Shopsmith Forums

So, I wanted to learn how to turn things. That, of course, requires one to own a lathe. Whilst I'm assuming I will enjoy the hobby, I didnt want to drop big coin on a new lathe; used being my only other option. Looking around I spotted something I remember my dad always wanting but never getting. I still remember the infomercials he watched back in the 70s. A Mark 5 at a decent price compared to everything else I was finding. I figured why not, it is able to lathe and the other features are simply a plus. Went to look at it and the guy plugged it up and turned it on. It ran for a few seconds and would trip a breaker. He swore it worked just fine and reset said breaker, only to have it trip again. Now, I'm no genius but he had it plugged into a 100 foot extension cord that was plugged into a 6 outlet power strip that had other things plugged in. I believe I saw the problem and he did not. He immediately lowered the price and I brought her home. Plugged into my dedicated 20 amp outlet, it purs like a cat. And annoying cat, but a cat just the same.

I know nothing of these contraptions and even less on how to lathe so hopefully you fine folks will help me get to where I need to be. Missing the tail live center but that seems to be a standard M2 (yea, I've been using the search feature) and the rest needs lubricated. Other than that, it seems fine. Looked up the SN (thanks for that link) and it's a first year.

Welcome. Shopsmiths can be addicting. You are not be missing the live center because it didn't come with one as a standard item. But there should be a (dead) cup center for the tail stock. If that's missing, you are correct that the tail stock accepts a standard Morse #2 taper.

You should read the Power Tool Woodworking chapters on lathe turning so you understand the setup on the Shopsmith. https://www.shopsmith.com/academy/lathe ... /index.htm

You can search YouTube videos on lathe turning to get the hang of using the chisels.

Check to see if there is a woodturning group near you. They might offer classes and/or mentors to help get you started. You can search the AAW to see if any are near you at: https://www.woodturner.org/Woodturner/R ... c3e2809c3e.

You might also consider updating your profile to show your location.

No chapter where I live but there are 2 in the city (Kansas City). I thought the one that goes into the head was the dead center and the one in the tail stock was the live. Am I thinking backwards? As for YouTube, I've been bringing those videos

The live center goes into the tail, but the one shipped with a Shopsmith is a dead center. If you want the live center, it is optional and available from Shopsmith.

Left to right there is a
- Drive Center- goes on the spindle - grips the work and makes it turn
- Dead Center - goes in the tailstock - supports the other end of the work but does not turn, requires lubrication to minimize friction.
- Live Center - goes in the tailstock - supports the other end of the work but has bearings so it turns with the work.

The SS live center has the ring and pin like the dead center, but it does rotate with the work.

Thanks guys.

Welcome to the world of shopsmith. I’ve yet to do some turning myself, well good luck.