Create a review for a woodworking tool that you are familiar with (Shopsmith brand or Non-Shopsmith) or just post your opinion on a specific tool. Head to head comparisons welcome too.
Not for me. I have no interest in it. But I know a high school kid who, through shop class, has gotten very into woodworking. I've been keeping an eye out for a cheap machine to get him started. Would this be worth it?
Baton Rouge is a good bit of a drive for me, but I have family in the area that could pick it up.
Looks like a Total Shop clone. Since the Shopsmith patent expired back in the 70s there were a rash of copies. As one said, Bill Mayo will probably be your best bet for compatibility with Shopsmith.
If the price is right, then go for it. Since it is intended for a younger woodworker, you might want to make sure it has blade guards.
letterk wrote:Looks like a Total Shop clone. Since the Shopsmith patent expired back in the 70s there were a rash of copies. As one said, Bill Mayo will probably be your best bet for compatibility with Shopsmith.
If the price is right, then go for it. Since it is intended for a younger woodworker, you might want to make sure it has blade guards.
Price is right. I have found double bearing quills in all the clones I have worked on. No internal headstock parts are available for any clone headstock these days. Some clones had a 110/220 VAC 1.5 HP reversible motor which is why I brought the clones I have owned. You can always replace the headstock with a Shopsmith Mark V headstock. What are the way and bench tube sizes? What is the overall lenght from front quill arbor to the end of the drive sleeve shaft. Many clones are longer than the Shopsmith for the bigger motor. I have forged and machined some clone parts in the past but found it cheaper to replace a broken clone headstock with a Shopsmith Mark V headstock. The miter bar slot is a different size than the Shopsmith miter bar slot. I am using the clone steel main tables (heavy and strong) with the Shopsmith carriage on drill position Shopsmiths but without any miter bar usage.
Anyone with a clone machine can send me questions as I have attempted to repair them for many years.
Bill Mayo bill.mayo@verizon.net
Shopsmith owner since 73. Sell, repair and rebuild Shopsmith, Total Shop & Wood Master headstocks, SPTs, attachments, accessories and parts. US Navy 1955-1975 (FTCS/E-8)
In the Chicago area good deals on SS go very fast.
the rest you see there forever.
I look at CL for SS everyday.
As for the clone.. No way.. same reasons as previous posts..
Bruce
I didn't know what a Shopsmith was...
Three days later I owned one...
One week later I was rebuilding one...
Four months later I owned two....
Ok Ok, I'm up to four now...
Since it isn't much money, you don't have that much to lose. Truthfully, even if you bought a Shopsmith, with your use you probably aren't going to spend big money to repair it if it broke. The only difference is if you want to repair it, you may note be able to.
