New User Looking for a Tutor

[fquail]

I am looking for a “tutor” in the Atlanta area to help me get acquainted with the Mark V (1984 vintage) I have inherited from my Dad. He was fortunate to take classes when Shopsmith had a store in suburban Atlanta, but now I just have the manuals, Shopsmith videos, etc. I could benefit from some hands-on guidance. If there are any takers, my personal email is fredkoehl “at” gmail “dot” com. Thanks!

[Gene Howe]

Hope someone in your are responds. Im in AZ, so no help.

[garys]

I suggest you do some reading in the books. The Shopsmith is a very simple machine that anyone with basic mechanical aptitude can figure out just with a little reading and using the machine itself.
I inherited my Shopsmith from my Dad too. He didn't have any training on it and I didn't have any either. Recently I bought a second one for my Son, and he didn't need any training either.
If you look at the machine, just about every function is self explanatory. If you encounter something you don't understand, ask a question here on the forum.
Mostly, don't be afraid to use it as you learn more that way than any other way.
If you can drive a car safely, you can use a Shopsmith safely.

[edflorence]

Best of luck with finding a tutor. In a major metro area you should be able to find someone, but if not, do not let that be an obstacle. As was discussed in the thread on this very forum a week or so ago called "Did anyone else learn to use their Shopsmith through reading books?" many of us did learn more or less on our own, with the help of SS manuals, books, videos, etc. So if you can't find a tutor, just forge ahead and maybe consider the collective wisdom of this site as your "tutor" and use it to supplement the reading. Also be sure to check out all the SS instruction available on YouTube and the SS site. Trial and error can also be a good instructor, but a few things that should help before you start are: Never do any operation that makes you feel uncomfortable or not in control, always use your saw guards, always always do your "five point check" before flipping the on switch and always turn the speed dial down much slower than when you are turning it up.

Let us know how things go for you.

[Gene Howe]

I said I was no help. Then I remembered these guys.
https://gwinnettwoodworkers.com
They are in the metro area and a few of the members have Shopsmiths.
Try giving them a call.
Also, you might stop by Peachtree Woodworking supply. I'm sure some of their local customers own Shopsmiths.

[dusty]

The forum can't provide hands on assistance but we are always here to answer questions and to provide some guidance.

Welcome to Shopsmith and to the forum.

[Hobbyman2]

there are plenty of videos on youtube that should help you out .

[beeg]

I said I was no help. Then I remembered these guys.
https://gwinnettwoodworkers.com
They are in the metro area and a few of the members have Shopsmiths.
Try giving them a call.
Also, you might stop by Peachtree Woodworking supply. I'm sure some of their local customers own Shopsmiths.

The Gwinnett woodworkers turners did meet at the Peachtree store.

[chapmanruss]

Three books that will help you if you don't already have them are

1. The Owner's Manual - It will show you how to set it up to do the different functions and trouble shoot problems.

2. The Self-Study guide aka 10 Simple Lessons to Successful Woodworking - and it is just that. It will walk you through a series of small projects to show and have you do different functions on your Shopsmith.

3. Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone - This book was written for the Shopsmith tools and how to use them. It goes beyond what is in the Manual and Self-Study Guide. It also includes using the SPT's or Special Purpose Tools like the Band Saw, Belt Sander, Jointer, etc. From the book you may find which of these additional tools would be good additions to your shop.

These are available new from this website's catalog (shopsmith.com) or you may find used ones online. For the Owner's Manual try to find one for the Mark V or Mark V 500 from the 1980's on. For Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone the 1984 Revised Edition or the 1989 4th Edition would be good and can be found used for a few dollars at used book re-sellers online. There are two earlier editions which would be fine, but not the First Edition with the blue cover. It was written using the Shopsmith Model 10ER.

Good luck and don't be afraid to get started on your own. It's the way most of us here have done it using these books. As always SAFETY FIRST, understand the safe use of the machine and use the safety equipment.

[wa2crk]

I don't consider the Shopsmith self study course a woodworking training course. I do consider it an excellent course for setting up your machine. As an example; if you want to make a compound miter cut the course explains how to set up the machine to make the cut. Due to the virus attack take a weekend with the instruction manual going through the various set ups, changeovers and the alignment procedures to obtain an understanding of this great tool.
Bill V