David, I think you've figured it out. I hadn't thought of the 173 referring to day of the year, but that's likely correct. There is no sticker inside the base of my K45, so it will remain a mystery as to its age until more information shows up on line.
I think the original attachment hub covers were easily lost. They were simple round flat plates with teeth around the edge that snapped into place and were pried out. The new types are held in place by the tightening knob on the side of the hub, and just due to their size are a lot easier to keep track of. I keep a vintage knife sharpening attachment in place on my machine and after checking in all of the logical spots, can't find the plain hub cover plate for it now. I know it can't have gone far, and hope it will show up.
You're right about the "missing" planetary spring, but I thought that only the larger bowl-lift models had no spring. I bought my sister a refurbished 6-quart model from KA on line and immediately noticed the missing spring. I called and was told that the bigger models don't use a spring. If your Artisan is a tilt-head type, this is the first I've heard of KA doing away with springs on that design too. I agree that the spring helps to confirm that the paddle/whip/hook has been correctly installed, and it's good to know that a retrofit is possible.
I loaned Robert (our webmaster) my K5/K45 service manual and he has scanned and posted it in the library to be downloaded for a small fee. That may help you with your rebuild/refurbishing, but I suggest you hang onto the K45 until you're sure you like the Artisan.
I wouldn't bother with upgrading the speed control unless it's presenting problems, and besides, a new SS control wouldn't have the vintage round knob on the sliding lever like the original does, resulting in a mismatch with the locking lever.
Ralph
I think the original attachment hub covers were easily lost. They were simple round flat plates with teeth around the edge that snapped into place and were pried out. The new types are held in place by the tightening knob on the side of the hub, and just due to their size are a lot easier to keep track of. I keep a vintage knife sharpening attachment in place on my machine and after checking in all of the logical spots, can't find the plain hub cover plate for it now. I know it can't have gone far, and hope it will show up.
You're right about the "missing" planetary spring, but I thought that only the larger bowl-lift models had no spring. I bought my sister a refurbished 6-quart model from KA on line and immediately noticed the missing spring. I called and was told that the bigger models don't use a spring. If your Artisan is a tilt-head type, this is the first I've heard of KA doing away with springs on that design too. I agree that the spring helps to confirm that the paddle/whip/hook has been correctly installed, and it's good to know that a retrofit is possible.
I loaned Robert (our webmaster) my K5/K45 service manual and he has scanned and posted it in the library to be downloaded for a small fee. That may help you with your rebuild/refurbishing, but I suggest you hang onto the K45 until you're sure you like the Artisan.
I wouldn't bother with upgrading the speed control unless it's presenting problems, and besides, a new SS control wouldn't have the vintage round knob on the sliding lever like the original does, resulting in a mismatch with the locking lever.
Ralph
