Shopsmith Forums

Found something interesting in the 2019 holiday print catalog from Shopsmith. Did anyone know Shopsmith is selling a Wixey laser now? I don't have a Shopsmith dedicated to drill press only, but I wonder how much work it is to re-calibrate when putting it back on again...any thoughts on this new product from Shopsmith? https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/ite ... tem=504054

RFGuy wrote:Found something interesting in the 2019 holiday print catalog from Shopsmith. Did anyone know Shopsmith is selling a Wixey laser now? I don't have a Shopsmith dedicated to drill press only, but I wonder how much work it is to re-calibrate when putting it back on again...any thoughts on this new product from Shopsmith?
ShopsmithLaser.jpg

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/ite ... tem=504054

Very, very nice and interesting. The mount is all metal and if the tolerances are adequate I would think it should re-install with no re-calibration. The distance from the table has nothing to do with the calibration. You can change table height and it will still be calibrated so where you re-install it on the tubes is not an issue. The important things are left and right placement between the tubes and a consistent angle (90 degrees) to the tubes. With a precision metal mount I think it should work fine.

We had a discussion here in using off the shelf drill press lasers. The only issue was mounting since they are all made to mount on a single round column. I bought one and made a mount. I think a couple other members did also (Ed?). It works just fine on my dedicated drill press.

The SS price is very reasonable considering this is only usable on a MK-V. I am going to buy one. I will take my current one and remake the bracket to use on my 10ER drill press.

Yes I answered the question as to if one could mount this sort of laser on the shopsmith. You can read all about it here:

https://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/gene ... 17544.html

I use mine all the time and so far so good. Since installing and aligning I have had no issues but did have to replace the batteries I think once, maybe it was twice??? But alignment has stayed right on.

DIY is most likely cheaper but not that much if you don't like making this sort of project.

Ed

Ed

I ordered the SS version today. We shall see. Looking forward to receiving it. It will be interesting how long it takes.

I haven't found lasers to be helpful on tools. I've never had one on my drill presses and really am not interested in trying one.
I do have a metal chop saw that has a laser. I tried it the first time I used the saw, and found that for me, it made the job more difficult rather than helping. I find that I can more easily line up the cut with my eye than using the laser. After the first use, I tossed the batteries and would also pull off the laser if it was easily removable.
Perhaps it might be more useful on a drill press, but I'm not willing to try at this point.

garys wrote:I haven't found lasers to be helpful on tools. I've never had one on my drill presses and really am not interested in trying one.
I do have a metal chop saw that has a laser. I tried it the first time I used the saw, and found that for me, it made the job more difficult rather than helping. I find that I can more easily line up the cut with my eye than using the laser. After the first use, I tossed the batteries and would also pull off the laser if it was easily removable.
Perhaps it might be more useful on a drill press, but I'm not willing to try at this point.

I have one because my wife scroll saws. That involves numerous holes to be drilled before sawing. The holes do not have to be accurate but have to be inside the particular area. The laser makes getting the stock in place much easier and quicker.

I don't have a chop saw or CMS but I think I would agree with you on one of them. I can eyeball a cross cut on my table saw almost dead on. I err on the long side, test and then adjust.

If I really had to have holes dead on I would want more then just the laser but so many times like when setting up to scroll saw all you need is to get it somewhat close and the laser works really well for that too. Other times I just have a pencil line cross like on a birdhouse, again the laser gets you plenty close to drill that hole. Besides it is up to you if you want to turn it on and use it or not.

Like wise on the miter saws, if the cut absolutely right on I would not depend on the laser to get me there but it helps. My newest saw has dual lasers, on each side and I like that better then my previous saw with the blade mounted laser only on one side. The old one has to have the blade spinning to work, the new one you turn on and the lines appear so you can get to where you want to be before even thinking about cutting. Don't get me wrong the lasers are accurate and for most people will give the accuracy you need but sometimes you have to be closer then a hair off.

I didn't buy the drill press laser because I though I needed it but I like to play with things and this was just another toy and project to see if it could be done. Now that I have it I can always use it or not. It is not always about needing something.

Ed

reible wrote:If I really had to have holes dead on I would want more then just the laser but so many times like when setting up to scroll saw all you need is to get it somewhat close and the laser works really well for that too. Other times I just have a pencil line cross like on a birdhouse, again the laser gets you plenty close to drill that hole. Besides it is up to you if you want to turn it on and use it or not.

Like wise on the miter saws, if the cut absolutely right on I would not depend on the laser to get me there but it helps. My newest saw has dual lasers, on each side and I like that better then my previous saw with the blade mounted laser only on one side. The old one has to have the blade spinning to work, the new one you turn on and the lines appear so you can get to where you want to be before even thinking about cutting. Don't get me wrong the lasers are accurate and for most people will give the accuracy you need but sometimes you have to be closer then a hair off.

I didn't buy the drill press laser because I though I needed it but I like to play with things and this was just another toy and project to see if it could be done. Now that I have it I can always use it or not. It is not always about needing something.


Ed

I agree totally. It turned out to work great for my wife. That was in the back of my mind when I bought it. The SS solution is nice and clean. I am really looking forward to getting it. Even though I don't need to remove it on my dedicated drill press I will a few times to check the calibration.

So, a $30 Wixey and a $40... bracket??

kenbu wrote:So, a $30 Wixey and a $40... bracket??

The Wixey is $40 on their web site. It includes a Stainless Steel hose clamp to attach to a conventional drill press column and is not meant to be moved once calibrated.

The SS version needs a precision bracket to be removable and re-instable to maintain accuracy. I think the price is reasonable.