Shopsmith ... A Thinking Man's Tool

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Wed Apr 21, 2010 2:39 pm

I really enjoy how Shopsmith users improvise. Here are a couple of shots of an older machine for sale locally. The user has set it up for light metal work.

We are only limited by our imaginations...

paulrussell · Post by **paulrussell** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 2:37 pm

Rob, you saved me from starting a new thread. While in the basement removing the last vestiges of rust from my newly acquired Shopsmith bandsaw, I was thinking about how much the "regulars" here on the Shopsmith forums seem to have in common.

Most of the folks here are intelligent, educated (not always formally), jacks-of-all-trades. Most are versed to some degree in woodworking, metalworking, mechanics, drafting/schematics, and electronics.

The SS forum member does not subscribe to the adage "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Though I suspect most members spend a great deal of time in their shops (and/or "Man caves") and enjoy the benefits of solitude, they are also appreciate a good friend and helping others.

Oh, and sometimes, when not using power tools, they drink too much beer. (I didn't want it to sound too damn glowing.

)

In other words, folks a lot like me (except that intelligent part.)

mickyd · Post by **mickyd** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 5:25 pm

Do you know how the lead screw is attached to the carriage?

What type of metal work might this have been used for?

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:28 pm

mickyd wrote:Do you know how the lead screw is attached to the carriage?

What type of metal work might this have been used for?

Looks like he attached a plate on the right side of the carriage that accepts the lead screw. Not sure what he used it for, but you can see that he has two different tool posts for cutters. Here is the craigslist post (http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/tls/1703137091.html). It should remain up for 7 days or until sold.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Mon Apr 26, 2010 8:53 pm

It may have even been sat up that way for something as simple as commutator turning. I once owned an old antique wood/metal lathe that I about only used for that.
It was so old (about 1905) that it had been treadle powered into a flywheel. It had been converted to a motor by the time I got it.