Shopsmith Forums

I am new to this site, here's why. I am a Design/Build Contractor. Last Saturday I went to look at a job for a past client's son and new daughter-in-law. My clients uncle passed away and my clients son purchased the house form the estate at a very good price. The house needs some (much) updating for the son's new bride to want to live there??? But, for the price they bought it they can afford to do much. After we were complete with looking at everything my past client asked if I wanted to look at this "saw thing" in the basement. I of course said sure. Downstairs was this Shopsmith that hasn't been used for awhile. Great Uncle hasn't lived in the house for 2 years. My client asked if I was interested. I asked how much? She said make us an offer. After checking to see that it ran, which it did I said I would give her $150. She said to back the truck up to the back door and that they would help me load it.
So, putting some posts on a couple other forums that I belong I apparently have Model Mark V serial number 305861. It was built in 1955 and has a 3/4 hp motor. The term someone used is that it is a "greenie" according to Shopsmith enthusiast. I want to use it mainly for a horizontal boring machine, drill press and plate/disc sander. It also came with a jigsaw which I really don't see me needing. I really would like to have a small bandsaw so if I could locate one of those that would take care of my need for a bandsaw.
So, what I am looking for is good information and learning how to safely and effectively use the Shopsmith. I have seen them operate at but it has been awhile. Also, the unit needs some maintenance which I want to do myself and am capable. But, that needs to be a weekend kind of deal because I have a business to run.
Thanks in advance for the assistance.
Marty

Welcome aboard. The Greenie will do what you want (and more). I'm using a more modern Shopsmith so I will wait and let those who have first hand Greenie experience pipe up on maintenance which is a bit different on the older models because of access issues. One thing: do NOT move that speed dial unless the spindle is spinning (preferably under power but can be spun by hand in a pinch).

Where are you from Marty? I might be able to help you out with a band saw.

Jim

If you have not already done so, go here. http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... =10&t=7092

Hi Marty, Welcome!

I've only been a shopsmith owner for a bit less than a year and others will know a lot more, but here's some thoughts:
This board is a fantastic source for information about these machines. You can get help with anything shopsmith here.
The machines are very divisive. You probably know this already, but don't be surprised if you mention getting a shopsmith on some general woodworking forum and get annoying replies from someone who hates them. They do have faults but they also have some seriously unique benefits. It all depends on your mindset and needs. For me, they're pretty much ideal. I have nowhere near enough space for stand alone machines to cover all the things my shopsmiths are set up to do, and even more critically, I have nowhere near enough money to buy them. I was looking for a decent used bandsaw and drill press and found a great deal on a shopsmith with planer, bandsaw and jigsaw, plus extra greenie shopsmith, for less than I found a bandsaw, let alone a drill press as well. I wasn't sure if I'd made a good decision until I stripped them all down to individual bolts (all except opening motors or pulling bearings). I fell in love because of how well made and cleverly designed they are. I managed to take them all apart, removed all the rust via elecrolysis (magic, seriously), clean, adjust, wax and reassemble without finding any left over mystery pieces. I've since added a jointer, speed reducer and conical disk.

I do agree with one common criticism: switching between the bandsaw, jointer, planer and jigsaw is a bit much, but made worse due to an old injury. I plan to make a simple lift to help (see http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 1&p=182759 for other folks' solutions).

I've found the bandsaw a joy to work with. I haven't put it through all the paces yet but I have used it to resaw, break down stock, and a few curved parts for projects. It took a bit of tuning up but that was not at all hard, just followed a few threads here that went into details on the steps. It's important to note that the bandsaw uses a different approach to tracking and tracking adjustments than other bandsaws. This means the ever repeated "Tune Up Your Bandsaw in 18 Easy Steps", "Make Your Bandsaw a Monster Ripping Machine with These 8 Adjustments" and "Hotrod Your Bandsaw Like A Pro" (or what ever) articles only partially apply. I don't have any idea why they differ or which is truly better, but it is a great bandsaw. I put on cool blocks and got a guide bearing kit from Bill Mayo (on this site) - big improvement. Around here and on ebay the bandsaws aren't uncommon. There is at least one on craigslist about half the time, though often as part of a package. Prices vary a fair amount on our local craigslist.

The greenie differs from more modern shopsmiths in a few ways. The most obvious are the lower power motor and the splined "gimler" belt (or is it gilmer?). I gather the motor is fine as long as you don't want to run a planer, while the belt apparently can snap if you force it - think I recall reading a bad catch while using it as a lathe can do it. Another difference to note: the shieve lacks a hole for oiling - easily added. It's covered well in the forum.

My 1983 shopsmith had a bit too much runout for my taste so I upgraded to the two bearing quill. I've seen them on ebay for the gilmer belt version as well. Useful to know if you need it.

I actually use it in horizontal mode for most of my drilling. In many cases it is simply easier and faster that way.

The sanding disks are nice but the conical disk is fantastic. I suggest you read about them if you aren't familiar. They add a number of capabilities that you won't find elsewhere.

Anyhow, that's getting long enough. Welcome!

Well said Fitzhugh!!!!!

fitzhugh,
Thank you so much for the warm welcome. You are 100% correct, this is the BEST place to come for information for the Shopsmith. I hope to get the Shopsmith to a point that it is useable for, as I said, a drill press, horizontal boring machine and a disc sander.
I am on the hunt for a bandsaw and am having second thoughts about selling the jigsaw. It might come in handy someday.
Since, it is still a little cold in the garage/shop where I live I am spending my evenings reading over this forum and watching videos to build my knowledge base.
Again, thanks for you kind words.

Marty

Great, good way to pass the time. I had planned but forgot to add just that about the jigsaw. I barely even looked at mine for a couple months. I had my hands full bringing the other stuff back to life. Not only was it something I didn't see a big need for, it was also in the worst shape of the stuff I got in that batch. I still haven't cleaned it up as well as I did the rest but I did figure out it is still in usable shape and have since found it just the right tool for a few things. The ability to saw on the inside of a piece without cutting in from the outside is great. Now I want to try it with a metal cutting blade next.

Keep us posted.