Shopsmith Forums

Here is the tale of a new ShopSmith owner narrated by the owner (Saul Isler).

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ ... x?id=29961

Great story and one most Shopsmith owners can relate to. I still remember the day I unloaded that long box off my truck and began putting my SS together. Wow!!! What a day that was.
Ed

Thanks J.M., That was fun!

Now, he is a good story teller!

A well-told tale. I had known of ShopSmith for many years. As I entered the non- gunsmithing aspect of the woodworking world I often read of the "master of none" aspect of the SS. I had seen two in store demos and, yes indeedy, the fellow waltzed through function changes as though sailing on the Danube on a clear day. The second demo I watched was about 7 years ago and the same orderly change-overs were demonstrated. This time, though, I had an idea on what to look for. Planning was the key and I watched like a hawk for the man's progressive changes. I was already aware of the quality and precision built into a SS. I came quite close to buying that day but spent time thinking it over.
My interests drifted toward a return to handtools and I became immersed in planes and chisels and saws. Then I became interested in making handplanes. Out of the blue, a fellow galoot, knowing that my tablesaw, bandsaw and drillpress were in my unheated garage, arrived with son in tow and a pickup bed full of grey metal masses and gleaming steel tubes. In moments the large sub-components were downstairs in my basement and reassembled into a glorious multi-use machine. And, it was a gift. Yes, I was stunned. Bill had a dedicated shop full of quality stand-alone power tools and this old fellow had "been taking up space." Bill recalled an off-hand remark when I was discussing making wood-bodied handplanes-" I should probably find a Shopsmith-the multi-functions can do everything I need." It was the basic machine, 1983 vintage. It ran smoothly and all of the adjustments worked slick-after a small clean-up session and the application of a good carnuba wax.

The first SPT was a jointer- bought through ebay. As I used the unit, I read voraciously(PTWFE) and I got comfortable with it. And there it was-just as promised-true precision. I have since added the SPT's listed below in my signature-line, as well as another Shopsmith. #1 has Incra miter gauge and Miter Express always ready and usually the bandsaw to the left. #2 has the jointer to the left and right now, the strip sander to the right(belt turns away)-if the stripsander is not there, then the old style jig/scroll saw is there. Both types of disc sanding are available in moments, as is horizontal boring and lathe. Both units have the precision adjustable collars for alignment/leveling of the extension tables to the right and for the carriage/main table.

Soon, I will be receiving my cutdown tubes from one of our pals here and #2 will become a "Shorty." This will allow for easier vertical use in my low-ceiling basement. I have extra carriages and tables. Once the #2 is shortened, one extra table will carry a Woodpeck Drillpress Table package( I got the intro price-go look at it;even at full price it is a real bargain-capable of matching the SS precision).
I am close to finishing the handplane prototypes- another SS product, the OPR, will allow pattern routing for parts of the planes. The SS tools are backed up by a standalone SS beltsander, a smaller belt/disc sander usually wearing non-woven abrasive belt and a Jet/Performax 10-20 drumsander( would be Sandflee had they been available then, though this unit does not require a reset of the SS), a traditional routertable with Jessem lift(my OPR also has a big bottom mounted router), a Jet Mini Lathe and about 30 quality handplanes, good chisels and a myriad of other handtools(how many of you know that a tuned handplane can shave a predictable .001 consistently?).

Illness and forced retirement from my profession may well convert hobby plane making into a needed business.
Folks, those two Shopsmiths will be the centerpieces for the venture. And I know, as do all of you, that those two units will enable me to make exquisitely finished and fitted handtools. And, I have purchased and put away spare components for the two machines- those two ingenious combination tools will likely be paying my rent and putting groceries on the table, and picking up the co-pays for my required medicines. I am counting upon them with confidence; well earned.Mike T.

Very Interesting, Mike! Boy! You have a very good friend! What's better than a free Mark V?

The woodpeck drill press table was new to me. Guess I'm not a tool hunter. Although this table is not for me, maybe others will find it just right for them. http://www.woodpeck.com/ttdrillpress.html

jmoore65 wrote:Here is the tale of a new ShopSmith owner narrated by the owner (Saul Isler).

http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ ... x?id=29961

Great story telling indeed. This is something I'd like to hear more of from the major publications.
I'm just getting back into working with wood. I'm not that acomplished in the craft to begin with, but I love working the wood and creating something with my own hands. I think all of us on this forum love that feeling.
I'm wondering. How many of tha forum members have submitted similar tales or presented jigs and fixtures to the major publications that have been printed, and mention has been made of their Shopsmith use?
There have to be some, with the talent and inginuity I've seen posted in my limited time on the forum.
I'd buy back orders just to read those.