Shopsmith Forums

I'm thinking of the PowerPro upgrade, DIY version. However, since I just rebuilt my 1986 headstock -- new motor bearings, clean, lube, resurfaced porkchop, etc, I don't have the heart to render it into pieces.

So I am thinking of getting a cheap donor machine -- right now there is an 80's era for about 350, and a greenie for about 200. My thought would be to convert the "new" headstock to a PP, and mount it on my 520, then take my reliable standard headstock and mount it on the 500 base, perhaps as a dedicated sanding station etc.

Any thoughts about which headstock (other than the price) would be the better donor, assuming reasonable condition of both?

Thanks much!

IIWM and the greenie is an "A" casting, I would convert that one. If a "B" casting, the comparitive condition of the two would make the decision.

Personally, I would go with either a complete new PowerPro, or a factory refurbished one so you get all new parts. That also leaves you with your old headstock as a spare in case of a failure of the new one in the middle of a project.
If you feel you don't want your old one as a spare, you could always sell it and recover some of the price difference of the complete new headstock compared to your own rebuild.

All new parts have the advantage of delaying future repairs for you.

paulrussell wrote:I'm thinking of the PowerPro upgrade, DIY version. However, since I just rebuilt my 1986 headstock -- new motor bearings, clean, lube, resurfaced porkchop, etc, I don't have the heart to render it into pieces.

So I am thinking of getting a cheap donor machine -- right now there is an 80's era for about 350, and a greenie for about 200. My thought would be to convert the "new" headstock to a PP, and mount it on my 520, then take my reliable standard headstock and mount it on the 500 base, perhaps as a dedicated sanding station etc.

Any thoughts about which headstock (other than the price) would be the better donor, assuming reasonable condition of both?

Thanks much!

Please contact me offline. For anyone buying the Do-It-Yourself PowerPro Upgrade Kit (556177), I have available both "B" and "C" headstocks with the holes drilled for the PowerPro motor and power supply along with the power cord relocated with all the needed parts to complete a PowerPro headstock. You only have to assemble the PowerPro kit into this headstock without any drilling of holes or need for additional parts. This allows you to keep your current headstock intact and available for use while the PowerPro is being assembled and tested. I also have MINI and SHORTY 500 frame kits available to mount your current headstock for an additional Shopsmith. I have available headstocks with all the needed parts for another complete headstock using the parts removed when doing the Shopsmith Do-It-Yourself PowerPro Upgrade Kit.