve the quality of shaping or routing.

My bottom line rule on equipment purchases is to ask myself: "Self, what can't I do now with the equipment I already have at hand?" The answer has to be good to justify a new purchase.

Like others here, my biggest worry on the PP is the electronics. Some years ago Craftsmen came out with an electronic radial arm saw. I could be wrong, but I don't think they sell one today. Was it because of chip failure? Maybe someone out there knows.

[charlese]

I have two upgraded Mark 500s (1978 & 1982). I just purchased a speed increaser - which I can use on both Mark Vs - to improve the quality of shaping or routing.

My bottom line rule on equipment purchases is to ask myself: "Self, what can't I do now with the equipment I already have at hand?" The answer has to be good to justify a new purchase.

Like others here, my biggest worry on the PP is the electronics. Some years ago Craftsmen came out with an electronic radial arm saw. I could be wrong, but I don't think they sell one today. Was it because of chip failure? Maybe someone out there knows.

Yes, (I say sarcastically) Let's worry about the electronics in the PowerPro!:rolleyes: We all know, if there is a drastic electronics failure after all warranties have expired, no one can EVER be found to do the needed repairs, we can NEVER find a B headstock we can use. As we know - there is NEVER one available on any of the selling sites. Another reason to NOT buy a PowerPro is - we don't know how to 'jury rig" the electronics.

So far (not sarcastically) there is case after case where Shopsmith has repaired machines for us long after warranties have expired. Sometimes even on second hand units that are years old. Just review this forum.

After a couple of glitches, my PowerPro has performed like a champ. I'm really happy with it. It out performs any power tool I have ever owned. I am positive it will last longer than I do.

[benush26]

Some years ago Craftsmen came out with an electronic radial arm saw. I could be wrong, but I don't think they sell one today. Was it because of chip failure? Maybe someone out there knows.

I just recently sold my Craftsman RAS. The electronics was little more than a depth and angle gauge. It was quite accurate when calibrated, but took a while to set up. Two frustrations. One frustration was how quickly it ate 'J' type batteries which are the display for the electronics. The other was chasing the miter using the display. It was difficult to get closer than one degree and at the time I didn't have a reliable method to check. A strong point was the strong nearly bullet proof 2 1/2 HP motor. It did have some problems with safety and there was an update available.

I have no direct knowledge, but would guess that two things caused the saw's demise. One would be the huge cost to retrofit the saws and the other was that though 'high tech', the electronic display really did not do much to enhance the capabilities of the saw except when making dados. If I had more room, I would have kept it. The strength of the motor was great.

Be well,
Ben

[JPG]

. . . we can NEVER find a B headstock we can use.
. . .

Why "B"???????????