Shopsmith Forums

PowerPro - Now I am very happy - even thrilled!

After sending my PowerPro headstock back to Shopsmith for repair the second time, got it back and mounted it up, ready for a trial. This thing now runs really quiet, like the others have reported. Not yet done with my test, I tried it out with the bandsaw. WOW! it ran like a champ with no noises or anything other. with the bandsaw, it ran smooth as it is supposed to.

I know this machine gave Jim and Wes fits, but they stuck with it until running perfectly. Not sure what all the Electrical/mechanical issues (in the headstock) were but they were all repaired/replaced. I now have the same case with all new parts. They even put in new slugs on top of the two set screws on the top of the case.

The Shopsmith warranty is, for a fact, true as true can be. You just can't go wrong with their warranty. All costs eaten by the company.

The only problem with returning the headstock is removing it from the way tubes and also unpacking it and lifting it back to the tubes. Here is a pic of the system I used to dismount and re-mount it. The re-mount was done by placing the cradle lift on the headstock before lifting it out of the box. I still can lift 79 lbs but to manhandle the headstock up and over the box and onto the way tubes by myself, took a little planning. As you can see, I removed the legs so it was not necessary to lift the headstock to breast height.
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Oh! by the way since the first return, Shopsmith has learned more about packaging for shipping. They sent a box with instructions (with photos) on how to install the packaging. Even had a numbering system for the made up rolls of paper padding.

Glad to hear that you stuck with it Chuck and were rewarded for your persistence. I know the feeling as it took two trips for my PowerPro also. Jim replaced the guts in mine on the second trip.

But man what a dream to use when it works the way it should. Have fun with it!!!

Thanks for the idea on remounting the Powerpro.

I plan on sending my headstock in after Christmas to be converted into a Powerpro. Are you able to pass on the packing instructions from Shopsmith? Or, should I contact them directly?

Lodgepole wrote:Thanks for the idea on remounting the Powerpro.

I plan on sending my headstock in after Christmas to be converted into a Powerpro. Are you able to pass on the packing instructions from Shopsmith? Or, should I contact them directly?

If you are sending yours back to Shopsmith for them to retrofit, then you might consider removing the internals in advance. All they need is the headstock casting with quill feed mechanism, belt cover and motor pan. The switch, power cord, motor, belts, quill and speed control will all be replaced. That way you will reduce the shipping weight by about 30 pounds.

Lodgepole wrote:Thanks for the idea on remounting the Powerpro.

I plan on sending my headstock in after Christmas to be converted into a Powerpro. Are you able to pass on the packing instructions from Shopsmith? Or, should I contact them directly?

Not having done this, I would think it is best to first give them a phone call. They will tell you the best way to handle the shipping.

SDSSmith wrote:If you are sending yours back to Shopsmith for them to retrofit, then you might consider removing the internals in advance. All they need is the headstock casting with quill feed mechanism, belt cover and motor pan. The switch, power cord, motor, belts, quill and speed control will all be replaced. That way you will reduce the shipping weight by about 30 pounds.

Leave the headstock lock in also(or are they now replacing that also?).

JPG40504 wrote:Leave the headstock lock in also(or are they now replacing that also?).

It should stay as they need to install a plastic wrap on it to protect the internal wiring from abrasion by the headstock lock shaft.

JPG40504 wrote:Leave the headstock lock in also(or are they now replacing that also?).

The headstock locking wedges and bar must be removed to install the electronics, and then the bar is wrapped to protect against wire rubbing across the threads. Wedges may or may not be replaced. That's another reason I recommend a phone call before shipping.