Shopsmith Forums

Earlier this week i decided it time to service and clean my Power Pro Headstock. Other than belt tightening I found no instructions for doing so in the book. After i visited with Linda at Shopsmith I completed cleaning my headstock. I then wrote the following instructions and placed a new sheet in the book.

Unplug power supply. Then remove 2 screws from belt cover and 5 screws from pan cover. Slide covers out of the way and use the air compressor to remove all sawdust from inside headstock and both pans. Replace pans and all seven screws, plug in power supply and begin next project.

I assume I won't forget those instructions, well who knows what I am liable to retain down the road. At least a future owner will have some idea of the process. Jim

I asked about PowerPro maintenance and both Dave and Mike Young said "none".

Seems like this would be a Shopsmith "Frequently Asked Question", and it would be nice to have an official, consistent Shopsmith recommendation.

Gary

Without looking, I believe these instructions are included in the PowerPro manual, in the troubleshooting section. As I remember, the only difference is to remove the black plastic motor cover and blow out any dust. This is done to clear up blockage of the infra-red sensor. I think I remember the manual saying this should be done in drill press position.

greitz wrote:I asked about PowerPro maintenance and both Dave and Mike Young said "none".

Seems like this would be a Shopsmith "Frequently Asked Question", and it would be nice to have an official, consistent Shopsmith recommendation.

Gary

Dave and Mike Young may be trying to sell the product. I really can't comment on either of their opinions so will stand by what Linda in customer service said and add to that my own experience. I blew out enogh sawdust to be convinced I prefer to keep mine clean. I will admit this is the first time mine has been cleaned since it was purchased during the last quarter of 2010. I should add that my manual was published in 2010. According to Linda there have been no amendments to it. Jim

[quote="charlese"]Without looking, I believe these instructions are included in the PowerPro manual, in the troubleshooting section. As I remember, the only difference is to remove the black plastic motor cover and blow out any dust. This is done to clear up blockage of the infra-red sensor. I think I remember the manual saying this should be done in drill press position.[/quote

The manual does give instructions to remove the covers I mentioned for the error Charlese suggested. The covers I mentioned are not plastic nor do I see any suggestion in the manual to remove a plastic cover. The only real difference in our opinions being that I believe in preventative maintenance and that was suggested by Linda. I know there are some who only take action if there is a problem and if that is your preference go for it. Jim

I think the oil often mantra has been replaced by blow out often!:D

Not a bad idea anyway!;)

Sorry, Jim! I haven't yet looked at the manual, but will in a while. Anyway, once I was asked by Wes to do this plastic cover removal operation. To do this, the machine must be in drill press position and the lower (back) four motor mounting screws must be removed. This allows me to swing the back of the motor out so the screws holding the plastic cover can be removed.

I still think it is in my manual - I'll look and edit

EDIT: Yep the instructions to remove the black plastic cowling from the motor are in the troubleshooting section, under "RPS State Error 1".

My memory was faulty when I thought the purpose of removing the cowling was to blow the dust out. The purpose, as stated, is to slide the fan with reader plate toward the motor and tighten the screw.

This is not part of any normal maintenance. As Jim said, the only maintenance is to fix belt tension if needed.