Shopsmith Forums

So I am planning out the electrical needs for my shop. The web site says that the Mark 7 needs 15 amps, and many of their web videos one of the advantages of the digital power unit is that it uses less power. So is 15 amps the run power, the start up power, or is there another value I should be using.

My shop is remote and will be powered by generator so I need to manage my power carefully.

Thanks

Pat

oldguysrule58 wrote:So I am planning out the electrical needs for my shop. The web site says that the Mark 7 needs 15 amps, and many of their web videos one of the advantages of the digital power unit is that it uses less power. So is 15 amps the run power, the start up power, or is there another value I should be using.

My shop is remote and will be powered by generator so I need to manage my power carefully.

Thanks

Pat

I believe the 15 amps refers to start up power.

Jack

Is it a new mark 7 with the Power Pro? If so, why not run a 240v outlet to it? If it's the same (or similar) amount of work either way.


Edit: I just saw you said it will be powered by a generator. I have no idea if you can even run 240v off a generator.

oldguysrule58 wrote:So I am planning out the electrical needs for my shop. The web site says that the Mark 7 needs 15 amps, and many of their web videos one of the advantages of the digital power unit is that it uses less power. So is 15 amps the run power, the start up power, or is there another value I should be using.

My shop is remote and will be powered by generator so I need to manage my power carefully.

Thanks

Pat

I'll let someone who owns one answer your question. All I could do is give you hear say.

I do welcome you to this gang of many. I hope that you gain as much from them as I have.

One thing. If you are just now wiring your shop, I recommend that you wire with nothing less than 12 gauge. For some circuits, that is over kill but for the price difference, I think that to be wise.

dusty wrote:I'll let someone who owns one answer your question. All I could do is give you hear say.

I do welcome you to this gang of many. I hope that you gain as much from them as I have.

One thing. If you are just now wiring your shop, I recommend that you wire with nothing less than 12 gauge. For some circuits, that is over kill but for the price difference, I think that to be wise.

Yes, a generator can run enough power for a 240v hookup...that's the basis for the Generac line, or Kohler line, of generators, running a whole house, all electrical...if that is his plan. I've just installed a whole-house, backup, generator this past winter that runs everything in my house during a power outage...and yes, it works great !!!

I operated a Mark V (my construction Shopsmith) for about 6 months using a Honda 2KW inverter type generator. Not only did it power the Shopsmith but provided power for all the electric power tools we used during the construction of an 1000 sq ft addition to our home. I would believe any 3 KW and higher portable generator will have an 220 VAC outlet (20 to 50 Amp max) as 220 VAC is normally the best way to transfer sufficient power to a shop or home. You can make up a 220 VAC power cord with an end box containing two dual sets of 110 VAC outlet receptacles (4) to distribute the power.

Do you already have the generator? If so, is it a model that puts out "clean" power? The PowerPro may be more sensitive to "dirty" power given off by a lot of lower end generators compared to the older headstocks which aren't so sensitive. You might need a line conditioner or something. Probably best to talk with ShopSmith.

The PowerPro Headstock of the Mark-7 will work well on a generator. It has very low starting amps, between 0.3 amps at 250 rpm and 3.0 amps at sawing speed and 8.o amps at 10,000 rpm. the electronics control the power the motor needs so it pulls only what is necessary to perform the operation. The motor will pull up to 15-amps for heavy sawing or other high load operations.*

Hope this answers your question
Thank you
Customer Service


So I guess I'm good with my generator setup.

Pat