Tooling

[Tar Devil]

I just inherited a ShopSmith from my Dad (he didn't die... he's just got tired of walking around the thing was in a very generous mood... well, he's always been generous!).

He raves about this piece of machinery, but looking around the house at all the wood working projects he never did, I wonder if he's speaking from experience or reputation. Any of you folks own/use this? Is it a true quality "all-in-one do-everything" machine? Any recommendations for changes/additions/deletions? Sell it and buy something better?

Good timing here, as I'll be placing a wood order when my wife completes her final (hopefully!) breast cancer surgery on July 24.

Thanks, as always, for your thorough, generous, insightful advice!!

Later

Phil

[Tar Devil]

I just inherited a ShopSmith from my Dad (he didn't die... he's just got tired of walking around the thing was in a very generous mood... well, he's always been generous!).

He raves about this piece of machinery, but looking around the house at all the wood working projects he never did, I wonder if he's speaking from experience or reputation. Any of you folks own/use this? Is it a true quality "all-in-one do-everything" machine? Any recommendations for changes/additions/deletions? Sell it and buy something better?

Good timing here, as I'll be placing a wood order when my wife completes her final (hopefully!) breast cancer surgery on July 24.

Thanks, as always, for your thorough, generous, insightful advice!!

Later

Phil

[Tar Devil]

I just inherited a ShopSmith from my Dad (he didn't die... he's just got tired of walking around the thing was in a very generous mood... well, he's always been generous!).

He raves about this piece of machinery, but looking around the house at all the wood working projects he never did, I wonder if he's speaking from experience or reputation. Any of you folks own/use this? Is it a true quality "all-in-one do-everything" machine? Any recommendations for changes/additions/deletions? Sell it and buy something better?

Good timing here, as I'll be placing a wood order when my wife completes her final (hopefully!) breast cancer surgery on July 24.

Thanks, as always, for your thorough, generous, insightful advice!!

Later

Phil

[Pelican]

Morning Phillip,
My ex has one and loves it, BUT, she is a piddler in wood work. My thought would be it is probably a good tool if you have very limited space. Personally, I would rather have different tools set up so that I don't have to change back and forth while working. This, however, requires a much larger working area. smile.gif

[Pelican]

Morning Phillip,
My ex has one and loves it, BUT, she is a piddler in wood work. My thought would be it is probably a good tool if you have very limited space. Personally, I would rather have different tools set up so that I don't have to change back and forth while working. This, however, requires a much larger working area. smile.gif

[Pelican]

Morning Phillip,
My ex has one and loves it, BUT, she is a piddler in wood work. My thought would be it is probably a good tool if you have very limited space. Personally, I would rather have different tools set up so that I don't have to change back and forth while working. This, however, requires a much larger working area. smile.gif

[Tar Devil]

In that case, it may just fit the bill for me. I don't have a shop yet, just using the family two-car garage for everything. I think I agree... ultimately I'd like to have separate tooling for everything for the same reason as you. Perhaps someday...

Thanks, Pelican!

Phil

[Tar Devil]

In that case, it may just fit the bill for me. I don't have a shop yet, just using the family two-car garage for everything. I think I agree... ultimately I'd like to have separate tooling for everything for the same reason as you. Perhaps someday...

Thanks, Pelican!

Phil

[Tar Devil]

In that case, it may just fit the bill for me. I don't have a shop yet, just using the family two-car garage for everything. I think I agree... ultimately I'd like to have separate tooling for everything for the same reason as you. Perhaps someday...

Thanks, Pelican!

Phil

[NormMessinger]

I used to want one in the worst way. It wouldn't be much in a productions shop. Too much time setting up. But for a casual user with limited space it aught to be great. Plan you work so you don't have to switch back and forth from one set up to another.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

I used to want one in the worst way. It wouldn't be much in a productions shop. Too much time setting up. But for a casual user with limited space it aught to be great. Plan you work so you don't have to switch back and forth from one set up to another.

--Norm

[NormMessinger]

I used to want one in the worst way. It wouldn't be much in a productions shop. Too much time setting up. But for a casual user with limited space it aught to be great. Plan you work so you don't have to switch back and forth from one set up to another.

--Norm

[flyon]

The shopsmith is really cool for special set ups. Deep drilling, turning ect. But I would not but a new one I got mine for 200 buck from the penny saver.

Fred

[flyon]

The shopsmith is really cool for special set ups. Deep drilling, turning ect. But I would not but a new one I got mine for 200 buck from the penny saver.

Fred

[flyon]

The shopsmith is really cool for special set ups. Deep drilling, turning ect. But I would not but a new one I got mine for 200 buck from the penny saver.

Fred

[Ed Harrow]

Given its limitations, not a bad tool. Biggest complaint I had was that the table, rather than the blade, tilts. Not too much of a problem working with small stuff, but given the size of the table, you are sort of limited to small stuff anyway.

In any case, is a good deal for free. Do you have any of the lathe fixins, or the bandsaw?

Now it so happens that I know where there is one gathering dust, but it needs a belt, so one of these days I guess I'll have to chase that down and decide if I have any real use for a lathe.

Have fun.

[Ed Harrow]

Given its limitations, not a bad tool. Biggest complaint I had was that the table, rather than the blade, tilts. Not too much of a problem working with small stuff, but given the size of the table, you are sort of limited to small stuff anyway.

In any case, is a good deal for free. Do you have any of the lathe fixins, or the bandsaw?

Now it so happens that I know where there is one gathering dust, but it needs a belt, so one of these days I guess I'll have to chase that down and decide if I have any real use for a lathe.

Have fun.

[Ed Harrow]

Given its limitations, not a bad tool. Biggest complaint I had was that the table, rather than the blade, tilts. Not too much of a problem working with small stuff, but given the size of the table, you are sort of limited to small stuff anyway.

In any case, is a good deal for free. Do you have any of the lathe fixins, or the bandsaw?

Now it so happens that I know where there is one gathering dust, but it needs a belt, so one of these days I guess I'll have to chase that down and decide if I have any real use for a lathe.

Have fun.

[Frank Wentzel]

The Shopsmith is generally a light-duty tool, fine for picture frames (or hatch covers) but not heavy jobs. It has many disadvantages that offset its qualities.
- The table is rather small for a 10" table
saw.
- The table tilts for bevel cuts. That is ok
for small jobs but impossible with long or
heavy stock.
- The drill press table deflects under heavy
loads (they sell an adjustable "leg" to
offset this problem).
- Attachments (many of which are sold to
compensate for it's shortcommings)are very
expensive.

That said, the Shopsmith does do a lot in a small space. The horizontal boring feature is all but unique. The 12 inch sander is great. The power output, is good. The ability to match the tool speed to the job is often valuable. As a lathe it is a lot of fun. All told, if I had to buy one new I would get the individual tools instead. But if you can get a second-hand one for a few hundred its probably worthwhile. Since you got it free you are way ahead. After you use it for a while you will probably want to buy a real table saw but it will be adequate for its other functions.

/// Frank ///

[ 07-09-2002, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Frank Wentzel]

The Shopsmith is generally a light-duty tool, fine for picture frames (or hatch covers) but not heavy jobs. It has many disadvantages that offset its qualities.
- The table is rather small for a 10" table
saw.
- The table tilts for bevel cuts. That is ok
for small jobs but impossible with long or
heavy stock.
- The drill press table deflects under heavy
loads (they sell an adjustable "leg" to
offset this problem).
- Attachments (many of which are sold to
compensate for it's shortcommings)are very
expensive.

That said, the Shopsmith does do a lot in a small space. The horizontal boring feature is all but unique. The 12 inch sander is great. The power output, is good. The ability to match the tool speed to the job is often valuable. As a lathe it is a lot of fun. All told, if I had to buy one new I would get the individual tools instead. But if you can get a second-hand one for a few hundred its probably worthwhile. Since you got it free you are way ahead. After you use it for a while you will probably want to buy a real table saw but it will be adequate for its other functions.

/// Frank ///

[ 07-09-2002, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Frank Wentzel]

The Shopsmith is generally a light-duty tool, fine for picture frames (or hatch covers) but not heavy jobs. It has many disadvantages that offset its qualities.
- The table is rather small for a 10" table
saw.
- The table tilts for bevel cuts. That is ok
for small jobs but impossible with long or
heavy stock.
- The drill press table deflects under heavy
loads (they sell an adjustable "leg" to
offset this problem).
- Attachments (many of which are sold to
compensate for it's shortcommings)are very
expensive.

That said, the Shopsmith does do a lot in a small space. The horizontal boring feature is all but unique. The 12 inch sander is great. The power output, is good. The ability to match the tool speed to the job is often valuable. As a lathe it is a lot of fun. All told, if I had to buy one new I would get the individual tools instead. But if you can get a second-hand one for a few hundred its probably worthwhile. Since you got it free you are way ahead. After you use it for a while you will probably want to buy a real table saw but it will be adequate for its other functions.

/// Frank ///

[ 07-09-2002, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Frank Wentzel ]

[Tar Devil]

Doesn't sound like it will be much help cutting plywood panels for a 20' boat, but it's a freebie, so I will certainly make the best use I can.

The lathe parts and bandsaw comes with it, Ed. Dad said it had quite a few extra pieces of equipment. I haven't looked at it yet, but for the price, that horse will keep it's mouth shut.

Thanks again!!

Phil

[Tar Devil]

Doesn't sound like it will be much help cutting plywood panels for a 20' boat, but it's a freebie, so I will certainly make the best use I can.

The lathe parts and bandsaw comes with it, Ed. Dad said it had quite a few extra pieces of equipment. I haven't looked at it yet, but for the price, that horse will keep it's mouth shut.

Thanks again!!

Phil

[Tar Devil]

Doesn't sound like it will be much help cutting plywood panels for a 20' boat, but it's a freebie, so I will certainly make the best use I can.

The lathe parts and bandsaw comes with it, Ed. Dad said it had quite a few extra pieces of equipment. I haven't looked at it yet, but for the price, that horse will keep it's mouth shut.

Thanks again!!

Phil

[Pelican]

By the way, Phillip, I wish you and your wife the best with her surgery.
Lost a son to lymphoma April last year. I know it is a hard thing to deal with. May God be with her in the operating room.

[Pelican]

By the way, Phillip, I wish you and your wife the best with her surgery.
Lost a son to lymphoma April last year. I know it is a hard thing to deal with. May God be with her in the operating room.

[Pelican]

By the way, Phillip, I wish you and your wife the best with her surgery.
Lost a son to lymphoma April last year. I know it is a hard thing to deal with. May God be with her in the operating room.

[Paul Scheuer]

Never owned a Shop-Smith, but my father in law always said that's what I should get, (he didn't have one either). I tried one out in lathe mode as my first experience in turning. I was impressed, but the changeover aspects bothered me. If one came along free, as a first tool, I'd probably take it and figure out which changes were the most troublesome, and expand the shop accordingly.

[Paul Scheuer]

Never owned a Shop-Smith, but my father in law always said that's what I should get, (he didn't have one either). I tried one out in lathe mode as my first experience in turning. I was impressed, but the changeover aspects bothered me. If one came along free, as a first tool, I'd probably take it and figure out which changes were the most troublesome, and expand the shop accordingly.

[Paul Scheuer]

Never owned a Shop-Smith, but my father in law always said that's what I should get, (he didn't have one either). I tried one out in lathe mode as my first experience in turning. I was impressed, but the changeover aspects bothered me. If one came along free, as a first tool, I'd probably take it and figure out which changes were the most troublesome, and expand the shop accordingly.

[Tar Devil]

Pelican,

Being a newbie, I didn't know about your son. I just can't imagine...
I'm sure it's a matter you deal with daily, and I also offer you my thoughts and prayers.

I was on the phone with my wife back in NC last night, listening to her tell me all she had to do in preparation for her surgery... and me in Pennsylvania unable to help her... and when I expressed my apologies for what she was dealing with alone, she simply said... "There are many out there that deserve your concern and prayers more than I." Those of you who have lost loved ones to that horrid disease are counted among them.

Her prognosis is good, for which I am thankful beyond words, because I now adore her many times more than the day we wed.

Thank you for your words of concern, Pelican. When I tell her of your encouragement, I will also tell her of your son... she is one of God's most ardent prayer warriors and she will also offer your family up daily.

Best Regards

Phil

[Tar Devil]

Pelican,

Being a newbie, I didn't know about your son. I just can't imagine...
I'm sure it's a matter you deal with daily, and I also offer you my thoughts and prayers.

I was on the phone with my wife back in NC last night, listening to her tell me all she had to do in preparation for her surgery... and me in Pennsylvania unable to help her... and when I expressed my apologies for what she was dealing with alone, she simply said... "There are many out there that deserve your concern and prayers more than I." Those of you who have lost loved ones to that horrid disease are counted among them.

Her prognosis is good, for which I am thankful beyond words, because I now adore her many times more than the day we wed.

Thank you for your words of concern, Pelican. When I tell her of your encouragement, I will also tell her of your son... she is one of God's most ardent prayer warriors and she will also offer your family up daily.

Best Regards

Phil

[Tar Devil]

Pelican,

Being a newbie, I didn't know about your son. I just can't imagine...
I'm sure it's a matter you deal with daily, and I also offer you my thoughts and prayers.

I was on the phone with my wife back in NC last night, listening to her tell me all she had to do in preparation for her surgery... and me in Pennsylvania unable to help her... and when I expressed my apologies for what she was dealing with alone, she simply said... "There are many out there that deserve your concern and prayers more than I." Those of you who have lost loved ones to that horrid disease are counted among them.

Her prognosis is good, for which I am thankful beyond words, because I now adore her many times more than the day we wed.

Thank you for your words of concern, Pelican. When I tell her of your encouragement, I will also tell her of your son... she is one of God's most ardent prayer warriors and she will also offer your family up daily.

Best Regards

Phil

[Tim B]

Philip and Pelican, my prayers also go with you both.

[Tim B]

Philip and Pelican, my prayers also go with you both.

[Tim B]

Philip and Pelican, my prayers also go with you both.

[Cecil Nickerson]

I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer, a navy guy who crewed on destroyers during WWII and ended up on the HCMS Ottawa when it steamed for Hong Kong in order to repatriate the colony from the Japanese. A tough loss. To Phillip and Pelican, what everyone else said and more of the same from Margo and myself.

Cecil

[Cecil Nickerson]

I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer, a navy guy who crewed on destroyers during WWII and ended up on the HCMS Ottawa when it steamed for Hong Kong in order to repatriate the colony from the Japanese. A tough loss. To Phillip and Pelican, what everyone else said and more of the same from Margo and myself.

Cecil

[Cecil Nickerson]

I lost my uncle to pancreatic cancer, a navy guy who crewed on destroyers during WWII and ended up on the HCMS Ottawa when it steamed for Hong Kong in order to repatriate the colony from the Japanese. A tough loss. To Phillip and Pelican, what everyone else said and more of the same from Margo and myself.

Cecil

[On Vacation]

Phil, if you desire, feel free to converse with all during the next few weeks of your trying times. On another note, those machines are way too much hassle. A nice donation of this awkward piece of metal is allowed here, you know. ;) Keep in mind shipping a lot though so check around close to your homeland for a quick removal of this scrap piece from your house. By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.

[On Vacation]

Phil, if you desire, feel free to converse with all during the next few weeks of your trying times. On another note, those machines are way too much hassle. A nice donation of this awkward piece of metal is allowed here, you know. ;) Keep in mind shipping a lot though so check around close to your homeland for a quick removal of this scrap piece from your house. By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.

[On Vacation]

Phil, if you desire, feel free to converse with all during the next few weeks of your trying times. On another note, those machines are way too much hassle. A nice donation of this awkward piece of metal is allowed here, you know. ;) Keep in mind shipping a lot though so check around close to your homeland for a quick removal of this scrap piece from your house. By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.

[Tar Devil]

By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.
Same time I'll be on your side of the state. Leaving tomorrow for the coast... boat staying behind, though (sniff, sniff). Full week of daughter's dance competition, squeezing in come time on the beach in between. I'll wave at ya when you go by!! Then back home for the surgery.

Thanks, all, for your comments, concerns and prayers. As my wife states so frequently, we're the lucky ones... there are many of you out there that are dealing with the dire, terminal consequences of cancer, and for those I continually offer my thoughts and prayers. My sister wasn't so lucky... she lost her husband to Multiple Myeloma 3 years ago, leaving her with a teenager and two young twins to care for. It drives me mad sometimes trying to understand why some are blessed with successful battles against cancer and others are not. So, I just accept that I will not, in this life, ever understand.

Cheryl's got prospects for a good future, and we're thankful for all the goodness folks have shown us during her ordeal. I have passed your comments to her, and her gratitude exceeds words.

My highest regards,

Phil

[Tar Devil]

By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.
Same time I'll be on your side of the state. Leaving tomorrow for the coast... boat staying behind, though (sniff, sniff). Full week of daughter's dance competition, squeezing in come time on the beach in between. I'll wave at ya when you go by!! Then back home for the surgery.

Thanks, all, for your comments, concerns and prayers. As my wife states so frequently, we're the lucky ones... there are many of you out there that are dealing with the dire, terminal consequences of cancer, and for those I continually offer my thoughts and prayers. My sister wasn't so lucky... she lost her husband to Multiple Myeloma 3 years ago, leaving her with a teenager and two young twins to care for. It drives me mad sometimes trying to understand why some are blessed with successful battles against cancer and others are not. So, I just accept that I will not, in this life, ever understand.

Cheryl's got prospects for a good future, and we're thankful for all the goodness folks have shown us during her ordeal. I have passed your comments to her, and her gratitude exceeds words.

My highest regards,

Phil

[Tar Devil]

By the way I will coming through your area next weekend.
Same time I'll be on your side of the state. Leaving tomorrow for the coast... boat staying behind, though (sniff, sniff). Full week of daughter's dance competition, squeezing in come time on the beach in between. I'll wave at ya when you go by!! Then back home for the surgery.

Thanks, all, for your comments, concerns and prayers. As my wife states so frequently, we're the lucky ones... there are many of you out there that are dealing with the dire, terminal consequences of cancer, and for those I continually offer my thoughts and prayers. My sister wasn't so lucky... she lost her husband to Multiple Myeloma 3 years ago, leaving her with a teenager and two young twins to care for. It drives me mad sometimes trying to understand why some are blessed with successful battles against cancer and others are not. So, I just accept that I will not, in this life, ever understand.

Cheryl's got prospects for a good future, and we're thankful for all the goodness folks have shown us during her ordeal. I have passed your comments to her, and her gratitude exceeds words.

My highest regards,

Phil

[htom]

She gets prayers even if she doesn't "deserve" them.

Phillip, my grandfather had a ShopSmith and did some beautiful work with it (a different grandson got it.) You will spend lots more time doing setups, and you'll curse that tilting table. Eventually you may find that it's been pushed into the corner as other "more efficient" tools crowd it aside.

[htom]

She gets prayers even if she doesn't "deserve" them.

Phillip, my grandfather had a ShopSmith and did some beautiful work with it (a different grandson got it.) You will spend lots more time doing setups, and you'll curse that tilting table. Eventually you may find that it's been pushed into the corner as other "more efficient" tools crowd it aside.

[htom]

She gets prayers even if she doesn't "deserve" them.

Phillip, my grandfather had a ShopSmith and did some beautiful work with it (a different grandson got it.) You will spend lots more time doing setups, and you'll curse that tilting table. Eventually you may find that it's been pushed into the corner as other "more efficient" tools crowd it aside.

[Bayboat]

I've had a Shopsmith Mark V for forty-five years, and among other things (mostly furniture) I have used it to build several small boats. It does everything advertised, but it's strictly light to medium duty. The saw table is virtually useless except for small stuff. But larger pieces can be cut with a skilsaw or saber saw. The best features are the 12-inch disc sander and horizonal drilling. Over the years I have acquired separate machines for everything the Shopsmith does, except horizonal drilling. So nowadays it is seldom used. But it's an ideal answer for those who have very limited space and budget. The advice to buy a used one is good--the modern new prices are high.

[Bayboat]

I've had a Shopsmith Mark V for forty-five years, and among other things (mostly furniture) I have used it to build several small boats. It does everything advertised, but it's strictly light to medium duty. The saw table is virtually useless except for small stuff. But larger pieces can be cut with a skilsaw or saber saw. The best features are the 12-inch disc sander and horizonal drilling. Over the years I have acquired separate machines for everything the Shopsmith does, except horizonal drilling. So nowadays it is seldom used. But it's an ideal answer for those who have very limited space and budget. The advice to buy a used one is good--the modern new prices are high.

[Bayboat]

I've had a Shopsmith Mark V for forty-five years, and among other things (mostly furniture) I have used it to build several small boats. It does everything advertised, but it's strictly light to medium duty. The saw table is virtually useless except for small stuff. But larger pieces can be cut with a skilsaw or saber saw. The best features are the 12-inch disc sander and horizonal drilling. Over the years I have acquired separate machines for everything the Shopsmith does, except horizonal drilling. So nowadays it is seldom used. But it's an ideal answer for those who have very limited space and budget. The advice to buy a used one is good--the modern new prices are high.

[Tar Devil]

My price is hard to beat... free!

Later,

Phil

[Tar Devil]

My price is hard to beat... free!

Later,

Phil

[Tar Devil]

My price is hard to beat... free!

Later,

Phil

[Charlie J]

Phillip- failing a shop, the easiest way to cut large plywood panels is to just toss them onto some tall lawn grass and use a saw guide and a circular saw. Evenly supports the panel, you can walk on the panels while you work and you won't even be able to see where you cut in the grass. Of course, set the draw so it just comes out the bottom of the ply so the blade doesn't dig dirt.

You can even easily cut curves in the panels also.

[Charlie J]

Phillip- failing a shop, the easiest way to cut large plywood panels is to just toss them onto some tall lawn grass and use a saw guide and a circular saw. Evenly supports the panel, you can walk on the panels while you work and you won't even be able to see where you cut in the grass. Of course, set the draw so it just comes out the bottom of the ply so the blade doesn't dig dirt.

You can even easily cut curves in the panels also.

[Charlie J]

Phillip- failing a shop, the easiest way to cut large plywood panels is to just toss them onto some tall lawn grass and use a saw guide and a circular saw. Evenly supports the panel, you can walk on the panels while you work and you won't even be able to see where you cut in the grass. Of course, set the draw so it just comes out the bottom of the ply so the blade doesn't dig dirt.

You can even easily cut curves in the panels also.