beginner/new owner

[bknurs32]

Hello all. I have a greenie 1957 that I received as a gift from my father-in-law. I am not sure that he ever used it and I have absolutely no idea where to start other than replacing the power switch which is currently hanging loosely off the side of the headstock. I am not familiar with the shopsmith but I am eager to learn what I will be able to do with it. I have looked over the website and flipped thru the manual that came with it. I know it has a band saw but haven't gone thru everything else. How would i know whether or not to consider refurbishing the machine before using or not? It seems to be in great shape. maybe a little surface rust on the bottom tubes but overall looks good.

One big question I have is ideally how much room will i need around the shopsmith where I set it up? I have a double garage at my disposal but I have other tools and I also share the garage with my husband and our son. So multiple tool boxes and tools to work around. I would like to make a dedicated place for the shopsmith.

I have a fair basic knowledge of woodworking and have several other tools that I currently use but the shopsmith is a little intimidating to me right now. I want to learn to put the shopsmith to use no since in it just sitting here.

Any suggestions on where to start would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Belynda

[ExtraMile]

One big question I have is ideally how much room will i need around the shopsmith where I set it up? I have a double garage at my disposal but I have other tools and I also share the garage with my husband and our son. So multiple tool boxes and tools to work around. I would like to make a dedicated place for the shopsmith.

I have a fair basic knowledge of woodworking and have several other tools that I currently use but the shopsmith is a little intimidating to me right now. I want to learn to put the shopsmith to use no since in it just sitting here.

Any suggestions on where to start would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Belynda

Place the shopsmith in a central location of the garage. You will thank yourself, once you begin using it, to its full potential. You will need, at the very least, an average ceiling height, in order to get it "drill press" mode (if your model has this option)

A central location, has many benefits. Such as, but not limited to: cutting longer stock. Make sure that you can easily walk around it, on all sides.
The table saw, is the key to any, wood shop, then all other functions, blend in around it.

Once you use your shopsmith, you will wonder, "just how did I ever do without, such a wonderful machine"

Good luck and "the all of us" eagerly await to see your projects come to life!

[RodJ]

I am new to the shopsmith, too, so probably not the best person to provide advice. I've got a crowded garage like you. If your greenie doesn't have the rolling caster set, then by all means, invest in that. Before I got my SS, I had separate machines for jointing, planing, bandsaw, drill press, table saw, etc. All of them on wheels so I could pull them out to the drive way. However, none of those tools moved as easily as the Shopsmith does on it's wheels. Truly awesome as long as you have a reasonably flat floor.

Also, with all those tools gone, I have a lot more space, and with the wheel/casters it's easy to move the SS out of the way and pull it out when needed. Changing operations on the SS takes LESS time than it did for me to haul all the individual machines out especially with the lack of room.

Take the tool one operation at a time and the intimidation factor will quickly go away. Congrats and glad to see someone appreciating a "family heirloom".

[roy_okc]

Any suggestions on where to start would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Belynda

Belynda,

Welcome to the group.

Rule #1: never turn the speed dial when the power is off (or at least be manually turning the spindle and very slowly turn the dial). Damage can easily occur and at the very least you can jam the belt.

There are a variety of "Sawdust Sessions" videos that Shopsmith produced, http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm. These may help you understand maintenance, repairs/replacements, how to use, etc.

Where you place the machine will depend on what you do with it and whether it has the wheels on it (most, but not all, do). As I primarily use mine for bandsawing, disc sanding, belt sanding, lathe work (before I got a dedicated lathe), I keep mine against a wall and rarely move it away, but it is easy to relocate when needed due to the wheels.

[bknurs32]

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like I will be relocating several things in the days to come. I am sure I will have to tweak somethings after using it for a while.

[bknurs32]

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. I do have limited space right now but hopefully the SS will help put some other things out of the way. I am really excited to get it setup and running. I have all these plans running thru my head and if the SS saves me time then I should be able to complete more projects. Yay!!!!

[bknurs32]

I am not sure that I have wheels. If so they aren't attached right now. It was sent in multiple boxes and a small tool box with other parts. I will need to look for those to move it around the garage. I did get a binder with what seems to be a photocopy of a manual as well as some other info.

I have never used a lathe. I am looking forward to trying that out as one of my first things. Still don't know if I even have all of the original parts that would have come with it.

This is going to be a learning curve for me. I think I may watch the videos you suggested before I attempt anything beyond moving it around.

thanks so much for the info.

[reible]

Welcome to the forum. This is as good a place to start as any (and being modest) better then most.

One option is to let us know where you are located(profile update). If you happen to be near one of our members and that member is willing to do a little one on one time, this will help get you jump started.

I have a very crowded garage that makes me wonder why I even try to do anything in........ but with the shopsmith on the caster set I can, weather permitting wheel the machine out on the driveway and have at it.

I'd say your of first need to assess the condition of the machine. Having the power switch out might lead to finding other problems and not be the obvious, ie the switch. Since it likely been sitting for a while it should be at a minimum lubed and waxed. That will also help familiarize you with how the machine functions and those steps to take to keep it in good working condition.

If a previous owner has taken it apart it is also possible that it will take more then a few minutes to get it running again but the time will be well worth spending as you will end up with a highly functional piece of woodworking gear.

We also like pictures so if you can get a few of the machine and switch and other parts that might need identification please post them here and someone will certainly be able to help you.

Ed

[wa2crk]

If you do have to buy the casters BUY THE NEW BIGGER ONES !!! They are far superior to the older ones.
Also do not flip through the manual but read it carefully. It will pay off in the long run
Bill V

[bknurs32]

Thanks, Yes I will make myself READ the manual.. I am not going to turn it on anytime soon.

I know that it does run my son and brother in law turned it on right after we got it here. It traveled from Michigan to Tennessee.

Not so sure what the issue was with the power switch but the hubby ordered a new one.