Oh Dear God, what have I done.

[my67falcon]

So, I wanted to learn how to turn things. That, of course, requires one to own a lathe. Whilst I'm assuming I will enjoy the hobby, I didnt want to drop big coin on a new lathe; used being my only other option. Looking around I spotted something I remember my dad always wanting but never getting. I still remember the infomercials he watched back in the 70s. A Mark 5 at a decent price compared to everything else I was finding. I figured why not, it is able to lathe and the other features are simply a plus. Went to look at it and the guy plugged it up and turned it on. It ran for a few seconds and would trip a breaker. He swore it worked just fine and reset said breaker, only to have it trip again. Now, I'm no genius but he had it plugged into a 100 foot extension cord that was plugged into a 6 outlet power strip that had other things plugged in. I believe I saw the problem and he did not. He immediately lowered the price and I brought her home. Plugged into my dedicated 20 amp outlet, it purs like a cat. And annoying cat, but a cat just the same.

I know nothing of these contraptions and even less on how to lathe so hopefully you fine folks will help me get to where I need to be. Missing the tail live center but that seems to be a standard M2 (yea, I've been using the search feature) and the rest needs lubricated. Other than that, it seems fine. Looked up the SN (thanks for that link) and it's a first year.

[algale]

Welcome. Shopsmiths can be addicting. You are not be missing the live center because it didn't come with one as a standard item. But there should be a (dead) cup center for the tail stock. If that's missing, you are correct that the tail stock accepts a standard Morse #2 taper.

You should read the Power Tool Woodworking chapters on lathe turning so you understand the setup on the Shopsmith. https://www.shopsmith.com/academy/lathe ... /index.htm

You can search YouTube videos on lathe turning to get the hang of using the chisels.

[roy_okc]

Check to see if there is a woodturning group near you. They might offer classes and/or mentors to help get you started. You can search the AAW to see if any are near you at: https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/R ... c3e2809c3e.

You might also consider updating your profile to show your location.

[my67falcon]

No chapter where I live but there are 2 in the city (Kansas City). I thought the one that goes into the head was the dead center and the one in the tail stock was the live. Am I thinking backwards? As for YouTube, I've been bringing those videos

[garys]

The live center goes into the tail, but the one shipped with a Shopsmith is a dead center. If you want the live center, it is optional and available from Shopsmith.

[rpd]

Left to right there is a
- Drive Center- goes on the spindle - grips the work and makes it turn
- Dead Center - goes in the tailstock - supports the other end of the work but does not turn, requires lubrication to minimize friction.
- Live Center - goes in the tailstock - supports the other end of the work but has bearings so it turns with the work.

lathe centers.jpg (287.03 KiB) Viewed 15287 times

[JPG]

The SS live center has the ring and pin like the dead center, but it does rotate with the work.

[my67falcon]

Thanks guys.

[SkullsquadronX]

Welcome to the world of shopsmith. I’ve yet to do some turning myself, well good luck.