Shopsmith Forums

My present jointer is a 6" 70s vintage Craftsman floor model. Since my shop is a good bit smaller than an airplane hangar, I could use the space the Craftsman takes.
My jointer needs are for edge jointing only.
Would you advise the Shopsmith jointer as a replacement? And, I have two Shopsmiths so, no change overs would be required.
Owner if Bill Mayo has one laying around?

YES. I have a early version joiner that Tony Mann (backhertz) and I rebuild 4-5 years ago and I never used. I recommend upgrading to the new feather guard kit on these joiners. Shipping of this heavy item is very expensive these days.

Gene.
I am curious as to the depth of the edges you are jointing.

If it is 2" of less have you considered using a router table instead (stand alone or the SS)? A 2" straight bit can be had for < $25. Most router fences can be offset so the following edge can be moved or shimmed to match the edge of the bit. A couple passes and you have a very smooth jointed edge.

That method could free up a fair amount of floor space, just in case the Lear Jet 70 needs a tad more room!

Just a thought.

Be well,
Ben

Rockler sell a router fence shim wet just for that purpose.
http://www.rockler.com/router-table-joi ... ims-6-pack

Some edges are 3-3/4". Not often, but often enough so that not having the capability would be frustrating.

Gene Howe wrote:Some edges are 3-3/4". Not often, but often enough so that not having the capability would be frustrating.

Then I think the SS joiner is the way to go.

I use my SS fairly frequently and love it. It's not that great for boards longer than 4-5 ft but it is doable. Since most projects are less than that it doesn't come up that often and I have a work around for the longer pieces.
Paul

If you go to the SS videos, with Engler he shows you how to make a fence and table extension for a SS jointer, I made the fence extension for more height and length out of 3/4 Baltic Birch, I did not need the table extension, that is a steady pair of hands.

You might try the shopsmith 6" drum sander used with the drum sander fence. The fence has adjustments of 1/64" for both the infeed and outfeed side of the fence so it could be used as a jointer. Takes time to set up but works pretty well, very similar to the router table approach mention earlier.

Thanks for all your suggestions.
Paul (masonsailor) has generously offered to let me have his extra one. So, I am good to go.