Shopsmith Tables Are Not Too Small

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 8:18 am

It has been said by some naysayers that the Shopsmith table is too small. While it is not as large as some, it need not be considered inadequate. With the simple addition of a home built outfeed table and the utilization of two of the extension tables one can easily have a table top that is 34 1/2" x 55".

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Add to this, a Sliding Cross Cut Sled and you can be ready for just about any home shop wood working project imaginable. Well, for the turners out there that is not a true assessment but the Shopsmith solves that problem too.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 11:31 am

Alas, the original table is too small for many TS operations. I find I seldom use my table saw anyways so IMHO, the upgrade is too expensive.

Note this is my opinion based on my work style. YMMV The 510/520 table is definitely more versatile than the original, has a better fence (especially the latest 520 pro fence) and if I used my TS more upgrading to used components may be worth my while. For my personal style of work though I find I can use hand saws almost as fast for many of my cutting operations.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 11:46 am

I don't know if people are saying this of the 520 or not. I know it was a big issue with the 500 days. SS realized it and made the front clamp on table avail.

In my opinion the 510/520 table is big enough for most wood working.

However what is problematic is the fact the table height is changed to increase or decrease blade cut height, it becomes impossible to build fixed height infeed and outfeed tables, which is very easy and desirable with fixed table tablesaws.

There are some excellent infeed and outfeed tables adapted for the SS, one of which Dusty himself has been working on to perfection.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 12:52 pm

[quote="Ed in Tampa"]I don't know if people are saying this of the 520 or not. I know it was a big issue with the 500 days. SS realized it and made the front clamp on table avail.

In my opinion the 510/520 table is big enough for most wood working.

However what is problematic is the fact the table height is changed to increase or decrease blade cut height, it becomes impossible to build fixed height infeed and outfeed tables, which is very easy and desirable with fixed table tablesaws.

There are some excellent infeed and outfeed tables adapted for the SS, one of which Dusty himself has been working on to perfection. ]
I have resolved most all of the issues that I have with the Mark V Models 505/510/520. Most all of those were issues brought about by my own wood working habits.

The only real issue that I still have is that the tables are just too high for "this little short guy". I am toying with resolution of that matter now. I am about to mount my Mark V like a 10ER (on its own wooded bench). By doing that, I can have it at the height I want.

Thinking about jointers and sanders and planers, and drill press, etc is what slows me down. One height that fits all (may not be possible).

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 1:09 pm

dusty wrote: With the simple addition of a home built outfeed table and the utilization of two of the extension tables one can easily have a table top that is 34 1/2" x 55".

[ATTACH]23423[/ATTACH]

Add to this, a Sliding Cross Cut Sled and you can be ready for just about any home shop wood working project imaginable. Well, for the turners out there that is not a true assessment but the Shopsmith solves that problem too.

IMHO - this is all fine and dandy IF what you want is a table saw.

However what I want (and Love) is a Shopsmith multi-purpose tool that is easily and quickly convertible to other uses. Doesn't this table configuration hinder other operations?

BTW - It doesn't hurt (or even touch) my sensibilities to say that my saw table is too small.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 3:16 pm

The Jointech Saw train for the Shopsmith provides acres of table.....to the right.

And, after installing the Saw train, You quickly realize your once versatile machine is no longer quite so versatile.

So, a fixed outfeed table is no problem.

mgbbob · Post by **mgbbob** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 3:38 pm

I just recently need to rip a 10 1" x 6" board and by using the Doug Reid reverse the extension table trick and a roller stand at the end it was no problem. I do use my Craftsman tablesaw for large chunks of plywood but then there are better answers for that also.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 4:46 pm

I have two 520's one parked directly behind the other and more extension tables than am am inclined to assemble. Yes I do occasionally cut full sheets of plywood on this arrangement. My preference is to back the pickup to the open garage door, set up my cutting table (takes less than a minute) then slide plywood directly from truck bed to cutting table and consult my cut list as I cut the ply to more workable sizes. The hardest part is getting the cut list right. Oh yes I use a circular saw with the Eureka guide which looks all in the world like the shopsmith version of a guide. Age and sore joints make moving sheets of plywood thru the garage to the shop a bummer. Jim

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Thu Dec 12, 2013 5:49 pm

I'm with ya there, Jim!

fjimp wrote:. Age and sore joints make moving sheets of plywood thru the garage to the shop a bummer.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Dec 13, 2013 8:45 am

charlese wrote:IMHO - this is all fine and dandy IF what you want is a table saw.

However what I want (and Love) is a Shopsmith multi-purpose tool that is easily and quickly convertible to other uses. Doesn't this table configuration hinder other operations?

BTW - It doesn't hurt (or even touch) my sensibilities to say that my saw table is too small.

I don't think so but that depends on what is considered a hindrance. The OFT is easily removed (just hangs on the tubes). The extension tubes may need to be removed but that is standard Shopsmith. The extension tables get set aside. I am now in a standard Shopsmith configuration.

Too small for what?