Shopsmith Forums

Hi folks, I am new to a shopsmith that I inherited from my dad, a Mark v I am now sure what I need to start wood turning like do I need a certain kind of chuck to go into the headstock?

justtim561 wrote:Hi folks, I am new to a shopsmith that I inherited from my dad, a Mark v I am now sure what I need to start wood turning like do I need a certain kind of chuck to go into the headstock?

You may be sorry you asked but here is a link to my journey into bowl turning.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=11954

justtim561 wrote:Hi folks, I am new to a shopsmith that I inherited from my dad, a Mark v I am now sure what I need to start wood turning like do I need a certain kind of chuck to go into the headstock?

To make a long story short - No.

Now for a bit longer explanation.

If you have the full compliment of lathe accessories that come with a Mark V you are all set to get started.

Full compliment =
Four pronged drive spur
Cup Center
(A and B) in this http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/l_lathecenters.htm

Tool rest holder and tool rest

Lathe center holder thing that mounts on the leg assembly opposite the headstock(I can't remember the names of it off hand)

and lathe chisels of course.

A face plate is good as well and I believe the Mark V came/comes with a 3" face plate.

Be forewarned turning is one of the more slippery slopes of wood working.

justtim561 wrote:Hi folks, I am new to a shopsmith that I inherited from my dad, a Mark v I am now sure what I need to start wood turning like do I need a certain kind of chuck to go into the headstock?

Tim,

Do you have any experience turning on another type of machine? If not, you might check for a local woodturning club to see if they have any classes or a mentorship program. Even a few hours of instruction will save a lot of frustration and help you figure out what, if anything, you might need to purchase (chuck, other gouges, etc.).

In my experience, the Shopsmith can do some types of turning fairly well, such as spindles/between centers. However, I really struggled with bowls/hollow forms when they were only held with the chuck due to getting a now and then harmonic-like vibration.

At a minimum, I'd recommend getting a live center rather than trying to use the dead center that came with the SS. You can find fairly inexpensive kits that have different end types, from a traditional pointy insert to cups; this will make holding spindle stock much nicer.

Roy

Here's where you can search for local woodturning clubs.

Mike

justtim561 wrote:Hi folks, I am new to a shopsmith that I inherited from my dad, a Mark v I am now sure what I need to start wood turning like do I need a certain kind of chuck to go into the headstock?

Ok where are you located ? Maybe we have someone close by that can help. A picture of what you do have would help as well. Good news is you came to the right place to get your questions answered.

Ok thank you all very much for the help! I live in Bloomfield Indiana area, yes pictures and videos help a lot so any you have is welcome!

I don't have much experience wood turning but I have done it before but wow it's been a long time will try to find a club

justtim561 wrote:Ok thank you all very much for the help! I live in Bloomerld Indiana area, yes pictures and videos help a lot so anotheu have is welcome!

Seems he was suggesting that you post a pic of what YOU have so we could help see if you have all you need. Plus we all like pics of other dudes/dudettes machines and shop setups!

Hey guys here is what I got when I got my Dad's Lathe, I am working on cleaning this stuff... Bare with me while I am not use to forums..but I'll get better, here are attachment pic's of what I have. Can you guys also tell me how I attach blade for the tablesaw or am I missing something?