Flexible shaft

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 6:30 am

Has anyone ever used a flexible shaft unit on their Mark V? I know that SS sold one back in the 50's/60's, but I wonder if any that are currently available could be used on a Mark V. Thanks - Alec

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:40 pm

I got one with a used Shopsmith and have used it quite a bit. Mine might be a Craftsman version and it required a 1/2 inch shaft. I used the 1/2in. router chuck with a short piece of 1/2in. shaft. Interestingly enough, I got a Shopsmith flexible shaft adapter recently with a 10ER I purchased.

Anyway, I have used it with a wire wheel and it has worked great. BUT, you have to be careful as it could get away from you. Probably not an OSHA approved tool.

drewa · Post by **drewa** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:08 pm

Flexable shaft...?

I have always told Nick I think if you look at the MarkV as a PTO your thinking of how operations need to be done really change. There are many sanding/grinding operations having a flex shaft would be useful.

Sounds like it is time to make some Mods.

Be good,

Drew

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:09 pm

Thanks fellas. I found an old SS flexible shaft from a fellow and it is on its way to me after Christmas. I have wanted one ever since I saw it in my old copy of PTWFE. RSdiggs - what is the adapter? Do you mean a hub? Merry Christmas! Alec

muncyjohn · Post by **muncyjohn** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:17 pm

Yes I have one of those flexible

shaft attachments from the 50's, belonged to my cousin and with the speed reducer was used many times as a drive unit for our ice cream maker

Last time I used it was with the wire brush, it is kind of limited IMO because of its length and flexibility, too short and not real easy to manipulate, like it takes two hands to handle a whopper kind of thing!

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:24 pm

Making ice cream with a shopsmith!!! Now that's what I call a multi-purpose tool!!

That is just great. Here's a picture of the flexible shaft from "Power Tool Projects You Can Make (NY: Arco publishing: 1955).
Alec

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:27 pm

Making ice cream with a Shopsmith!! Now that's what I call a multi-purpose tool!!

That is great! Here's a picture of the SS flexible shaft...

Alec

Charlie · Post by **Charlie** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:38 pm

I use a flexible shaft that came with my quarter hp Delta Belt/Disk sander.
It's not very long, 3'+, but it is occasionally handy!

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:30 pm

Alec
The box states "The Flexible Shaft Adapter secures any flexible shaft with 1/2" bore to the Shopsmith 5/8" spindle........not required for standard Shopsmith flexible shaft" The adapter has a 5/8" bore with a 1/2" shaft with a flat on it. Hopefully, I attached a picture of the adapter and box.

So, if you got a standard Shopsmith flex shaft it should fit right on the quill or aux. shafts.

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:20 am

Thanks Rob - that's neat. That would be just the sort of thing that would be useful for today's flexible shafts. Alec

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