Shopsmith Forums

I would like to use my Shopsmith in an outdoor location this summer. It's a covered porch open on 3 sides, subject to the humid Minnesota summer but never actually rained on. When not in use it would be covered. Anybody use their SS in this way? Is this a recipe for rust problems?

My dad kept his SS in the crawlspace in his house in Jacksonville, Florida (very humid there too). No significant rust accumulated on it over the 20 years he had it. He did maintain it well including waxing it regularly.

Thanks Bill. I'll be sure to wax well. My woodworking drops way off when I'm away in the summer. So if I can't be in the shop I'll bring the shop along with me. One thing I'm looking forward to: turning green wood.

I used mine outdoors one summer in Indiana. I was rebuilding and residing my house. It got used most days during its time outdoors. No appreciable rust. I have a cast iron table on my bandsaw and that received a little surface rust which was easily cleaned up...All in all I don't think you have anything to worry about if you keep your eyes open.

Properly waxing all surfaces should avoid any rusting or oxidizing issues as long as you avoid any direct precipitation (rain or dew) from settling on the machine. As long as it's under an overhang or covered area, you should be fine.

I think I would have to start scrounging through used / scrap / cheap materials and make something like this as a first project...

http://www.shopsmithhandson.com/marapr/shed2.htm

Even brown or silver tarps or 1/4" OSB over a frame of furring strips as long as it was all well anchored.

For more ideas do a Google image search on:
motorcycle garage



.

If you do turn green wood clear off chips and debris from the metal surfaces when you are done. Leaving the wet wood behind is an invitation for rust. DAMHIKT!

I am one who is in the minority....I would not keep a shopsmith outside. Even in good weather, the morning dew will form, and it gets into every crevice that can't be waxed and protected.

Hi Brooks. I have official Shopsmith covers and there is a roof overhead, but 3 sides are open. Do you think the dew will still be an issue?

Thanks Terry for the advice to clean up right away after turning green wood. Done much of that?

I'm thinking spring and winter has just begun!

In the open air environment, I do not believe that dew is an issue if the equipment is under cover. However, in some parts of the country the air can be so moist that going indoors is the only way to keep from getting wet.

I have spent time in Mississippi (Biloxi), Louisiana (Shreveport) and on the coast in Texas (Corpus Christi). Just being under cover there would not be adequate.

On the flip side, here in Arizona, unless it rains you can leave it out in the yard and it won't corrode or rust. Keep an eye on the weather, however, because it will rain eventually.