New ShopSmith 530

[kalynzoo]

I really like the idea of an "undo" switch.
That said, a readout giving actual revolution speed.
An overlay table on the table saw and band saw. This would extend the tables on all 4 sides including slots.
The dust collector would be tied into the SS switch.
A Flashing Phone Light or Message Light would also be incorporated. Perhaps flashing white for a phone call and flashing amber or red when the wife is yelling for you from the garage door.
The coasters would be activated by a lever on the outside, instead of between the legs.
A cup holder for my favorite beverage.
How this all could be incorporated into the design without increasing the price of this lovely tool is total beyond me...but I will leave it up to the tooth fairy to figure that part out. Enjoy!

[Ed in Tampa]

I would love an depth gauge, easier to read tilt (hard to see with 520 upgrade) and a outfeed table that moves with the main table.

The depth gauge so I could get back to a previous setting I always forget to measure my last setup so I can repeat it.

The tilt scale is really hard for me to read since I put on the 520 upgrade and combined with bioptical glasses I do some interesting moves to read it.

The outfeed table that moves with main table is my biggest want. I hate having to adjust everything, going back and set my outfeed table, then finding I need a slight tweak and having to go back and readjust my outfeed table again.

On the infeed side I find that with me holding the wood I have more than enough support.

Also I would love to see a torsion spring lift assist. Like many garage door lifts where the spring is wrapped around the piviot to supply the lift. Then movement/space would not be lost to clamps and brackets.

If possible a variable speed motor rather than the mechanical pulley system. I think this would increase reliability even more.

An on/off switch that is placed where we could bump it off. Perhaps around knee or shin level.

As a wild wish an aux table at each end of the machine and a screw rod that runs down the way tubes so that when you raise or lower the main table gears at both ends also cause the aux tables that are sitting there to move up or down with the main table.
Ed

[friscomike]

A really nice feature would be an "UNDO" button. Or a "Scale to Fit" Function

Sandy

LOL, your comment did not go without notice...I am still chuckling. ~mike

[termite06]

simply a better miter guage, and make it more steady in the verticle position

[dusty]

While you are dreaming about what new/better features you want on your new Mark V 530 give some thought to how many hundreds of dollars extra you are willing to spend. Many complain about the cost of a 520 now.

[Ed in Tampa]

Dusty
Your absolutely right, most of our "GREAT IDEAS" would be cost prohibitive or at least make the cost of the machine too high for many of us to consider purchasing. However I see no harm is dreaming.

Also who knows it might light a fire in someone's inventive/creative spirit and they will cobble something together that we all can duplicate and benefit from.

One of the more distressing trends I have noticed in today's woodworking world and and even on this forum is the trend to purchase jigs/fixtures/tools that once was made by the individual craftsman and could easily be built by craftsman today.

I'm as guilty as the next on this account but then I see something like what you or some of the others have cobbled together (not meant to be derogatory in any way) and I say if they can build that I don't need to buy one I can build it too.

[brown_hawk]

Dusty
Your absolutely right, most of our "GREAT IDEAS" would be cost prohibitive or at least make the cost of the machine too high for many of us to consider purchasing. However I see no harm is dreaming.

Also who knows it might light a fire in someone's inventive/creative spirit and they will cobble something together that we all can duplicate and benefit from.

One of the more distressing trends I have noticed in today's woodworking world and and even on this forum is the trend to purchase jigs/fixtures/tools that once was made by the individual craftsman and could easily be built by craftsman today.

I'm as guilty as the next on this account but then I see something like what you or some of the others have cobbled together (not meant to be derogatory in any way) and I say if they can build that I don't need to buy one I can build it too.

No problem at all!!! We just dream it up for half the present price!!!:eek:

Don't forget that the craftsmen were full time professionals. Sometimes it makes more sense to buy the jig rather than spend the time making it. It's a cost/benefit thing.

As an example, I was looking at making my own lazy susans out of ply and swivel hardware. After looking, it just made more sense to by some good susans and spend the time else where. And since I got the hardware on sale, it was cheaper that way also.

On the other hand, I started this whole project by building the router stand and sharpening station. Good practice, and I'll be making more cabinets.

But I do a LOT more of "Can I build this instead of buy this?" type of thinking than I used to.

Hawk

PS Also helps if you're cheap.

[sandyj]

I have seen and used the following at a demo here in NZ.
I liked the smoothness and quietness of this unit.
Now if the headstock could be combined with the Shopsmith's versatility, I believe you would have a world beater.

http://www.teknatool.com/products/Lathe ... 20_DVR.htm

Any thoughts?

Regards Sandy

[chrispitude]

Neat motor Sandy!

On a different topic, I would like to see an improvement in the way the upper/lower 520 guard mounts to the arbor. Yes, there's a set screw on the bottom of the mounting collar, but there's nothing to stop the whole guard assembly from tilting and throwing the whole riving knife alignment out of whack. It took me a long time to get it just right, and honestly I'm dreading having to remove it to switch to drill press mode for my current project.

- Chris

[dusty]

Chris,

Put your mind at ease and pull the saw guard off and put it back on three or four times - checking riving knife alignment.

If you make certain that you snug the saw guard onto the arbor (all the way) and you seat the saw arbor fully and lock it tight (setscrew), you'll have good alignment.

I haven't changed that adjustment screw for the riving knife alignment more than a half dozen times in twenty years. It's a good thing too because that on-off on-off routine is a pita.