telescoping coupler

[jsburger]

I'd like to test one. Let me know the when and how much and give me an address to send it to in a PM.

Ed

I just build a model for this in my CAD software. I should be able to do a test print this weekend and can send some out for the price of shipping to anyone here that wants to test it.

Same here.

[garys]

Sorry but this seems silly to me. It takes about 2 seconds to loosen the motor and slide back and forth.

I'm of a similar train of thought. The telescoping coupler looks like it should work fine, but I fail to see any benefit the way I use my tools. When I remove the coupler it is almost always because I'm finished using a particular tool and it will be pulled from the Shopsmith. At that point, it is just as easy to move the power unit a bit and remove both the coupler and the tool.

I think it actually takes less time to move the power unit an inch or two than it would take to grab a screwdriver, remove the screw, and remove the coupler.

[jsburger]

Sorry but this seems silly to me. It takes about 2 seconds to loosen the motor and slide back and forth.

I'm of a similar train of thought. The telescoping coupler looks like it should work fine, but I fail to see any benefit the way I use my tools. When I remove the coupler it is almost always because I'm finished using a particular tool and it will be pulled from the Shopsmith. At that point, it is just as easy to move the power unit a bit and remove both the coupler and the tool.

I think it actually takes less time to move the power unit an inch or two than it would take to grab a screwdriver, remove the screw, and remove the coupler.

Absolutely! Of course if that is what you want then go for it. I also see no reason for the other extra long couplers he (I think) makes.

Plus, if you are removing one SPT and installing another one you will have to move the head stock anyhow since the distance between the hubs changes depending on the SPT.

[reible]

You don't need a screw driver after you do the initial install. The spring holds it in place, watch the video and how it is removed at the end.

ed

I think it actually takes less time to move the power unit an inch or two than it would take to grab a screwdriver, remove the screw, and remove the coupler.

[jsburger]

You don't need a screw driver after you do the initial install. The spring holds it in place, watch the video and how it is removed at the end.

ed

I think it actually takes less time to move the power unit an inch or two than it would take to grab a screwdriver, remove the screw, and remove the coupler.

I noticed that but then what is the purpose of the screw in that end? What did I miss?

[thunderbirdbat]

I am interested in it for the adjustable length. It would allow you to mount an SPT to a movable stand and still use the headstock to run it. You would have to ensure the drive hub was at the correct height when making the stand then just line it up with the headstock, lock the casters and you are good to go. My son has the SS mounted thickness planer; the ability to use it without having to lift it would be a great improvement. I have thought about mounting all my SPTs that way using 1:1 pulleys so I would not have to worry about loosing the feeling in my hand and dropping them while moving them.

[jsburger]

I am interested in it for the adjustable length. It would allow you to mount an SPT to a movable stand and still use the headstock to run it. You would have to ensure the drive hub was at the correct height when making the stand then just line it up with the headstock, lock the casters and you are good to go. My son has the SS mounted thickness planer; the ability to use it without having to lift it would be a great improvement. I have thought about mounting all my SPTs that way using 1:1 pulleys so I would not have to worry about loosing the feeling in my hand and dropping them while moving them.

How close can you get the "movable stand" to the SS drive hub? You would need a stand with really wide legs to fit around the splayed out legs of the SS to get close enough. Or a 2' long coupler that I don't think is workable. Since you have to make the stands to begin with just spend the extra money for a motor to drive the tools.

[heathicus]

Seeing Star Wars tonight. In the theater waiting for it to start. I may get home from work tomorrow in time to print and test the fit. But it may be Saturday.

The benefit to the telescoping that I see is to use with shorties. When I cut the tubes on mine, I left them long enough to slide the carriage and breadstick to remove and install the power coupler.

Plus, it's just a neat idea worth experimenting with!

[ChrisNeilan]

There are several like minded designs out now, this is a bit more interesting due to the telescoping.

I still have my original shopsmith coupler from 1976 and have never broken one. Now I don't have every SPT so maybe some of them are more prone to damaging them.... perhaps the jointer due to the added speed???

I too have reservations about the printed versions of these. Static testing that I have seen is just that, no representative of a coupling in use. And I wonder about the longevity of such parts. I know how long my old ones have lasted, I have no idea on the printed ones. Of course how long do they need to last?

So I looked up this one on ebay. Says 30 sold. Any members own one?

The link:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Telescoping-Po ... SwCtJaGYan

Price $26

I'll put one on my possible buy list for this year but due to some over spending last year I have to curtail one months spending this year..... read that as reducing my spending this year, December to December budget to help pay for the shaper origin.

So maybe after the first of the year???

Ed

The only Shopsmith couplers I have broken are the ones I stupidly left on the floor and stepped on. Sad, but true.

[thunderbirdbat]

I am interested in it for the adjustable length. It would allow you to mount an SPT to a movable stand and still use the headstock to run it. You would have to ensure the drive hub was at the correct height when making the stand then just line it up with the headstock, lock the casters and you are good to go. My son has the SS mounted thickness planer; the ability to use it without having to lift it would be a great improvement. I have thought about mounting all my SPTs that way using 1:1 pulleys so I would not have to worry about loosing the feeling in my hand and dropping them while moving them.

How close can you get the "movable stand" to the SS drive hub? You would need a stand with really wide legs to fit around the splayed out legs of the SS to get close enough. Or a 2' long coupler that I don't think is workable. Since you have to make the stands to begin with just spend the extra money for a motor to drive the tools.

I am not seeing a problem with a 19 inch or larger stand leg distance. Especially for the jointer and planer, adding in-feed and out-feed supports would be beneficial to help eliminate snipe and support longer boards. And while motors are not that expensive, it allows me to utilize the PP's power and adjustable speed.