That table saw scarea the heck out of me

[NWcarver]

I just aquired a 500 model and the little table saw on it scares the heck out of me and I have not even tried it yet!
Any way toake it bigger or a good fix for this danger machine?
Thanks
Scott

[newportcycle]

1. You could sell it and get something less scary.
2. Purchase a guard http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... system.htm

[dusty]

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, they can be made bigger. It costs money but it can be done.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/500to510.htm
or you can go ALMOST all the way.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... ofence.htm

BTW, if you browse through the forum you will find that there have been many, fine projects that came from one of those saws with a small table. Small table or large, all table saws (power tools) bring with them some level of hazard. Be careful. Be ever mindful of those hazards and they are less likely to materialize.

[algale]

Used improperly any table saw can be dangerous! But the Shopsmith does have a few idiosyncrasies you need to be aware of, so I suggest you read up on Power Tool Wood Working for Everyone and in particular the table saw safety section before using the saw function. Here's the link. http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/tblsaw ... /index.htm

When I got my Shopsmith (caveat mine is the 520 with the larger table system), I already owned a contractor saw with a big cast iron table and wing. So I never planned to use the Shopsmith in table saw mode and certainly not to cut bevels with the table tilted, which I was sure would be like trying to make a cut in the weightless vacuum of space. Suffice it to say, I tried it, I didn't float off into oblivion, and I ended up getting rid of my contractor table saw which was taking up space. I've never once regretted the decision.

[videobear]

The danger point of any saw is the blade. Shopsmith's saw blade is no larger than any other, and better protected than many.

Two other things can add to scariness: Support and work height, both related to control of the workpiece.

There's not much you can do about the height, other than get used to it. The SS table IS higher than the tables of stand-alone saws. You could stand on a little platform, I guess, but then you'd have the risk of falling off it.

The table size IS small. However, the SS is a LOT more versatile than a standalone table saw. As-is, the table size is perfect for working on fairly small pieces...a very common situation. You can use the extension tables as support for crosscutting long pieces. You can reconfigure them as infeed or outfeed tables, with a fairly inexpensive accessory bracket. You can add more of them to produce a support system that's FAR larger than any other table saw.

With such a setup, the SS can be used to break down 4x8 sheet goods. However, I don't think it's the best tool for that job (nor is any table saw). A track saw, panel saw, or a circular saw with a guide is a better bet for those big sheets.

I once saw a discussion about Shopsmiths in which one person said they were scared of the way the saw arbor attaches to the spindle...with a single setscrew. However, I have NEVER heard of a SS losing its blade.

[JPG]

The single set screw saw blade will not come off, but if not tightened correctly(set screw should be directly over the axial center line of the flat - achieved by rocking as it it tightened) it can come loose. The shaft is tapered with a 'stop' that prevents it 'coming off'.

Best to get in the habit of 'rocking' with whatever you attach to the quill shaft.

Also that set screw needs to be have an oval or flat end.

[garys]

If you are afraid of it, it probably isn't for you. It is easy to put on the 510 or 520 extensions to make the table as wide as you want, and you can either make or buy extensions to extend it inline with the blade.
I have been using mine for almost 30 years and have never been afraid of it.
It comes down to having the skill to use it right and then you have nothing to fear.

[JPG]

Fear it not, but, respect it for it can do severe damage to one's self and always pay attention to both 'it' and thy body parts.

[thunderbirdbat]

I got rid of my Skill table saw when I got my SS in 98 but if I remember correctly the table on it was smaller than my 510 main table. I believe it may even have been smaller than the 500 table but it would have been close. Even now if you look at the small job site table saws the tables are all smaller than what SS can expand to. I know that the 500 only has the one extension table but by moving the headstock closer or farther away from the end table expands your work capability. Work stands or rollers can also be utilized to increase your work piece stability. Practice making the cut without the blade in place to see where you want extra support for the work piece before installing the blade and actually doing the cut. Just make sure to use your push sticks while practicing so you know how the piece will move with them and not your hands and after the actual cut there will be two separate pieces at the blade to deal with.

[roy_okc]

Scott,

I definitely feel your concern about the 500 table saw configuration. When I bought my 500, I tried it once or twice using the ~1983 steel tip blade--probably not very sharp, just a simple cross cut in some scrap 1x or 2x, and it scared the bejeebers out of me. I had a dedicated table saw, so didn't pursue using the 500 for sawing any more. I later switched to a Eurekazone track saw system and gave the other table saw away. I bought a 510 in the summer of 2015, in part because I occasionally do need a true table saw. I've found the 510 much less stressful to use. I think the reasons for me, in approximate order, are: 1) larger table--I appreciate the 510's depth especially, 2) carbide tipped versus steel blade was easier cutting--no forcing, 3) maybe inexperience--I can't remember if I'd gone through the traveling academy by the time I did the test cuts, 4) maybe the wood slides smoother on the 510 grooved table versus the 500's solid table--similar effect for hand planes that have grooved versus solid soles.

Here's how someone widened their 500: http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/tls/5969175260.html.