Shopsmith Forums

is it worth the extra effort to change the power to 220 vs 110?

Shopsmith says it makes better horsepower on 240v, so if that matters to you and you have 240v available, you might want to do it.

I run mine on 240v (use an adapted 12 gauge extension cord because I didn’t want to cut off the existing plug and plan to use it at another location that only has 120v). The few times I’ve noticed that the increased capability was drilling large bore holes (2 - 1/2 spade bit and some dull 1-1/4 Forstner ). I’ve not been able to get to my saw in a while but I do remember going through 8/4 (I think it was Osage orange and an ebony?? Maybe ?? ) without any bog down.
Does 7 amps at 240 versus 15 amps at 120 do anything for your shop? Does your panel have space for a 10 amp 240 breaker?
Will you ever make use of the added HP? If your saw blades are sharp and thin kerf, I doubt you need the extra oomph. However if you are planning to do some shaping, that is where I noticed a HUGE difference between my 510 and Mark 7. Yes rpm did play a part, as well as the double tilt,
You can usually take things slower or make more passes at shallower cuts, etc., so the 240 is not needed. If you can do the wiring yourself, the cost of materials is small. If you already have a 240 for some other tool, then even the cost of the breaker, wire and outlet are gone.
Frankly, the few times I’ve needed the extra power, I’ve enjoyed that I had it. Could I have done a work around? Certainly.

Probably I’ve not provided any help!! , but any unwanted advise I’d give is, it you can afford it and it feels good, do it!

Be well,
Ben

I don't have the PowerPro but even if I did I would not foot the bill JUST to bring in 220VAC. I do everything I want to do, including jointer and shaper work, with the 110vac machine.

Keep your blades "SHARP". Dull blades are not only hazardous but they waste power.

I don't have a PowerPro either, but I think I agree with Dusty. At least I would stay on 120v until I experienced something that made me think I needed the horsepower the PowerPro gives you with 220v.

I can't imagine what that would be -- although before I made the switch to Shopsmith's thin-kerf table saw blades I would have said "sawing thick stock." But since making the switch, the Shopsmith thin-kerf blades haven't bogged down on me even in thick stock. I have effectively retired my normal-kerf Forest WWII blade. The thin-kerfs also save wood!

I suppose if I was making extra deep, really wide grooves/dados, the extra HP would help. But I don't do that.

algale wrote:I don't have a PowerPro either, but I think I agree with Dusty. At least I would stay on 120v until I experienced something that made me think I needed the horsepower the PowerPro gives you with 220v.

I can't imagine what that would be -- although before I made the switch to Shopsmith's thin-kerf table saw blades I would have said "sawing thick stock." But since making the switch, the Shopsmith thin-kerf blades haven't bogged down on me even in thick stock. I have effectively retired my normal-kerf Forest WWII blade. The thin-kerfs also save wood!

I suppose if I was making extra deep, really wide grooves/dados, the extra HP would help. But I don't do that.

Yes, HP might make a difference on deep thick cuts. The first operation that comes to mind is dados but I seldom do those on the table saw. I move to the router for those. Even then, I don't cut deep. I prefer to creep up on deep dados to get the depth.

I have the mark 7 powerpro, and want to convert it to 220. What is the process? Does it make more sense to just use an adapter as previously mentioned? My setup will be permanent - setting up a new shop and wiring specifically for it.

rhiday wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:09 pm I have the mark 7 powerpro, and want to convert it to 220. What is the process? Does it make more sense to just use an adapter as previously mentioned? My setup will be permanent - setting up a new shop and wiring specifically for it.

Given the situation you describe above, I would just install a 220 plug on the cable and be done with it.

Shopsmith recommends against using a patch cord to adapt to 240V. I assume the plug they come with has not been specifically rated for 240V operation so instead of a patch cord to connect to 240V I think you should replace the original plug with one designed for a 240V connection. Make a patch cord to connect to 120V if you still want that capability. That assumes the standard cord is rated for the maximum wattage needed when 2HP is actually produced. Replacing the entire cord may be called for otherwise. Certainly do not wire an ordinary 110V outlet with 240V to do this, or anything else.

So far the 1-3/4HP the PowerPro produces on 120V has done the job for me quite well. I've cut metal with it, the bandsaw has done fine with almost 6" thick maple. I still feel like I'd like to try it someday though.

jsburger wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:19 pm

rhiday wrote: Tue Dec 21, 2021 4:09 pm I have the mark 7 powerpro, and want to convert it to 220. What is the process? Does it make more sense to just use an adapter as previously mentioned? My setup will be permanent - setting up a new shop and wiring specifically for it.

Given the situation you describe above, I would just install a 220 plug on the cable and be done with it.

+1

nema 6-20p mate to nema 6-20r