Shopsmith Forums

I am a new Shopsmith user. I just purchased a Mark V 510 with several accessories and I am excited to begin to learn how to use it. I am hoping this site will be a good reference points and advise on how to get the most out of my tool.

With the Shopsmith I purchased (used) I am getting a stand alone planer, jointer, bandsaw, jigsaw, belt sander plus the standard 5 tools.

One question I have is the router and shaper options good options?

CAP wrote:I am a new Shopsmith user. I just purchased a Mark V 510 with several accessories and I am excited to begin to learn how to use it. I am hoping this site will be a good reference points and advise on how to get the most out of my tool.

With the Shopsmith I purchased (used) I am getting a stand alone planer, jointer, bandsaw, jigsaw, belt sander plus the standard 5 tools.

One question I have is the router and shaper options good options?

First, WELCOME!!!!

This is a good place for asking questions. There is a lot of collective experience here. There are differing opinions as well.

A source for good reference is the stickeys at the top of the Maintenance and Repair forum.

If you have not one already a recent copy of PTWFE is suggested. There is an online copy readable on the SS web site. It(all previous versions included) is the SS user's bible.

Now about routing/shaping. Here is where some of those differing opinions will appear.

Back pre Korean 'conflict' there were not many routers used by 'hobbiest'.

Since then seems every one has one. The router does a better job due to it's higher speed(rpm).

That said, the SS will do an adequate job of either as long as feed rate is kept slow(cuts per distance are increased). It also has numerous workpiece holding features that are robust.

Where are you located? Perhaps someone here is close and can offer help. Your location can be added to your profile.

Welcome aboard! echoing JPG (who I consider a Shopsmith guru) the book is a vailable resource as well as the well as members in the forums.

I have not used the shaper but I have used the router funtion and is is a good compliment to my hand routers. I have a portable router stand and it is much nicer having a stable, heavy, platform the SS offers.

get to know your machine and take to time to do the maintence items as a good way to learn the machine.

If I can offer a suggestion for an upgrade and one I wish I had done sooner is to add the 3 inch wheel upgrade. It makes it much easier to move around the shop.

as others have said enjoy making sawdust and safely.

Welcome to the forum.

You will find a wealth of information and helpful people here.

The first thing you should do is clean, inspect, lubricate and align your new purchase. You should also do that to the wealth of accessories you have. Get the manuals for the SS and the accessories. Many are available free on line and SS sells most of the rest.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. There is no dumb question.

Welcome to the forum ! As mentioned before read the maintenance stickeys and please ask all the questions you need. As the starting point clean it up and then go through the entire alignment sequence from start to finish. Assume that everything is loose and not aligned. Then it’s time to have fun ! Sounds like you have acquired a great tool inventory.
Paul

I am in Northeast Alabama.