Shopsmith Forums

Hello,
New to the forum. I've been shopping around for a used shopsmith and have found one but the owner calls it a shorty. Apparently he cut it in half and created a powerstand with it. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this and what is lost or gained by cutting one in half?

I've always been interested in a shopsmith but just haven't been able to part with my pocketbook for a new one.

Thanks for any info.

fishtails wrote:Hello,
New to the forum. I've been shopping around for a used shopsmith and have found one but the owner calls it a shorty. Apparently he cut it in half and created a powerstand with it. I'm wondering if anyone else has done this and what is lost or gained by cutting one in half?

I've always been interested in a shopsmith but just haven't been able to part with my pocketbook for a new one.

Thanks for any info.

There are minis, shortys, and a variety of others. Mini usually is the tubes cut approximately in half, whereas the shorty usually takes 18" off of each tube.

In 510/520 situation you really don't loose much except for lathe capacity for spindle turning, and some height capacity for drill press operations. If its a 500 then you are loosing out on some table saw capacity and horizontal boring capacity as well.

If you need a set of full size tubes email me and we can work something out.

Thanks for the reply. So based on the tubing you have I may be able to put it back to original size. That's good because from the pics it doesn't look like there is any room for the table saw setup. Still waiting to hear from the guy so I can go check it out. Any Jacksonville FL area folks on here?

fishtails wrote:Thanks for the reply. So based on the tubing you have I may be able to put it back to original size. That's good because from the pics it doesn't look like there is any room for the table saw setup. Still waiting to hear from the guy so I can go check it out. Any Jacksonville FL area folks on here?

If you are in Florida, Bill Mayo is in Plant City. He has lots of parts and could probably hook you up with a set of tubes.

Your understanding is correct - assuming all the parts are there, if its just the tubes that got shortened then full size replacement tubes will just work. However, if it was used as a pure "power station" type of setup and therefore didn't come with tables or whatnot then maybe its not the right deal.

If you are talking about this ad: http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/tls/2892512457.html

Then you will need more than just the tubes to get into a full shopsmith setup since it doesn't have the table, carriage, or anything else.

From looking at the ad, this doesn't look like the right deal for you. You will be better served by buying a unit that is a little more expensive but has more accessories included in the price. at $900 for the "everything" deal its no deal at all.

damagi wrote:If you are in Florida, Bill Mayo is in Plant City. He has lots of parts and could probably hook you up with a set of tubes.

Your understanding is correct - assuming all the parts are there, if its just the tubes that got shortened then full size replacement tubes will just work. However, if it was used as a pure "power station" type of setup and therefore didn't come with tables or whatnot then maybe its not the right deal.

If you are talking about this ad: http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/tls/2892512457.html

Then you will need more than just the tubes to get into a full shopsmith setup since it doesn't have the table, carriage, or anything else.

From looking at the ad, this doesn't look like the right deal for you. You will be better served by buying a unit that is a little more expensive but has more accessories included in the price. at $900 for the "everything" deal its no deal at all.

That is an odd lot indeed! I agree! Look for a more complete unit.

Thia ia a MINI Shopsmith is normally without a saw table and carriage. It is excellant replacement for a power stand used for several SPTs. I have been making a SHORTY (18" shorter tubes) with a 500 carriage and main table. This allows more combinations of SPT locations plus supports the saw function, dril press function and the sanding functions. I have been using the 3/4 HP motor on both of these machines, I find I can do any task with the the SHORTY that I can do with the regular length Shopsmith.

MINI an SHORTY Shopsmith can be build cheaper than than buying Power Stands and Power Stations. And the headstock, parts, belts, parts, etc. fits or can replace the regular Shipsmith itiems if needed.

The Jacksonville deal on Craigs List is OK. He does have a lot of different stuff. You (fishtails) will do OK with the fella who did the listing. He has bought 2 or 3 different SS and then changed his mind abot the direction he wants to go on woodworking tools. He has sold his full length stuff.

If you should buy one of his shorty set ups you will be fine. I live a mile or 2 away from him and can get you set up with a set of full length tubes.

Send me a private message and I can give you more details.

Thanks for all the replies. That is the exact ad I was looking at on Craigs List. There are a couple others there too. Unfortunately, some unexpected vehicle repairs have come up on both my truck and the wife's Yukon (ironically at the same time) to the tune of a couple grand so my SS purchase will have to be delayed a while. I'm certainly glad both have been paid off for a while. So meanwhile I'll have to make do with my old contractors saw and hand tools. I've thought about buying a new SS on credit, but I hate credit payments, plus I'm just getting back into woodworking so I can't justify a new one.....yet ;>)

Thanks again. I'll keep looking for now.

In the meantime, stay on the forum and read up on what to look for in a used SS. Please update your profile also so we know where you are located.