Shopsmith Forums

charlese wrote:Looks like the 1st batch won't be in our hands until the 1st two weeks of August. So If orders placed tomorrow get delivered around the 1st two weeks of of Sept. - the added wait is not that much longer.

A rhetorical question or two:

Was the initial production run really only 7 or 8 units?

If manufacturing time is 4 hours/unit, how many units can one person produce in a typical work week?

How many new units are being produced during this same time period when units are being 'upgraded'?

How many units (new or refurbished) were produced prior to making the big announcement?

I would have thought that the "initial response" to the big announcement would ship the next day! Of course, that can not be done for those who are having their current headstocks upgraded but then I would not do that anyhow.

I am remorseful. I would really like to have one "on-backorder" right now!

I would guess that the initial production run is significantly more than 7 or 8 units. While that appears to be the number indicated by members of this forum so far; there could well be members who have ordered but not participated in the poll.

The total membership of this forum is also a minority of Shopsmith owners if the 600,000 production number is accurate. I would guess that most owners on record got the email and that some of them also ordered the Power Pro headstock.

Bottom line is that there is no way for us to know the total on order and the initial production quantity.

JPG40504 wrote:A Greenie upgrade requires the later die cast aluminum headstock, not the earlier sand cast one.(Per one Nick E).

Dagnabit! If that's the case I'm going to have to change my vote, need a lot more nickles!

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Ron309753 wrote:Dagnabit! If that's the case I'm going to have to change my vote, need a lot more nickles!

Sincerely,

Ron309753

Do not despair! I doubt both yer greenies are sand cast version. Post a pix of the top and front, and we can tell ya which it is!


This announcement was to allow one to 'RESERVE' a unit from the initial production run which will take place between now and August and allow time for shipping from vendor(boat trip)!

The initial production run was quite small. 20 me thinks

This upgrade would certainly be nice to have.

As others have pointed out, for most this is more than "pocket change", especially if you are on a fixed income or unemployed (that's me).

Will the features be worth the expenditure? I'm not a turner, I use routers regularly, I already own the speed reducer....

I will continue to enjoy 520 as is.

I haven't voted in the poll, since I'm willing to wait and see how others are faring with their upgrades. I'm not all that confident in doing the work myself, I would probably take my headstock on a "roadtrip" when I have the money saved up which will probably take some time.

I would like to suggest, to whoever wants to start it, a new thread (maybe 2) in the "woodworking tool review" section of this forum devoted to the PowerPro on the DIY kit and the refurbished headstock. It would be of special benefit to know of any pitfalls encountered in the DIY experience.

BPR

Think I'll hold off for revision B or C. Within the next 24 months or so, ebay will have several Powerpro headstocks for the pickings.

dusty wrote:A rhetorical question or two:

...I would have thought that the "initial response" to the big announcement would ship the next day! Of course, that can not be done for those who are having their current headstocks upgraded but then I would not do that anyhow.

I am remorseful. I would really like to have one "on-backorder" right now!

It's really no surprise there will be a waiting period for the first run - At least the first run! In the announcement, they said there will be $500 taken immediately to assure the order. (Or something like that) I noticed the $500!!:)

AGAIN!!!!

They were 'selling' refundable reservations for the initial production run for $500 which are expected to ship in 6-8 weeks.

I assume prior to 'shipping' they will request the 'balance due' and at that time give you an 'opportunity' to back out.

I further assume(didn't read the altered announcement carefully) that the same conditions prevail for the 'September' run.

stitcher wrote:I don't know. I am new at all of this and I am carefully feeling my way. I don't want to commit myself to something without understanding what I am buying. Please understand that the Power Pro is not all that I am learning about. I am new to the whole affair.

Here are some 'details' we DO know.

The torque available at all speed settings will be at least 2x the current 1 1/8 hp motor etc.

The startup current surge is eliminated(long an undesirable 'feature').

The speed range is increased from 700-5200, to 250-10000.(One more shortcoming reduced).

The maintenance no longer requires diligent relubrication every 10 operating hours.

The mechanical drive system has been greatly simplified(hence more reliable).

These plus attributes are somewhat off set by a coulpa unkowns.

How reliable is the motor itself. A five yr warranty speaks well of it.

The control electronics. Probably not an issue, but it is unknown.

Heat is the major external factor affecting both.