Shopsmith Forums

I have the SPT version of the Shopsmith Planer. While debating a better storage solution for my SPTs, it occurred to me that because of the weight, I'd want the planer at waist height or better, and because of the weight, it would need to be on a sturdy surface. In other words, storing it takes about the same space as a stand-alone planer. Which has me considering making a powered stand.

Stand-alone planers such as the Pro Planer, have fixed speed cutters. What are the advantages-disadvantages of this? The SS mounted version has different cutter speeds for different widths, hard/softwoods, and cut depth.

Much thanks... paul

I have the task of planing a few dozen 2X12 oak boards 12' long. Yes, infeed and outfeed rollers were used. I only had the Shopsmith mounted planer but quickly saw that this was going to be quite a task. Looking at the pulley retro-kit upgrade (2/3 speed increase) for the stand alone planer, I decided that a higher cutter head speed might help me. I used a 3" pulleys on the idler shaft down to 3" pulleys on a jack shaft back up to 3" pulley on the planer. I used link belts for the connection. I used this jack shaft as a speed decreaser or speed increaser for the drive sleeve shaft with different size pulleys, no Gilmer belt was mounted. I was able to get the cutter head up above the 8,000 RPM range which seems to make the planing of the oak boards go a lot faster. Sure did make a lot of shavings and a very hot headstock. I am sure this does not met any Shopsmith standard but I had lots of fun playing with these changes and modifications. The PowerPro headstock would have been great for this task but this was before it was introduced.

paulrussell wrote:I have the SPT version of the Shopsmith Planer. While debating a better storage solution for my SPTs, it occurred to me that because of the weight, I'd want the planer at waist height or better, and because of the weight, it would need to be on a sturdy surface. In other words, storing it takes about the same space as a stand-alone planer. Which has me considering making a powered stand.

Stand-alone planers such as the Pro Planer, have fixed speed cutters. What are the advantages-disadvantages of this? The SS mounted version has different cutter speeds for different widths, hard/softwoods, and cut depth.

Much thanks... paul

I have a stand+motor from a pro planer from someone in the opposite situation...they had more muscle than floorspace. Contact me and we can work something out if you are interested.

This is my tool cart. It takes up very little more room than a pro planer and the planer is at waist height. This sort of thing may suit your needs.
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Thanks to Dimagi I now have pro planer motor and stand. One question... is it OK to mount the planer pulley with set screw on the shafts flat side, or should I hold off till I can install a pulley key?

The legs for the stand are already drilled for SS casters - luckily I noticed before assembly so they are properly oriented. Dimagi included screws for casters so now it's time to keep an eye out for a set.

I'm really happy because the planer gets a lot of use and and this helps address organizing my shop!

paulrussell wrote: I'm really happy because the planer gets a lot of use and and this helps address organizing my shop!

I have sadly concluded that the words "organizing" and "shop" don't even belong in the same sentence...


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shipwright wrote:This is my tool cart. It takes up very little more room than a pro planer and the planer is at waist height. This sort of thing may suit your needs.
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Excellent design and very compact! Do you still have the plans for this roll around SPT holder unit?

I would love to make a similar build down the line. I love that 4 major SPTs fit on it in a organized and compact manner allowing each one to be easily removed for use on the shopsmith!

Cheers,
John

Thanks and sorry, but I never had plans. I just made it up as I went along. I still use it and it is still very handy even though I have changed shops to an even smaller space. Do you have the same SPTs that you want to mount? I could take some measurements for you.

shipwright wrote:Thanks and sorry, but I never had plans. I just made it up as I went along. I still use it and it is still very handy even though I have changed shops to an even smaller space. Do you have the same SPTs that you want to mount? I could take some measurements for you.

I have the exact same SPTs! .

I would very much appreciate that and my back would as well!

Cheers,
John

OK, I'll see what I can do.