Shopsmith Forums

What is the minimum tube length to get all the functions out of a SS? From reading other posts it seems the saw will no long work after the tubes are shortened a certain amount.

"I have only used the earlier Marks Vs as MINI (26 3/8" shorter, no carriage) and SHORTY (18" shorter with 500 carriage) bases. "
That is the best info I have, but I am unsure my tubes are original length as I am third owner(they probably are), and I would prefer to have the OAL from someone who knows rather than work off of subtractions of what I have. I am also not sure those measurements are what I am looking for.

I am moving and will not have much space. I think I may be able to keep the SS and roll it out into the drive when I want to use it, but I need to get it as compact as possible.

The tubes original length should be 52" way tubes and 52 & 3/4" bench tubes. You need to always maintain the 3/4" difference. I think Bill said you can cut 18" off and maintain all the normal functions. I'll look around for the thread.

joshh wrote:The tubes original length should be 52" way tubes and 52 & 3/4" bench tubes. You need to always maintain the 3/4" difference. I think Bill said you can cut 20" off and maintain all the normal functions. I'll look around for the thread.

18" seems to be the common opinion.

JPG40504 wrote:18" seems to be the common opinion.

Thanks! I couldn't find the thread I was looking for. Oh well

joshh wrote:Thanks! I couldn't find the thread I was looking for. Oh well

Bill has posted that often!]http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... ostcount=5[/url]

Thanks for info. Good to have confirmation. Would hat to cut and then find out I was wrong, although I have not yet made a final decision

johnwilliamson062 wrote:Thanks for info. Good to have confirmation. Would hat to cut and then find out I was wrong, although I have not yet made a final decision

You can test the setup without cutting the tubes. Move everything as far to the right on the way tubes as you can. Lock the carriage in place, mount the main table, install a saw blade, lock the headstock and setup for a simulated cut.

Having done that, take the blade off, mount the drill chuck with your most often used drill bit and tilt the table from vertical to horizontal. You will have to move the headstock to do this. Don't move it any further than you have to.

I think that doping this will provide you with your answer.

BTW I cut 16" off of the way and bench tubes and I have "full functionality" but just barely. I cannot install the power coupler to an spt on the left end without removing the drill chuck (drill press mode).

I use my shorty mostly in drill press mode and with a jointer on the left end.

dusty wrote:You can test the setup without cutting the tubes. Move everything as far to the right on the way tubes as you can. Lock the carriage in place, mount the main table, install a saw blade, lock the headstock and setup for a simulated cut.

Having done that, take the blade off, mount the drill chuck with your most often used drill bit and tilt the table from vertical to horizontal. You will have to move the headstock to do this. Don't move it any further than you have to.

I think that doping this will provide you with your answer.

BTW I cut 16" off of the way and bench tubes and I have "full functionality" but just barely. I cannot install the power coupler to an spt on the left end without removing the drill chuck (drill press mode).

I use my shorty mostly in drill press mode and with a jointer on the left end.

I tried using different length tubes for many years to see what functionality I could maintain for each tube length. I found that 18" was the absolute maximum I could cut off and do this, about 1/3 of the tube length. I agree 16" to 18" is what you should checkout to see for yourself before cutting any tubes.

I found the MINI, 25 5/8" way tubes, with a reversible motor was my most used Shopsmith over the years. I modified a few 500 main tables & trunnions to add to the functionality of the MINI by provided a main table for a sawing capability. I am in the process of modifing a few 500 main tables and trunnions for use on the MINI and on the Power Station (making it a Crafters Station) to provide a sawing capability and other uses with the 500 main tables. My Mark V Power Station is operating and in the finishing stages now. I will provide pictures for all the modifications I made when completed.

Looking forward to it Bill!

I see advertised a shortened shopsmith and is used primarily for turning. He wants 250 for it but wonder if it is worth it? Looks to be in good shape.
thanks for any input.