Shopsmith Forums

I just bought a SS bandsaw. Should I just buy a new power coupler from the mother ship or do some searching? thanks!

Chasboy1 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 09, 2023 7:14 am I just bought a SS bandsaw. Should I just buy a new power coupler from the mother ship or do some searching? thanks!

I would but you could also try ebay or the Shopsmith site on FB. Wherever - buy one or two extra.

When I break one, I just order a couple of new ones from Shopsmith. It keeps my life simple.

Chasboy1,

There are several “New Design” Power Couplers available at online auction sites for connecting Special Purpose Tools (SPT’s) like the Bandsaw, Jointer, Belt Sander, etc. to the Shopsmith. Some say they are stronger than the original Shopsmith Coupler, but consider this, the Power Coupler is like a shear pin in the system connecting the tool to the power source. If a jam occurs during use the Shopsmith Coupler may break but your headstock could avoid being damaged. This is not a design flaw but an intentional safety feature. This may be more important for your 1954 Mark 5.

Shopsmith couplers also include a spring in the headstock end that does not allow leaving the coupler attached after the Special Purpose Tool is removed. This is to prevent possible injury from a coupler flying off when the machine is turned on.

A used Power Coupler, especially an older one, may break more easily because of its age or how it was stored. It is a case of buyer beware. I do have at least one of each of the Power Couplers made for the SPT's through the years but only use the current ones I have for actually powering SPT's.