Shopsmith Forums

Today I went to Lowe’s to actually see and hear the PowerPro Plus run. Very impressive. I left with one question unanswered clearly....
When I am using my machine, a Mark V 500 in saw mode I frequently turn my machine off, adjust the fence, turn the machine back on and make the cut.
Is it required that I turn my speed controller down to slow before I turn the machine back on? That’s my question.
I always turn speed down when ending a work session for the day. I always have it turned down before I attach an SPT. I just had my machine rebuilt and want to establish proper protocol with that prickly speed controller. Could this have caused any damage to my machine in a short period of less than 3 months?
The PowerPro upgrade is sweet I must admit. However, the old school levers and dials work just fine for me!
Thanks,
Thom Schuck
Oregon

Thomschuck wrote:Today I went to Lowe’s to actually see and hear the PowerPro Plus run. Very impressive. I left with one question unanswered clearly....
When I am using my machine, a Mark V 500 in saw mode I frequently turn my machine off, adjust the fence, turn the machine back on and make the cut.
Is it required that I turn my speed controller down to slow before I turn the machine back on? That’s my question.
I always turn speed down when ending a work session for the day. I always have it turned down before I attach an SPT. I just had my machine rebuilt and want to establish proper protocol with that prickly speed controller. Could this have caused any damage to my machine in a short period of less than 3 months?
The PowerPro upgrade is sweet I must admit. However, the old school levers and dials work just fine for me!
Thanks,
Thom Schuck
Oregon

Good practice!

Those are the two conditions that MAY create a gotcha. You have them covered.

The machine will tell you if it struggles getting started(slow speed ramp up).

Reducing speed between saw on/off cycles is a carry over from yonder years when smaller motor and lower powered houses were prevalent.

I am disappointed thee did not get an answer at the demo.

The thing to avoid is too rapid speed adjusting with it running, and adjusting at all when it is NOT running.

Lastly Lubrication, Lubrication, Lubrication. That makes em run just about forever. Belt will wear however.

NO you don't have to turn the speed control down. It will not damage the machine. The important thing is that you check the speed control setting before attaching an SPT so as not to over spead the SPT. I have never turned the speed control down between repetitive cuts or operations with the same SPT.

Hi Thom,

What JPG and John said about the speed control is good advice. You must of had this question after I left. As Mike said he was there to sell not educate on tools already owned which is why, while I was there, he referred questions to me to answer in the background. It does sound kind of bad for him to say that but he has a lot of information to give and most people will only watch for a short time so I do understand why he has to say that.

I did check after I got home and I do not have any extra Mark V 500 5/8" Blade Arbors (555321). I do how ever have extra Mark V 500 1-1/4" Blade Arbors (505511) if you have any Shopsmith Saw Blades and need one. You may be able to find a used one cheaper than buying new but compare the total cost of both, arbor plus S & H, before deciding. Online auctions S & H is usually more than from SS. If looking online at used ones make sure the Arbor 555321 is shorter than the one you have so you do not end up with another 510/520/M7 Arbor (555118 or 555608). Many online sellers have trouble correctly identifying Arbors and I have seen Arbors listed for more than the price of a new one from SS.

There is nothing wrong with using the Arbor you have if your upper and lower blade guards have enough clearance. You just cannot move the carriage all the way against the bumper ring when setting up. Just position the blade in the center of the table slot and all should work fine.

Thom, it was nice meeting you in person yesterday.