Shopsmith Forums

I have a combo vise very much like the older model sold by Shopsmith. It didn't take long until either

1) I tried tightening it too tight
or
2) The faulty design showed its colors
or
3) Both

What happened is quick release would no longer lock and the vise could no longer be tightened. I took it apart and the amount of wear seemed minor, so I believe it is/was a bad design.

What I did was drill and tap for a 1/4-20 screw to firmly hold the internal mechanism against the screw, and now it tightens fine. A couple twists of the screw and I have quick release again. After positioning I run the screw finger tight, and then tighten the vise. Not a perfect solution, but much better than throwing the thing away.

I don't know if similar issues plague the Shopsmith model, but I thought I'd post anyway.

The only issue that I had with mine from the 1980's that came with my original 500 was that the orange plastic button (on top of my model) got brittle and broke off.

All I did back then was to send them a photo of mine illustrating what was wrong, and request the part number for the plastic button so I could order one.

The OEM replaced it free with one of the newer vices, and told me to keep the one that broke.

Since taking the photo I've replaced the screw with one compatible with the ubiquitous Shopsmith allen wrench.

I now have two vises as I picked up a Boro which has the same dimensions and is also compatible with the bench mount accessory.

I'm planning on making a sled for the vise similar to the Shopsmith offering. Anyone know what the unused threaded holes are intended for? The spacing is curious.

Okay here is my take on the sliding vise sled. I put the miter mounting holes 7.75" apart in both directions so the sled can be mounted vertically or horizontally. I also put multiple mounting points for the vise so it can be moved fore and to center material under the drill bit.

When possible, I like to make jigs on my CNC, that way I can quickly remake it or modify it as needed.

Bottom side after milling on CNC and adding t-nuts: With vise jaws vertical:
With vise jaws horizontal:

Additional holes "for future expansion" as need be.

Hey Paul, where did you come up with the miter "runners" ? Did you make those or pillage them from somewhere else?

I like this setup. Wouldn't mind making something similar.

supermansrf wrote:Hey Paul, where did you come up with the miter "runners" ? Did you make those or pillage them from somewhere else?

I like this setup. Wouldn't mind making something similar.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/woodw ... 16930.html