Shopsmith Forums

My husband and I are both in the Army and recently purchased a SS from a newspaper ad. We are stationed at Ft Hood, Texas and would like to start woodworking as a hobby we can do together. How can I find help getting training on our markV?

Here is a place to start. There are different vintages(the book) out there.

http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/welcome.htm

A word of caution, NEVER adjust the speed control dial unless the motor is running, or you are manually rotating the output shaft.

Word 2: gain knowledge of the hazardous areas and operations ASAP!

More online 'info'!

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

Welcome to the Forum! Do not be bashful! Ask questions!:)

Welcome to the Forum, neighbor!
The Sawdust Sessions mentioned in the previous post is a "MK V University". If you take the time to watch all of them you will pick up a ton of knowledge regarding the SS machine and it's many uses. You might want to check out the Shopsmith web site HERE where you can find the accessory catalog and the service and repair parts catalog. Along with all of that the guys on this forum are all "chomping at the bit" to answer any or all of your questions.
Again, Welcome and remember, in woodworking, or anything else... If it don't feel safe it probably isn't.

Hi and welcome,
If you do not have a copy of the Shopsmith woodworking course try to get one. I don't call it a woodworking course but a SS familiarization course. The projects take you through a progression of steps and different cuts to help you in setting up the machine in the different modes. You will also learn the proper names for all the "thingies" so that when you have questions (and you will) it makes communications easier.
Good Luck
Bill V

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your decision to buy a SS. I think you will find an incredible wealth of information amoung the members here. The Saw Dust sessions by Nick are also excellent sources of information.
Most importantly though I would mention that there is really nothing unique to using the various functions of the SS. The real difference in working with the SS is planning your work to minimize change over between functions.

Bob

Don't forget the arts and crafts center on your installation. I've found the guys that work their to be a wealth of general knowledge. Perhaps not SS specific but good knowledge.

Thanks for serving and welcome to the forum.

It's a great tool for hobbyists as it has a small footprint yet is precise and powerful. I have found the Woodcraft Store a good resource for instruction and materials. I believe there is one in Austin. It is worth checking them out. They don't sell Shopsmith, and I have found the extremely talented wood turner who helped me talked down the Shopsmith, but he also never used one, but he helped me adjust my skills.
Start simple so you can get used to changing and locking each of the functions. Forgetting to lock a lever can be dangerous, and is most embarrassing after you make all the measurements and then find the table moved just a bit when you finally cut.
Important advise was given previously...do not change the speed dial unless the motor is operating.
Enjoy a great tool. I have asked many questions on this site and received a wealth of great information.
Thank you for your service to our country.

Hi Guys,

Like you I am new to ShopSmith. I picked up a used one and have had a blast cleaning it up and am now using it. Watch the Sawdust videos to learn how to do the cleaning, adjusting and lubing. Also, I purchased the self study course and it has been wonderful. (I am only just beginning to learn how to use the machine, but each time I turn it on, I learn something new!) For each chapter in the course I try to think about a simple project to complete as part of my "final exam". So after the first chapter I built some simple shelves for my shop. I am now learning how to cut angles and bevels and I found a set of plans for blue bird houses for $2 on eBay. So for each chapter I study and practice the lessons with scrap wood, and then try to complete a project applying the skills I learned. Some day, I will make furniture!

I am out in the boondocks so this forum is my "go to source" for questions. Yes, it is a bit embarrassing to ask some simple questions from the masters, but I am gradually getting over it because they are all very, very helpful and supportive.

Welcome and have fun!

Welcome. Enjoy you new SS. There is alot of help here on the Forum.