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PP problem
Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2013 9:30 pm
by norm2002
Power pro has been working fine until this evening. Symptoms:
When turning on power switch everything comes up normally, ie 500 rpm etc.
Press on and nothing happens. Press any other button like up or down and it displays low >>. Not low voltage. Will not run at any speed. When turning off main switch, used to display low voltage, now just flashes blank screen for about a minute. Machine had been sitting powered off and unplugged for a few days. Checked wires on switch and plugs inside machine. Also plugged into another circuit. Checked house power and it is fine. Anyone have any suggestions.
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:01 pm
by teamtj
I would call shopsmith.
I had a problem with my PP showing an error once and called. Super friendly and I even got a return call from Wes who walked me through some diagnostics.
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 12:16 pm
by charlese
norm2002 wrote:Power pro has been working fine until this evening. Symptoms:
When turning on power switch everything comes up normally, ie 500 rpm etc.
Press on and nothing happens. Press any other button like up or down and it displays low >>. Not low voltage. Will not run at any speed. ...
This is a new one to me, too
You need to phone Shopsmith.
Posted: Thu Oct 24, 2013 8:28 pm
by joshh
Be sure to ask for a loaner headstock (if they want yours for repair). That is...unless they sold all their loaners last week when they were on sale

PowerPro
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 11:24 pm
by norm2002
Called shopsmith on monday, terrific customer service, gave me two options, 1) they would send materials to pack and send headstock in for repair or 2) they would send a new control panel and power module. I chose option two, thought it would be faster. Parts arrived today. Replaced power module and control panel and things are working fine. Just have to return old parts with included prepaid shipping label.
I wish cable company was this responsive to customers.
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:45 pm
by charlese
Wow!!!!! Wonderful!!:D
Also - Now you know the insides of your headstock.
Thanks for letting us know!
P.S.
How about that, Guys! Finally, replaceable parts of the PowerPro are now available.

Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 2:46 pm
by norm2002
It was a DIY upgrade, so fairly easy swap out. Not many parts in there with PowerPro.
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 8:42 pm
by charlese
Ah! My first PowerPro was also a DIY. It was one of the original shipments of PPs from Shopsmith. One year later, when mine needed work Shopsmith wanted the whole headstock back rather than swap parts. The second re-build also required shipment of the whole headstock.
Last year when my control panel fell off of the front, they did send a replacement control unit.
Now we know that they have sent both control panel and power module for the user to replace. In my mind this is a step forward. It means that Shopsmith has gained enough knowledge of their new headstock to feel confident in users replacing parts.
I know that over time, the company has vastly improved the method of packaging the headstock for shipping. The first couple of returns had mis-aligned shafts and holes in the container through shipping. The latest shipment of the complete headstock to me had a somewhat distorted control panel face - indicating some damage. It later fell off when screws stripped out.
Maybe the Company figures shipping parts allows chances for less damage during shipping. Plus costs are lower.