Difference Between Rick Davis and Nick's alignment DVD

[dynabase]

Recently SS advertised Nicks alignment and maintenance Video. I have the one that Rick Davis did. Does anyone have both videos? If you do could you comment on the merits of each video? Which one is best? The Rick Davis video is newer bot does it cover everything?

Michael

[dusty]

I have Rick's procedure and I would give it 5 stars. The procedure is detailed and accurate and if followed will provide as near a perfect alignment as you will ever get on your Shopsmith.

I can not make a detailed comparison because I do not have Nick's procedure to follow. Is it the same as what Nick does in the Sawdust Session? http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... gnment.htm

Keep in mind that square is square and parallel is parallel no matter how you get there. I say that because I sorta do my own think and I will match my alignment with any Shopsmith owner. You have to decide, with any procedure you chose to use, just how accurate you want to get. Dead on is possible if you have the time and patience.

[everettdavis]

dynabase,

I have worked to refine and define my method to the alignment process for many years. I have seen both of the DVD's and others as well.

I originally discussed alignment in a thread that later evolved into a PDF document.

I don't use a video in my explanation, but I do help you envision it in your mind and I can say that once you understand it, you will be able to align your Shopsmith

Go to Shopsmith Large Format Drawings, Illustrations and More thread under Maintenance and Repair.

On the main page in the thread, or under My Google Drive link you will find two documents that will help immensely in determining what needs to be done:

1) My method to the alignment process - Everett L. Davis.pdf

2) What Can a Single Crosscut tell you.pdf

Under the My Google Drive link you will find a Shopsmith document titled: 505-510_Alignment Document from Shopsmith.pdf

When you read through those, the videos will become more clear and you will know how to test and align them from that point forward, likely without having to refer to a document or a video again.

Dusty is right. You can get it spot on, if the tools you use and the skills you develop are spot on.

I encourage you to read my method to alignment first.

Then when you read what can one cross-cut tell you, you will understand how to determine in a few seconds if you are aligned.

Kindest Regards,

Everett

[dynabase]

Thanks Everett. Your documents are very informative. I will read them in detail tomorrow.

I just to clarify I have the Rick Davis video and love it. It's very easy to follow and professionally done. I was just curious after I saw the SS ad for Nicks video. Just curious about the difference between the two approaches to alignment. I've seen Nicks sawdust sessions alignment videos and I think Rick has a much better presentation.

Michael

[dusty]

Thanks Everett. Your documents are very informative. I will read them in detail tomorrow.

I just to clarify I have the Rick Davis video and love it. It's very easy to follow and professionally done. I was just curious after I saw the SS ad for Nicks video. Just curious about the difference between the two approaches to alignment. I've seen Nicks sawdust sessions alignment videos and I think Rick has a much better presentation.

Michael

Rick's presentation may be a bit more professional but the techniques used are pretty much identical; are they not.

[everettdavis]

Agreed. Nick' s Sawdust Sessions etc. Would have been far better had they spent more time making sure the camera was in focus than they did making sure one could hear the guitar intros and interludes.

The methods work to produce alignments but clarity and tighter focused shots would have helped Nick plus a higher resolution camera back in they days the Sawdust Sessions were shot.

Everett