Material suggestion

[bmi1965]

First time on the forum and new owner of a 1962 Mark V. While I am a DIY'er and familiar with working with wood, I have never attempted a "nice" wood project like a piece of furniture. Well since I have recently acquired a Mk V, I am eager to jump into a piece of furniture project. I am going to tackle a Hitchcock/Windsor style sette bench, which consists of some joinery and lathe work. I wanted to get some feedback on what type of material I should look at using for such a project? I am unsure if I will go with a black painted finish or a stained natural wood look. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

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[everettdavis]

Start with new owner information post in Maintenance and Repair to insure your Shopsmith is lubricated (which it requires) and waxed (which it needs) and adjusted and aligned. See http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewtopic ... 362#p82362

That will help you insure the accuracy the tool is capable of achieving will manifest itself in your project whatever wood you choose.

You may want to start with a set of plans, which generally will offer suggested materials, and the most efficient use of it. Easy Wood Chisels are a tremendous help if you are new to turning. You can do it with the properly sharpened Shopsmith Chisels and the right techniques.

There is also a series of FREE videos that will introduce you to the various tools you have to help you hit the ground running.

They will also email you a series of training to help introduce you to this remarkable family of machines. Sign up for that at http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/star ... signup.htm


There are safety guards, and a host of upgrades to consider such as fingerboards etc. to help improve your safety.

There is usually a course that comes with the Shopsmith manuals that will help you (using some low cost material) to learn how to produce all the cuts and set up the tools.. Great foundational FREE education.

Wasting an expensive piece of wood, learning can turn you off a bit, and knowing just a basic foundation can make it fun from the start.

My two cents for someone new to Shopsmith...

[ERLover]

Welcome to the dysfunction here I am sure you have more then one SS in a bit of time.
When I make furniture, I look at its period, and original designs and designer. If instance I make most in the Frank Loyd Wright designs, he used quarter sawn white oak. I use that or cherry.
It sounds what you want to make is early american or shaker. they used pine or maple.
If I was going to paint it I would use poplar, cheap and takes paint well, that is what they use for painted interior trim mostly.
If not painted I think I would go with soft maple, it will take a stain/dye and finish better and easier then pine.
AND dont turn the speed dial unless it is running or you are turning it by hand.

[rjent]

I would actually make (after reading what Evertt posted) the piece out of pine or fir (that's is just me) as i think it will 1) give you valuable experience in doing your jointery and as importantly, any mistakes are not expensive. Once you master some of the processes, get the wood you want and go for it.

I actually like Fir (though there are problems but is available most everywhere and cheap) because it stains well, is strong, and can look nice when choosing the right grain. It doesn't turn very well, but can.

Anyway, JMHO

BTW, you will love the machine .....

[bmi1965]

Thanks for the great advice. I have already gone through the head stock to clean and lube it all up according to the SS video series. I still need to polish and wax up the rest of the machine. I'm really happy with it so far. I had been looking for a Mark V on CL for about a year and finally found one a month ago I picked up for $100(!) from an old codger trimming down his shop. Now looking for a few accy's like a belt sander and a table upgrade, which I think I have found both for around $200. Thanks again.

Best
Bill M.