Shopsmith Forums

It seems that more old MarkV 500s are showing up either complete or as parts, and that gave me an idea of trying to use two carriages and tables side by side on an old 500 to have a larger table for sawing. The carriage would be there all the time, but the second table would be used only when a larger working space is needed.
Has anybody tried this, and did it cause any issues with flexibility when working with other tools? I suppose I could just try it for a while and see if it causes problems. If it does, I would pull it off again.

The only thing that comes to mind is that it will increase your minimum "reach" in your lathe work. I think it is a good idea. I use one of the other machines all the time as out feed tables. Works great.

JMHO

It has been done, but on the other side of the headstock. There it causes connectivity problem to SPTs.

Interesting approach for lathe work(two tool rests?).


As a temporary 'assist', I think it useful. I can see some long term issues with it being in the way.

So I see it as a personal approach thing.

But, of course, you could remove it if it didn't work out for you. And the original machine would be no worse for the experiment. Plus you won't have spent a $1000 on parts. Why not try it and see.

A few years ago, I cut the legs off of a few 500 main tables, made a jig and welded the legs using the SPT spacing. This allowed a tillable table at either end of the Shopsmith that mates with the 500 main table. I included a few of these tables with the MINIs and SHORTYs I was selling. I still have the jig so have been thinking about converting a few more 500 main tables. This also allows the MINI to be used for sawing wood and as a drill press. I have one of these modified 500 main tables on my Mark V Power Station to sharpen planer and joiner knives. This allows me to tilt the table to starting sanding on the heel of the knives.

My question is are you placing the units end to end or side by side?

They would go side by side on the way tubes between the headstock and the right end of the Shopsmith.

I use a two table setup on one of my units to give me a larger table / support for sawing. It came as a result of having 3 units and converting one to a shortie for SPT use.

Shortcomings:

1) I can't use a standard coupler to drive SPT's because the carriage on the auxiliary side of the unit wont let the head get close enough. Solution: I have a shortie for SPT's!

2) This reduces the length limit for lathe. Solution: If needed I could: a) use my Greenie or, b) use a steadyrest. So far, this hasn't been a problem.

See the picture. Ignore the jigsaw under the cover. I had just placed it there to take pictures of it.

I have a jig that allows me to cut the legs off the 500 main table trunnion and weld them to fit in the SPT holes in the headstock and base arm. This table aligns with the main 500 table and fence. I had made up a few of these tables to allow a sawing function for the MINI Shopsmiths I was selling. I have about a dozen 500 main tables laying around that I hope to convert this spring and offer on Ebay to go along with my Bench Top MINI Frame Kit. I used these converted tables on each end of my displayed Shopsmith in my Home Show booth for years to display catalogs, papers and business cards. I had one of these tables on my Mark V Power Station which is set up for sharpening planer and joiner knives.

billmayo wrote:I have a jig that allows me to cut the legs off the 500 main table trunnion and weld them to fit in the SPT holes in the headstock and base arm. This table aligns with the main 500 table and fence. I had made up a few of these tables to allow a sawing function for the MINI Shopsmiths I was selling. I have about a dozen 500 main tables laying around that I hope to convert this spring and offer on Ebay to go along with my Bench Top MINI Frame Kit. I used these converted tables on each end of my displayed Shopsmith in my Home Show booth for years to display catalogs, papers and business cards. I had one of these tables on my Mark V Power Station which is set up for sharpening planer and joiner knives.

Thanks Bill, sounds very useful. Love to see one if you have a picture.