Najferi,
I had a similar problem with my 16.5 after only a few hours of use. I thought the gears in the motor were stripped, they're only plastic. While the machine was under warranty, it was too much trouble to return it.
After opening the machine up, I noticed the motor was a Dayton as supplied by WW Grainger. No model # was visable. I called VPI and spoke to harry's wife who gave the motor #. I ordered it from Grainger only to find that it was the wrong motor. It was the one used in the Typhoon. I decided to remove the motor and mounting plate from the 16.5. After doing so, I found the problem.
There are 2 set screws locking the table plate to the motor shaft. There is a flat ground on the motor shaft onto which one set screw must be tightened. The 2nd screw locks down on the round. Whoever fastened down both screws didn't make sure ONE was on the flat of the shaft. So much for the American manufacturing prosesses.
My machine now has plenty of table power and I have two spare VPI motors; anybody need one?
Ken