Shopsmith Hollow-Chisel Mortising Package

[sreilly24590]

After having read the reviews about this package I have to wonder if Shopsmith looked and made any changes to their bits? Seem 2009 reviews were really good but then 2013 not so much. Bits seemed to be less than effective. I'm guessing you can get other bits that will work better but I don't know. This is a type of joinery that is something I would very much like to explore but I don't want to lessen my chances of getting it done right if this is going to cause trouble. Suggestions? Anyone buy one of these recently and have a more current review?

Thanks,

Steve

[Hobbyman2]

I don't have the SS bit set , my'n is a china brand , had to have a bushing made at the machine shop , cant help ya on that part , however the SS tenon jig is a asset to have .

[JPG]

The chisels from the 'factory' are not sharpened sufficiently to produce good (easy) results. I think much of the negative 'press' is due to not realizing that.

So be sure to get the sharpening stones.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/item ... tem=521902

[reible]

I got my set way back when so I can not speak to the newer sets.

As JPG mentioned they need to be sharpened and that is both on the outside and the cutting edge. From the factory they are not honed and that is one of your first tasks.

Second, and this was something I found on my 500 was that the table was moving due to the pressure. I ended up making a 2 x 4" with a notch that fit the outside rim on the table then lowering the table on it. The 2 x 4 to the floor made it stable. Shopsmith sells a leg for that purpose. If you don't do this it not likely you will be happy with how it works. Keep in mind the 510/520 allow for tubes and legs so set them up.

The shopsmith mortising chisels are a standard size and I have often thought about upgrading them, lee valley has a nice set:

http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.a ... 2240,53317

But with that price point I have not actually ordered them nor can I sure they really fit.

The handle on the shopsmith is really short when compared to the arm of a real dedicated machine. Not a big deal if it is occasional use but if you have hundreds to do then it might not be the best choice.

Ed