Thermwood 40C Piggyback breaking down fast

[Ray Doubleday]

I have been having all sorts of trouble with the piggyback on the Thermwood this season. First the bearings went, then the shaft that the spindle rides on had to be rebuilt, now the PB Head failed to retract on command and was dragged across 80% of the table (Rapid move of course). I know that Thermwood doesn't support the PB anymore and wants me to upgrade ( about $6,000). I had the local hardware wizard look at it, hoping that he could restore it to life.We installed a new set of bearings but it still sounds noisy and I don't think the fix will stick.
I was hoping that someone might have an old, retired and mostly functional PB that i could get at reasonable price for parts, Or better yet some ideas on how to repair the PB.
In terms of an upgrade are there any alternatives to the addition of a Spindle with Variable Frequency Drive from Thermwood, or at least a way to manage the costs of an upgrade. I saw a machine that had a 5.5HP Colombo Spindle so it seems that there may be alternatives.
Thermwood support has been great I'm just trying to save a little money.
It seems that my machine suffers from the cold here in Maine and I have a lot of problems first thing in the morning. This occurred on the first run of the day.
Thanks
Ray Doubleday

[Ray Doubleday]

hi again
anyone have experience with installing a of a Spindle with Variable Frequency Drive ?
Thanks
Ray