Shopsmith Forums

OR, heaven forbid you should get it confused with the "Bass-O-Matic" of Saturday Night Live fame!

Sorry, just couldn't resist.

I picked this up at an auction today for $60. I couldn't pass it up at that price. The plastic "table" wasn't cracked at the threaded rod so it seemed like a good deal. But sady there was no manual. I'll call SS on monday to see if one is available.

Ed (reible), you seem to be the knowledgeable regarding the Joint-Matic. Just so I don’t do it, how do you avoid braking the plastic where it meets the rod?

Sincerely,

Ron

You got a good deal! I've been watching for one for months and have not been as fortunate as you.

The plastic part that breaks is notoriously the weak link in the jointmatic. Since I don't have one, I can not tell you how it gets broken but I'd bet that if you just sent it on the bench and stare at it for awhile - you'll figure it out.

Move all the movable parts - CAREFULLY - while watching to see where the stress points are.

Or send it to me and I'll do the research and give you a detailed written report.

You also have, in the picture, a Miter Pro (515930). That puppy sells new for just a little bit less than you paid for the Joint Matic. It goes for $43.18 plus shipping and tax. I think you might break even right there.

The devise with the knob and a piece of wood attached is a sliding stop.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/swd_miterpro.htm

The item shown in the Shopsmith Catalog (555404) includes a couple extension fences that I don't see in you photos thus explaining the difference in price.

Also shown in your photo is a Bevel Miter Gauge which is intended to be used with the Joint Matic but I don't believe is a part of same..

Hi, maybe your not looking for these items anymore but if you are I might be able to help with that. But on another note, I have been instructed to find out the interest in the possibility of Strong Tool Design returning to the marketplace. Have you been satisfied with the joint-matic? Does it compare to anything in the marketplace today or is it in a class of its own? Would you be interested in it being brought back? Any and all feedback would be appreciated!!!


I have one of these I picked up used and have played with it but would like to see any tips or other information anyone wants to share. I see a few other companies now offering machines like this, maybe it catching on again. I'm also interested in the history if anyone has that sort of information. Like when shopsmith got it from Strong etc etc.

The model I have is the newer type (cost reduced?) version with single screw thread height adjuster. I think I like the chain drive version better at least from the design point of view.

I'm also looking for a bevel miter gauge. Shopsmith no longer has them but they do/did have a few parts which I purchased, it is still missing the critical part 515866 (angle plate) and the not so critical 516055 (angle plate fence). If you have one that you no longer use please contact me.

I'm also interested in the extension table if some has one of those you might want to part with?? A real shopsmith one please. I know it would be easy to build but I kind of like have orginal shopsmith parts.......

Hoping to hear from someone or better yet a lot of you.

Ed[/QUOTE]

I guess I'm a bit confused. Isn't the strong tool design property of Shopsmith? As I've read they purchased the Strong Tool company and came out with the design they offered with the single screw as a cost reduction. Unless you are with Shopsmith it seems that coming to their forum to gather information so that you may offer the same product is questionable.

I've seen the MLCS (IIRC) version for sale and it looks similar, but probably not built to the level of the Shopsmith version.

I have the miter gauge, but wasn't aware that it is any different than the standard Shopsmith miter gauge. Is there a difference? Is have the triangle shaped angle gauge too. In fact today I called and talked with Dave (he was very pleasant) and they don't seem to have any parts available at this time. Of course, he mentioned having a part number would help sort that out easier.

letterk wrote:I guess I'm a bit confused. Isn't the strong tool design property of Shopsmith? ... Unless you are with Shopsmith it seems that coming to their forum to gather information so that you may offer the same product is questionable.

@letterk, now I'm confused too.

Who are you addressing? What post suggested that a manufacturer or MR was gathering info in order to offer a competing product? The one that questioned if folks wanted to see the return of Strong design?

Please explain it in simple terms, as it went totally over my head!

Thanks,
-Shaun-

I just posted about this in another thread.

reible wrote:1300 plus members and I'm the only one who owns one of these??? I think some of you are with-holding information. That's OK I don't mind.
Ed

There are probably a few others out there, Ed, but it seems to me they would only be guys that were active Shopsmith since the early 1980s or so. Not very many of those guys here.

BTW, can't I do Joint Matic operations on my OPR? I think so! Only difference is set-ups would be the OPR would need more time.

It is clear that just what a joint-matic is, is unclear to most people here. I'd like to fix that but I really don't have the time or think it is worth the effort since they are hard to come by and some of the "features" are via the bevel miter gauge. The bevel miter gauge is even more rare and I've seen them list for $250 for just that part.

However if enough interest is expressed by current owners I could try and do a project or short demo this summer to help get you started. No promises.

Again I have no reason to try and "sell" something you can't buy nor am I in the business of trying to convince anyone they "need" one of these. I'm a router guy so I needed one no two ways about it.

Ed

reible wrote:It is clear that just what a joint-matic is, is unclear to most people here. I'd like to fix that but I really don't have the time or think it is worth the effort since they are hard to come by and some of the "features" are via the bevel miter gauge. The bevel miter gauge is even more rare and I've seen them list for $250 for just that part.

However if enough interest is expressed by current owners I could try and do a project or short demo this summer to help get you started. No promises.

Again I have no reason to try and "sell" something you can't buy nor am I in the business of trying to convince anyone they "need" one of these. I'm a router guy so I needed one no two ways about it.

Ed

I you are willing to do a project, I'm willing to follow along. I have the bevel gauge, but I'm sure if you didn't you could probably devise something along the lines of the wooden pivot used in the tenon master or a couple of screws a piece of wood with a straight channel cut in it, a hinge and some jig knobs.

If I can free up at work later I'll do a very crude drawing.