Shopsmith Forums

New member here. I've been reading this forum for some time now, but only recently joined. Something that caught my attention in another post was a reference to Shopmachineadventures.com. I looked at the site and it looks as though the author converted his mark v to a metalworking machine and also has some plans for adding an extension/ router table, and a quill rebuild. The ideas seem interesting, just wanted to ask if anyone here has actually done any of these modifications? If so, was it worth it? I'm hoping to get some opinions before I decide if it's worth buying the articles.

Welcome to the forum. I have not done anything like that, but you might find someone that has. Please fill out your profile so we will know if you are near someone.

I somewhat used a modified Shopsmith as a metal lathe for a lot of years. I used the X/Y feeds from a metal lathe setting on a metal plate that was attached to the way tubes. I still use the 3 jaw metal chuck for cleaning and polishing the way and bench tubes. I went with a 3 bearing quill to reduce runout. I could only machine aluminum so I was able to get a used 7X10 HF metal lathe and get it working a few years ago. Vibration was always a problem. I passed the X/Y jig to backhertz as I only use the HF lathe these days.

So, no, I do not believe it is worth the effort to make a Shopsmith into any kind of metal lathe. Much cheaper, quicker and more accurate to buy a small metal lathe. I still have and use my drilling/tapping/milling Shopsmith with a X/Y vise with a rotary table on top. It has a steel Total Shop table and trunnion assembly. I use a bottle jack to raise and lower the headstock. I have a 3 bearing quill in this machine too. I have a 6" face plate on top to hand turn the taps and dies along with special holders for them. This insures the taps and dies are straight on/in the work being done. I use the router chuck to hold the 1/2" milling bits that I grind a flat to hold them. The drill chuck is only used for drilling. The headstock is mounted backward on shorten way tubes and the base is mounted on a roll-around cabinet.

Thanks, billmayo.
I was thinking the conversion to metal lathe may not be worth it. I probably should have mentioned that I picked up a used Supershop a few weeks ago, which can be used with metal. I was more interested in the table extensions and quill upgrades.

donpol wrote:Thanks, billmayo.
I was thinking the conversion to metal lathe may not be worth it. I probably should have mentioned that I picked up a used Supershop a few weeks ago, which can be used with metal. I was more interested in the table extensions and quill upgrades.

I have never seen a SuperShop up close. However, I do have a copy of the manual and a few modifications in files for the SuperShop if interested. I did a little research on this machine but never found a used one that was reasonable priced. I would be happy to discuss any issues you wish to explore. I have done some work with the types of motors on the SuperShop and have rebuilt a few small metal lathes.

I found that a good X/Y vise is really needed if you do much precision metal work. A rotary 360 table really helps if doing any circle type drilling. I have used the Total Shop steel tables and parts in place of the Shopsmith aluiminum parts for more strength and less flexing. I machined the Shopsmith quill to use a three bearing setup for my personal use. I found one that I had not used and have it listed on Ebay (billstoolz) currently.

Why should I have a three bearing quill instead Bill ?
I wanted to see your sale on Eb but I did not know how to find a seller ...
Tried searching under three bearing quill, did not find you announcement.

Hi Don-

Welcome to the forum! Have the buzzards returned?
BPR

JPG40504 wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shopsmith-Three-Bearing-Poly-V-Quill-/350755342727?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item51aaa5c987

Thanks for the link JPG
I understand why I could not find it, it available only to ship in the states.

I cannot speak for Bill, but I think he would be flexible with that to Canada.

At $100 it is not likely to sell. PM him after it 'ends'.