Shopsmith Forums

My PowerPro that I ordered August 6th finally came the other day. I have removed my original headstock and installed the caster upgrade that I got a while back. Now, to get the PowerPro installed. Man it's heavy. I'm thinking I had better wait a couple of days for my son to drop by and help me get it on the tubes. Did any of you older guys (60ish) successfully install yours by yourself? The last thing I need is a back sprain, broken foot, or broken PowerPro.

Bruce wrote:My PowerPro that I ordered August 6th finally came the other day. I have removed my original headstock and installed the caster upgrade that I got a while back. Now, to get the PowerPro installed. Man it's heavy. I'm thinking I had better wait a couple of days for my son to drop by and help me get it on the tubes. Did any of you older guys (60ish) successfully install yours by yourself? The last thing I need is a back sprain, broken foot, or broken PowerPro.

Yes, I did mine my self. Yes it is heavy. I would not do it again by my self. I had a need to remove it a while back and had my wife help me both off and back on.

Just did mine and yes it is heavy but I managed by myself. I did get it hung up when sliding on, the washer on the one side caught on the treads and things would not line up so I had to back things off and examine what the issue was. Got a long handled screw driver and slid it towards the center then gave it another go.

Ed

I did mine myself a few years ago. I was only 70 then. When you try to put it on the way tubes make sure that the locking wedges are in the correct position. Extending the quill helps to get a better hand hold.
Bill V

Well, I decided to give it a go. I first set it on my Workmate that I had placed next to the SS, then mustered my strength and got it on the way tubes. Fortunately, I had no problems. Of course I then had to run it to see how it sounded. I love how quiet it is. Now to get back to making sawdust.

If you can get help - by all means DO IT!

YES!, I put mine on the tubes several times. 4 times to be exact.

1)when it was new. 2 Another when I got it repaired at the factory. 3)Another when it was again re built at the factory to replace the off center drive pulley on the motor. They told me they replaced the entire guts. 4)The last time when the control unit got loose. They sent a new control unit and told me to replace it. Had to remove everything to do this. Those with the DIY kit can appreciate this.

Thank goodness the headstock was last touched by Shopsmith. They warned me not to tighten the plastic control unit real tight, as the screws will strip the plastic. He, He! wonder who did it? Sent the old unit back to Shopsmith.

Yes, it is tough to get it up there. I didn't want to keep sending the headstock back because of the lifting and repacking problem, but this was better than not having it perform perfectly.

After the first time, (or maybe the second) I made a little double yolk rope with a wood handle. (Rope loop at each end of the handle.) Used the yolk to lift the headstock up to the headrestof the base, The tubes were first raised and set just about even with where the holes in the headstock would end up. (this was a good guess) From here I could get my arms underneath the headstock and work it on to the tubes. Only took the ropes off after it was on the tubes.

Chuck,
I hope those kind of issues are rare. My original unit (purchased in the early 80's) is still going strong. I plan to put it to use as a shop deputy after I get my shop better organized.

Bruce wrote:Chuck,
I hope those kind of issues are rare. My original unit (purchased in the early 80's) is still going strong. I plan to put it to use as a shop deputy after I get my shop better organized.

It would indeed be extremely rare for one purchased in the early 80's.

Chuck was referring to his powerpro headstock.

JPG wrote:

Bruce wrote:Chuck,
I hope those kind of issues are rare. My original unit (purchased in the early 80's) is still going strong. I plan to put it to use as a shop deputy after I get my shop better organized.

It would indeed be extremely rare for one purchased in the early 80's.

Chuck was referring to his powerpro headstock.

Yeah, I know he was. Should the PowerPro be any less dependable than my old headstock?

No, it is very dependable! Let me be clear - I love my PowerPro and would never change back to the old headstock.

I ordered one of the very first bunch. I have always used it with no issues that cause poor performance. My issues are all minor things that would not be noticed unless doing bandsawing and looking for them. My headstock was always performing all functions, but I didn't like the bandsaw noises.

After my first issues with using the bandsaw, which was the control unit (computer stuff), I got very hard nosed about getting a PERFECT bandsaw use. I tightened all turning set screws - hubs, pulley and intermediate shaft (eccentric). When I found the shaft hole on the pulley was a couple thousandths off, I sent it back again.

After my hard nose experiances, I'm sure Shopsmith has improved their quality control on their foreign manufacturers. I know for sure they have improved their packing for shipment, as this was my second issue. But if you ever need to use your warranty don't hesitate. They are good!