Shopsmith Forums

Today I set up a speed reducer to run my bandsaw from my PowerPro. What a wonderful change!!!! Smooth running saw and humming, industrial sounding headstock. This is a really smooth operation!:) Not at all like the banging when the PP is hooked directly to the bandsaw.

I slowly ran up the speed of the PowerPro and tried sawing at various speeds. When running the headstock at around 5,000 RPM there is some shaking of the bandsaw from the speed reducer, but the PowerPro runs smooth. This is a little slow for the Bandsaw (714 RPM) and to avoid the shaking raised headstock to 6300RPM. This runs the bandsaw at 900.

The only thing I can think may be bad about this operation is the speed may be a bit high for the speed reducer. But so far it acts like it would go forever like this.

EDIT - I'm now running the PP at 5200 to 5500. This give the bandsaw about the same speed as I used to run it (at speed "B" to "C". Also the shaking mentioned in the above Paragraph is (I believe) from sets in the two poly V belts of the Speed Increaser.

Many thanks to Jim in Bakersfield for making a Speed Reducer available to me:D .

I just ordered my PowerPro and was wondering what problems you had with your bandsaw that required you to use a speed reducer? It was my understanding that the PowerPro could run at 250 rpm and up.

=--------------------------

Ditto!

I do hope you have informed SS of your 'solution'.

I also hope that info will help them come up with a 'real' solution.

I am wondering how many PowerPro owners do not have a problem when using it to drive the bandsaw? Anyone? Do it yourself or factory install?

SDSSmith wrote:I am wondering how many PowerPro owners do not have a problem when using it to drive the bandsaw? Anyone? Do it yourself or factory install?

I purchased the PP headstock. Did have a problem with the bandsaw as described by some here. Waited for about 10 months before calling Shopsmith. I figured that maybe there would be a solution by that time.

After talking to tech support and doing a reprogramming by phone, I now have no problems - it is as smooth as silk!

GO FIGURE!!!

Dick

dickg1 wrote:I purchased the PP headstock. Did have a problem with the bandsaw as described by some here. Waited for about 10 months before calling Shopsmith. I figured that maybe there would be a solution by that time.

After talking to tech support and doing a reprogramming by phone, I now have no problems - it is as smooth as silk!

GO FIGURE!!!

Dick

Dick was yours a DIY or factory done PowerPro?

SDSSmith wrote:Dick was yours a DIY or factory done PowerPro?

My PowerPro is one of the first 10 that Shopsmith sold. It is a factory built package. I am keeping my updated Goldie as a spare and possibly for a second system (I upgraded the motor from the original when I bought the planer - which is now on a separate stand).

I did have the oscillation problem with the band saw but it has apparently been corrected as I stated in my other post and it operates as you would expect it should.

I have had no reason to open the 'package" since it has run as advertised (since the one reprogramming) from 250 to 10,000 rpm. I just recently set it up as a shaper (in horizontal/reverse mode) at 9,500 rpm to put an edge bead on some boards up to 16 inches wide. Absolutely not one problem. It does everything (so far) as I should expect for my investment.

I cannot explain why some would have problems but, it appears, that they seem to be associated with DIY upgrades. Maybe that is something that Shopsmith should investigate?

Dick

dickg1 wrote: I cannot explain why some would have problems but, it appears, that they seem to be associated with DIY upgrades. Maybe that is something that Shopsmith should investigate?

Dick

First of all - I am glad you PowerPro runs smoothly when hooked up to the bandsaw. This gives me hope there is a certain combination that works just fine. If I ever find the secret I will shout it to the masses.

Mine was also one of the first units sent. However it was a DIY upgrade. Wes and I adjusted the computer twice. With no fix. Then I sent it in to Shopsmith and there it was re-built with all new parts. Still no change with the bandsaw. So - If Shopsmith couldn't fix it I seriously doubt it was the DIY unit that caused the problem. Jim Mcann even commented that my assembly work was well done. Have not yet been able to get in touch with Wes but will keep trying.

Now we have two fixes for bandsaw/PowerPro issues. One is the coupler that one of our members called our attention to - the other is a speed reducer.

No one has been able to address the banging etc. when the PP is hooked directly to the bandsaw. I've gone over my bandsaw completely and this had absolutely no effect. I believe there is some type of harmonic between the wheels in the bandsaw and the PP. The Speed reducer removes this relationship.

Question - Do you have rubber tires in your bandsaw?

charlese wrote: Question - Do you have rubber tires in your bandsaw?

The bandsaw has the original tires. I purchased it from Shopsmith about five years ago.
Dick