Any reason not to use Lovejoy couplings?

freedomlives · Post by **freedomlives** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:25 pm

I have two SPTs here (jointer and bandsaw). I have yet to use either, in part because I don't have the power coupling. I compared the price of a power coupling with that of the Lovejoy coupling from Enco, and for the price of 1 plastic power coupling I can buy the three couplings I would need plus several spare spiders.

I understand the idea that the power coupling serves as a mechanical fuse, but if something jams I think within two seconds my finger will be hitting the off switch, so I'm not sure how important this is.

The only inconvenience I see to the lovejoy couplings is that for safety reasons I'd want to remove if from the headstock when not in use, but this isn't a big deal to me.

The Lovejoys seems like a better value, especially as if the power coupling breaks I'll have to wait several weeks for a spare to get here.

Does anyone have some negative experience with the Lovejoys?

Is the L050 series sufficient for driving the jointer and bandsaw?

Thanks!

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:43 pm

Here is one experience.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... stcount=56

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 4:56 pm

In addition to my comments that beeg linked to, I'll add that the set screw is very tiny and, in my experience, has a tendency to back out. That may be because as it would back along the tapered flat, it's no longer wedged tight against the spindle and is free to turn. It hasn't happened since I wrapped it in duct tape!

I'd definitely recommend the Shopsmith Power Coupler for the SPTs over a Lovejoy.

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:07 pm

I still use the original coupling that came with my 510. Purchased in 1989. See no reason to take a chance on anything else.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:38 pm

cincinnati wrote:I still use the original coupling that came with my 510. Purchased in 1989. See no reason to take a chance on anything else.

I still use my original coupler from 1963!:)

db5 · Post by **db5** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 8:50 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I still use my original coupler from 1963!:)

My coupler dates from 1938 but remained unused until 1965. It is still in good working order, has no wear or damage; however, as pristine as it is I doubt It will ever sell on eBay and will likely go to the grave with me. As will yours.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:17 pm

[quote="db5"]My coupler dates from 1938 but remained unused until 1965. It is still in good working order, has no wear or damage]

REALLY?:rolleyes:

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:26 pm

I see what you did there, db5. Nicely done.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 9:41 pm

I had to used the lovejoy couplers when I started using the bandsaw to cut metal. I had a speed reducer to get the speed down to around 225 RPM but the plastic Shopsmith power coupler would break sometimes when the saw blade tended to jam. I used the lovejoy couplers on some of my shorter Shopsmith experiments due their shorter length. I never had any problems using the lovejoy couplers. I had to try several different spiders to find one that held up over time but do not remember which ones I used. I still have several sets of the couplers just in case I break a Shopsmith power coupler and cannot quickly find a spare power coupler. The Shopsmith power coupler has gone up in price several times what I used to pay but the lovejoy couplers are still close to their price from years ago. However, be sure to shop around if anyone is interested in buying a set of the lovejoy couplers as the price can vary quite a bit from various sellers.

Parallel shaft alignment is needed for all the different couplers to help prevent failure.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Jul 16, 2013 11:57 pm

heathicus wrote:I see what you did there, db5. Nicely done.

Gotta watch them Psyd's.