Shopsmith Forums

Hello folks:

I'm certainly not new to woodworking with nearly 40 years under my belt, but the model 510 shop Smith is brand-new to me.

One of the first things that's an issue for me (other than my horrible table alignment) is the height of the overall machine.

Is there some practical reason shop Smith decided to make this thing so high? I've had many table saws over the years, but nothing as tall as this thing.

I'm thinking one of my first projects may be to build a new table for the entire machine to rest on, perhaps about 3-4 inches or so lower. I'd also like to get some greater ground clearance. 1 inch would be really nice to go over obstacles, so may just change the stock caster to something with more height range.

There also seems to be enough flex in the machine that you could easily knock the thing out of alignment. So, yet another reason to make a more sturdy base for it.

So, before I do something I might regret, is there any practical reason shop Smith made this so high?

I will have to study the machine a little bit more as I'm guessing there needs to be clearances for the adjustable table heights and in my case I also have the lift assist.

Thanks in advance and hope to be up and running soon.

What you are proposing -- a custom height base for the Mark V -- can and has been done.

The short (or is it tall?) answer to your question about why the table saw is so tall relative to other table saws is that it is the result of design compromises necessitated by a multi-function machine.

A lower base to get a lower minimum table saw height would result in a lower spindle height, which would result in a lower lathe height. And the lathe is already considered by some users to be below what is a comfortable height for lathe work. In fact some users raise the Mark V on custom made boxes under the legs when doing lots of lathe work.

If you seldom or never use the lathe, having an even lower lather may be of no consequence to you (or you could build some boxes to raise the height as needed).

Changing the height of the base also changes the drill press geometry in terms of maximum and minimum heights of the table and headstock.

All food for thought as you plan your custom base.

If I were to do this, I think I would want to build a base that can be easily raised or lowered to different heights. If you Google for adjustable height work benches, you may get an idea or two.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Spot on Al!

Thanks for the prompt reply. I figured there had to be a reason shop Smith did things this way. Machines like the joiner seem like they would be at a perfect height just the way it sits. Bandsaw I'm guessing a bit too high, disc sander, too high, strip sander too high, so just about everything but the lathe seems to be too high. I was also planning to do a router table, and it too would be too high. Horizontal boring, also too high, so that's the bulk of the tools.

I can certain see raising the table for lathe work. . Slide the motor unit to one side, lift, then slide to the other, and lift the other side. I would think there's enough adjustment in the table height and motor unit for the drill press, but I just don't have enough time with the machine to know.

A 42 inch tall machine for the bulk of the work seems crazy though to me. I guess the other option would be to build a 6 inch platform to stand on, and perhaps make it dual duty for storage. It could also be dangerous if too small though.

Since I already need a storage cabinet I'm inclined to build something. Not sure I want to get into something as involved as an adjustable height workbench though.

At this point I have not purchased the joiner, and still on the fence as to whether I want to or not. At only 28 inches long it seems to be limited. I may get a standalone Porter cable or delta machine. That's the only other machine that would be too low with a lower bench that immediately comes to mind.

I must say that I had the same opinion about the saw table being too high. To resolve that issue, I lower the table for nearly all normal saw activity. I know, this exposes a lot of blade. That simply means I need to be always aware and avoid that potential catastrophe. I don't agree with the conclusion that the belt sander, strip sander, etc are also too high. I find that all but the saw table are quite compatible with this 5'6" woodworker.

I abandoned the idea of lower the Mark V by putting it on a lower stand or cutting down the height of the legs just to lower the table saw.

Hi,

Many years ago when I got my first shopsmith, one concern I had was the height of the table saw. We had table saws when I was growing up and I had one on my own after that so I was use to that height. BTW I'm 5'8" and well a little under that now..... it's an age thing.

It took only a very short time to find I did not have a problem with the height after all, just wasn't use to it was all. So if the machine is new to you I'd look at using it for a while and seeing how it goes.

Now when I got back to using a regular height table saw it feels so short. I was just up visiting my brother who has a regular table saw and we ripped up a bunch of wood and to be honest I'd much rather have done it on my shopsmith height wise.

The other thing I like about the height is now that my vision isn't want it use to be and I'm wearing glasses having the table up high makes it a lot easier to see the lines......... or me missing the lines as the case might be.

The only function I'd like to see different is the lathe height, it could be just a little higher for me but it has not been worth the effort to make it higher.

If after giving it a couple of months use you still feel like you want it lower or adjustable then go for it, I just would do that as the first thing.

Ed

I think you make a very good point. We are creatures of habit. My post comes after my initial and immediate reaction to what is a new machine to me. It is quite possible that I will adapt to the higher high. At this point I just don't know. I'm certainly willing to take your suggestion and use the machine a while. Best case scenario is I will adapt, and it will be fine. Worst case is I build a smaller base. Seeing how I just purchased the premium casters along with sanding, priming and painting the legs, I'm all for keeping things the way they are a while!

I also 'like' the higher table surface for sawing. Almost NO bending over when using it.

It can be a challenge with large workpieces.

I think you will 'get used to it' and never look back.

You may have difficulty getting used to the tilting table.

I have to agree with Ed. After many years of dealing with SS’s and the other machinery in my shop I have raised everything else to near the height of the SS. I am 6’3” so it works for me. All of my work tables and saws are set at 37 1/2”. That allows me to use the saw, router table and work bench in conjunction with each other using one to support the work pieces as they move from one machine to the other.
Paul

I use a track saw for breaking down sheet goods, so doubt I'll be dealing with many larger pieces. I have a Festool MFT top I use. It works great and creates dead accurate 90 degree cuts due to the the CNC holes in the top. Love it!