Shopsmith Forums

I've been looking over this site more and more lately in the evening when I'm done for the day. The quality and quantity of good craftsmanship there is a little overwhelming. There's some crazy talented and inspiring people out there, I'm humbled. I want to post a pic once in while, but then I come down to earth. Some folks are incredible "woodworkers" others are just "true artists" in my opinion. I know a few of us here can be seen over there, but I've only seen a handful. Are you all memebers of that site? If not, you should be. If you use a different screen name, share with the class, I'd like to follow the projects. Its cool to know which projects are made with SS tools.

I wish we had more projects posted here or a special place for them. Projects and Jigs.

If you really want to be inspired by a craftsman that uses and has very good things to say about his Shopsmith, tune in to shipwright...both here and at lumberjocks.

Another craftsman who did some very impressive work was mbcabinetmaker whom I have not seen here in quit some time. He did leave some phenomenal postings here that you can search for.

There are others, many, but they seem to try to maintain a low profile when it comes the the quality of their work.

Set aside a week end (or two) and search the forum for the works of reible and charlese. You will again come away humbled by their skills.

Then there is mickyd, not so much for his woodworking skills (he didn't document those) but man did he ever do a job on his Mark V and the tutorial postings regarding its overhaul.

While we are discussing overhaul jobs, you just might want to set aside another weekend or two and view all of JPGs handy work.

If you do all of this research, check back in with us now and then so that we know you are still kicking.

I'm on LJ and there are some truly talented people there. Don't let the amazing work on that site keep you from contributing. I have never seen an honest effort that was posted get flamed or mocked on that site.

Here's an example. Nothing amazing, nice work but certainly not intimidating.

My biggest problem with LJ is the massive size of it. You just can't keep up.

Best to find you favorites and buddies and keep up with them. There is no way to read it all.

There are a few SS users on there.

Another good forum is http://www.sawmillcreek.org

Just plain Reddog over there. It is an amazing site, and huge. Unfortunately I'm not one of the artists, or amazing woodworkers. But I try to peruse the projects every night.

terrydowning wrote:My biggest problem with LJ is the massive size of it. You just can't keep up.

That's my biggest (and really only) problem with the site too. I'm an introvert and feel uncomfortable in large groups of people. When I visit large communities like Lumberjocks, or even large forums like Sawmill Creek, I get a very similar feeling to being in a large room crowded with loud people. I prefer a smaller, more intimate group. Like here.

I still visit those sites every now and then, but find it hard to participate to any degree.

Thanks for the compliment Dusty.

I find Lumberjocks to be the best of both. It's huge and envelopes an extremely wide range of talents but at the same time you can find yourself a nice little circle of friends with common interests. I have met several in person and become real world friends and for me that's the best part of any of these forums.

Another frequent contributor to both is my good friend (met here on SS), Gene Howe.

Give Lumberjocks a try. You will be accepted into the group from the start and there is inspiration at every turn.


Edit: mrhart, any projects I post on LJ's between late Oct. and mid April are done at least in part with my 510 in Green Valley AZ.

Paul M

I'm a member at Lumberjocks and have posted several things in the past. Although not many photos on there lately due to mostly turning pens, which I post regularly at pentruners.org