Shopsmith Forums

Thank you for the updates an opinions all. I sure hope thiis works out for SS. Being one of the 1 of 10 I will not be able to do the upgrade but I do need SS to survive if I need parts for my original machine. Whooooo Hoooooooooo for SS.

kd6vpe wrote:Thank you for the updates an opinions all. I sure hope thiis works out for SS. Being one of the 1 of 10 I will not be able to do the upgrade but I do need SS to survive if I need parts for my original machine. Whooooo Hoooooooooo for SS.

I have stockpiled many dozen sets of Shopsmith headstock parts for future use and have many B & C headstock casings waiting to see what is required to install the PowerPro update. I make and use jigs so I can do multiple changes/modifications at the same time like cutting 3" access holes under the Logo cover in the early Greenie A headstocks. Also, I have been able to recondition many parts that Shopsmith owners have had replaced in their headstock.

I hope to offer B & C headstocks that are ready to install the PowerPro Update Kit to my customers once the PowerPro Update Kit is released. I hope to be able to have some of the unique headstock parts made by my son who is building a casting and foundry shop only if Shopsmith does cease to exist anymore. Thanks.

This morning I visited with one of the fine ladies at Shopsmith. I asked two questions first when we might expect the new Pro update. The answer was March wouldn't be to soon from Shopsmiths point of view. The other question was what other new items they are focused on. The answer; "none we are totally focused on the introduction of the upgraded headstock." No real date offered yet I felt a strong committment for a release very soon. No they would not give me a price nor would they allow me to order one today. Jim

[quote="fjimp"]This morning I visited with one of the fine ladies at Shopsmith. I asked two questions first when we might expect the new Pro update. The answer was March wouldn't be to soon from Shopsmiths point of view. The other question was what other new items they are focused on. The answer]

Good intel Jim - thanks!

RiotNrrd

Just got my annual bonus, and I am ready for the PowerPro. Where is it guys? Hurry up, before my wife goes and makes me do something stupid with it like "saving" it. :-)

Seriously, though - any thoughts on letting people go ahead and start ordering, and then shipping it when you have it? I mean, that already happens with backorders...

RiotNrrd

This sounds like a good move all around. I suspect they have completely rethought speed control, and are going to a variable speed direct-drive motor (no need for the V sheaves). This would also explain the increased motor efficiency aspect. This should be a win-win for Shopsmith - we get a better, more reliable product needing fewer tune-ups, and they get a less complex product with more profit margin.

Shopsmith - PLEASE make the start/stop buttons actual hard buttons and not touchpads. Also please make the stop button more prominent than the start button (stick it out a bit more, etc.) to help in emergency situations. I do not want to stab at a soft touchpad "stop" button and have the machine not stop because finger was not dead center on the touchpad.

- Chris

I was thinking the same thing on the bonus this year to use on the new power pro head and maybe a DC motor for one of my ER's but instead I got walking papers after 23 years the company is cutting back so guess that won't happen. Now instead of a bonus I have to find a job by April 9th or no paychecks. Guess it could had been worse they could have called me in and stopped the pay check that day and not give me notice. But in my 60's I guess I might have to find a new line of work. At least my SS's are still here and working great.

Oh my Bill,

So sorry to here about your situation. I am with you and it is not very good out here job wise. I will be filing for unemployment in the next couple of days. I have never had to do this in my entire career. The web page does not seem to be a secure site and they want my ssn??? I keep trying to call to make sure the site is correct but all you get is a message saying due to high volume of calls call back later and it hangs up. Man it is tough. Might have to be a freight unloader but not sure about that either due to age. Call center jobs are out there but they don't pay much and no health ins. Keep in touch. PM me I will give you more info.

kd6vpe wrote:Oh my Bill,

So sorry to here about your situation. I am with you and it is not very good out here job wise. I will be filing for unemployment in the next couple of days. I have never had to do this in my entire career. The web page does not seem to be a secure site and they want my ssn??? I keep trying to call to make sure the site is correct but all you get is a message saying due to high volume of calls call back later and it hangs up. Man it is tough. Might have to be a freight unloader but not sure about that either due to age. Call center jobs are out there but they don't pay much and no health ins. Keep in touch. PM me I will give you more info.

Bill and Jim, ouch I keep hearing our economy is improving and in the same breath more jobs disappearing. You are both in our prayers. Jim

I'm looking at this as possibly eliminating the need for a couple other accessories that I was looking at needing in the next year or so:

Speed Increaser (looks like it will at least do 9500 RPM) - $280
Speed Reducer (display shows 250 RPM, maybe lower?) - $278

I would have been willing to pay $200-300 for a reverse function that doesn't exist so I don't have to mount lathe pieces on the left side for sanding.

So a $1000 price tag for a retrofit kit would be a pretty easy sell for me especially considering the benefit of a more powerful and new motor and the apparent convenience factors. If it were in the $500-750 range I'd have my debit card out right now! $1500+ will cause me to wait to see how others review it.

Roy