Shopsmith Forums

I've never seen a ShopSmith in person but I'm planning on attending an upcoming demo they'll be doing in my area.

In the meantime, I'd like to do a bit of research to see if a ShopSmith would solve some of my space problems.

Can anyone tell me what the footprint would be, and how much space I want to leave around it? I'm only interested in doing small project for now.

I'm pretty sure that I'll want a bandsaw. I understand that I can get one that bolts onto the ShopSmith, or that could be a stand-alone unit. Is this what I want to do?

Also - I'll have to spend money to get the space wired for 240. Is it worth it?

And finally - any thoughts on dust collection?

My 510 occupies 72" wide by 42" high by 26" deep when stowed away for the Summer. The large accessories (bandsaw, jointer, and belt sander) fit on a shelf above the Shopsmith, and all the small accessories go into a rolling cabinet that rolls under the Shopsmith.

So, for storage, mine needs a 6' by just over 2' piece of floor. In use, it needs all the space you can get to work around it.

harveydunn wrote:I've never seen a ShopSmith in person but I'm planning on attending an upcoming demo they'll be doing in my area.

In the meantime, I'd like to do a bit of research to see if a ShopSmith would solve some of my space problems.

Can anyone tell me what the footprint would be, and how much space I want to leave around it? I'm only interested in doing small project for now.

I'm pretty sure that I'll want a bandsaw. I understand that I can get one that bolts onto the ShopSmith, or that could be a stand-alone unit. Is this what I want to do?

Also - I'll have to spend money to get the space wired for 240. Is it worth it?

And finally - any thoughts on dust collection?

A bandsaw wood be a good choice or a jointer. They both slip into holes in the frame. If ya have space problems, I'd go without the stand alone unit for now.
Why do you have to get the space wired for 240?
A dust collector wood be VERY NICE to have.

Currently I have just household current. I thought I read somewhere that the SS is dual current, and that you can get more power out of it by running on 240. I could do this...but I'd have to hire an electrician to make it happen.

garys wrote:So, for storage, mine needs a 6' by just over 2' piece of floor. In use, it needs all the space you can get to work around it.

Thanks, that is very helpful. Do you need access to all 4 sides? And do you have a dust collection unit? How much space does that occupy?

Harvey
Welcome. The SS Power Pro is dual voltage but I have the PP headstock and do a variety of work and have not had a need to use it on 220. You said that you are only going to do smaller work so the 120 version will be more than sufficient. If you use the band saw on the Shopsmith frame you have to stand at the end of the machine to face the cutting side of the blade so if the SS is tucked into a corner you may have to move the machine to use the bandsaw. The casters are then required.
Bill V

harveydunn wrote:I've never seen a ShopSmith in person but I'm planning on attending an upcoming demo they'll be doing in my area.

In the meantime, I'd like to do a bit of research to see if a ShopSmith would solve some of my space problems.

Can anyone tell me what the footprint would be, and how much space I want to leave around it? I'm only interested in doing small project for now.

I'm pretty sure that I'll want a bandsaw. I understand that I can get one that bolts onto the ShopSmith, or that could be a stand-alone unit. Is this what I want to do?

Also - I'll have to spend money to get the space wired for 240. Is it worth it?

And finally - any thoughts on dust collection?

Limited space means you don't get all of the niceties without some sacrifice.

Yes, a dust collector would be nice to have but if you are really doing only small projects, a dust pan and broom work wonders.

The need for a band saw is readily satisfied by mounting in the SPT (Special Purpose Tool) location of the Mark V.

If you get anything other than a PowerPro (the latest and greatest version) you do not need 220vac at all. Be aware that there are a few users who have made modifications to run 220vac but the vast majority use 110vac.

Someone spoke of a jointer. Given limited space, this is one of those niceties that can be done without but if you feel you need one, it too can be powered off the Mark V in the same location as would the band saw. The hardship being that you can't have both mounted and ready to go simultaneously. Again, the down side of a small shop.

It might be interesting, before we go too far with this, to know what it is that you refer to as a small shop.

My "shop" will be a spare bedroom. And I think dust collection is a must.

Where are you?

Perhaps there is a forum member near by that could 'show' you some of the options(SPT's).

You can say 'where' in your profile and it will appear in all of your posts both past and present(and future).

harveydunn wrote:My "shop" will be a spare bedroom. And I think dust collection is a must.

If that 'spare bedroom' is furnished, an understatement for sure!!!:eek:

For 'starters' a shop-vac with 2 1/2" hoses will suffice for the bulkier debris.

If you are seriously considering purchasing a new Mark 7, then I suggest you proceed slowly with 'additions'(unless yer pockets are bottomless).

You need to have a need for those 'additions'.


BTW Welcome to this forum. Any/all questions appropriate!