Shopsmith Forums

The "relatively" dedicated drill press is very cool. In my situation, this will supplement my primary machine. I have a separate drill press, so losing some versatility in vertical mode will not be an issue. I guess I'll cut 19 in a few months, and report back.
Thanks as always,

Here is a better picture of a shorty in drill press mode
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The distance for the drill press is shorten as the shorty is shorten. But you can remove the table and have all the room to the floor to use. Go for it cut 19 let us know how it turns out.

2cents, you're scaring me.
Unless, my measurements are off.. 19 retains use of the carriage, spt's, and a "low," but still useable drillpress.

Just be sure you want it that short. If you plan on using it in drill press mode you will need short bits. Doable just know up front.

Thanks 2cents,

[quote="JPG"]Cut the bench tubes only, leave the way tubes full length and this 'problem' goes away.]

Now there is a brilliant suggestion. All that need be determined is how one would have to modify the headrest to go horizontal.

While I ponder this:

I'll keep my Shorty as is and if I need a taller drill press I'll use the full size Mark V.

dusty wrote:Now there is a brilliant suggestion. All that need be determined is how one would have to modify the headrest to go horizontal.

While I ponder this:

I'll keep my Shorty as is and if I need a taller drill press I'll use the full size Mark V.

I do not recall going back to horizontal being a 'goal'!]Tis[/U] quite possible with old iron!:) Just ask Fred.


As usual thread redirection has occurred. Shorty/mini/shop deputy - all three are different and tube lengths are only the most obvious differences.

The multi functionality is compromised with each different 'modification'.

So it boils down to what it's intended use is. If drill press takes precedence over 'horizontal' functions then long way tubes makes sense. If short horizontal use takes precedence(the most likely intended use) then the drill press function will be compromised.

A good multi-function machine is what one starts with with these modifications. Some of that will be lost.

JPG wrote:I do not recall going back to horizontal being a 'goal'!]Tis[/U] quite possible with old iron!:) Just ask Fred.


As usual thread redirection has occurred. Shorty/mini/shop deputy - all three are different and tube lengths are only the most obvious differences.

The multi functionality is compromised with each different 'modification'.

So it boils down to what it's intended use is. If drill press takes precedence over 'horizontal' functions then long way tubes makes sense. If short horizontal use takes precedence(the most likely intended use) then the drill press function will be compromised.

A good multi-function machine is what one starts with with these modifications. Some of that will be lost.

I guess it wasn't such a brilliant suggestion after all.:rolleyes: How foolish of me to insert my simple thoughts into this thread.

Here are a couple pictures depicting the Shorty in my shop. It still possesses all of the capabilities of a full sized Mark V with a couple limitations in capacity.

Obviously, lathe capacity and drill press capacity are reduced.

If I had the required floor space, I would not have created the Shorty but the Shorty allows me to have both it and the full sized Mark V in my shop without me tripping over something.

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The table, in the drill press mode, is too low to work at while standing. Sitting on my make shift stool is about right. Maximum drill capacity is 8 3/4" less the length of the bit being used. This has worked for MOST of my drilling needs. It is definitely a limitation of the Shorty.

Looks like a great space saving solution. How short, 18 off?