Shopsmith Forums

I need some "been there, done that" advice on the order in which to accomplish the following upgrades that I purchased at the Fall demo in Manassas, VA. -

1. PowerPro DIY upgrade
2. Mark 7 Upgrade
3. 510 to 520 Upgrade

Spring is apparently already here with temps in the 80s so it's time to get started opening all these boxes and get busy. I'd appreciate any advice as to the order to perform them. I know that there are several threads already that speak to the particular issues/challenges/tips to accomplish each on its own but I didn't find one discussion all three and the best order to perform. Thanks.

Henecle
Tough question but here is my opinion.
I would do the 510 to 520 upgradw first as that is the least time consuming and you have the machine available for some use
Next would be the Mk7 upgrade as I think that is also simple to do although I have not done one yet.
The last would be the PP upgrade (I assume you are going the DIY route) This will require the most downtime and testing after completion. Anyway that would be my choice but probably not the choice of others.
Bill V

henecle wrote:I need some "been there, done that" advice on the order in which to accomplish the following upgrades that I purchased at the Fall demo in Manassas, VA. -

1. PowerPro DIY upgrade
2. Mark VII Upgrade
3. 510 to 520 Upgrade

Spring is apparently already here with temps in the 80s so it's time to get started opening all these boxes and get busy. I'd appreciate any advice as to the order to perform them. I know that there are several threads already that speak to the particular issues/challenges/tips to accomplish each on its own but I didn't find one discussion all three and the best order to perform. Thanks.

I'm not going to answer this question because I have no experience with any of them.

However, is the Mark VII upgrade that you are asking about really the Mark 7 Upgrade?

Be aware that there is both a Mark VII and a Mark 7.

henecle wrote:I need some "been there, done that" advice on the order in which to accomplish the following upgrades that I purchased at the Fall demo in Manassas, VA. -

1. PowerPro DIY upgrade
2. Mark VII Upgrade
3. 510 to 520 Upgrade

Spring is apparently already here with temps in the 80s so it's time to get started opening all these boxes and get busy. I'd appreciate any advice as to the order to perform them. I know that there are several threads already that speak to the particular issues/challenges/tips to accomplish each on its own but I didn't find one discussion all three and the best order to perform. Thanks.

I have upgraded my Mark V to a Mark 7, and I guess here is my take:

1) Powerpro - this should be first. It gives you the speed range and convenience. of the three this is one of the places that gives you actual new capabilities. If you are considering all these upgrades, there is no sense in going the DIY upgrade route for the power pro unless you are really sentimental towards your current headstock casting. The extra money for a turnkey headstock is not that much, and you can make it up by reselling your current headstock if you want.

2) 510 to 520 - this should be 2nd. really not needed unless you really want it. The main difference is the sturdier fence with the t-slots. you already have the floating extensions. The power pro will work fine in a 510 scenario.

3) Mark 7 upgrade - this should be 3rd at best. Really, while I consistently get the "I want" thing going, I probably wouldn't buy it again. The main benefit (other than the under the table shaping) is that its easier to get your extension tables to align on either end because the SPT mounts are attached to the way tubes on both ends. However, that comes at the cost of not being able to leave the bandsaw, jointer, etc in place when shifting to drill press mode.

Honestly, rather than the 510->520 upgrade, I would consider a second unit off of the used market for the same cost. Around where I live you can find 520 units in nice shape for pretty reasonable prices. Or, just spend the money from that on a SawStop

As you have all of these upgrades already and just need to install them. I would remove the headstock and do the Power Pro upgrade. While the headstock was off, I would upgrade the frame for the Mark 7 double tilt. Reinstall the headstock and install the 520 rails.

henecle wrote:I need some "been there, done that" advice on the order in which to accomplish the following upgrades that I purchased at the Fall demo in Manassas, VA. -

1. PowerPro DIY upgrade
2. Mark VII Upgrade
3. 510 to 520 Upgrade

I wood think it woodn't matter as long as ya do the 510 to 520 upgrade last. Because of have to alignments your going to have to do.

SDSSmith wrote:As you have all of these upgrades already and just need to install them. I would remove the headstock and do the Power Pro upgrade. While the headstock was off, I would upgrade the frame for the Mark 7 double tilt. Reinstall the headstock and install the 520 rails.

I was about to post the same information as above. So the best I can do is second that thought.

Ed

reible wrote:I was about to post the same information as above. So the best I can do is second that thought.

Ed

Ditto Ditto

SDSSmith wrote:As you have all of these upgrades already and just need to install them. I would remove the headstock and do the Power Pro upgrade. While the headstock was off, I would upgrade the frame for the Mark 7 double tilt. Reinstall the headstock and install the 520 rails.

I would agree, I would do the double tilt upgrade in the middle of the PowerPro upgrade. The 510 to 520 really doen't matter, I did it first but I could see why you might want to do it last. I hope you also have the lift-assist upgrade if you do that is partly done before the PowerPro and completed at the end. If you don't have it I hope you eat your Wheaties.

SDSSmith wrote:As you have all of these upgrades already and just need to install them. I would remove the headstock and do the Power Pro upgrade. While the headstock was off, I would upgrade the frame for the Mark 7 double tilt. Reinstall the headstock and install the 520 rails.

Completely agree!:D Very good advice!!!!:D