Shopsmith Forums

More than once over the years, I have forgotten to lock the headstock before starting an operation. This is especially disconcerting when switching from table saw mode to drill press mode, also dangerous.

I thought i solved the problem when I put a piece of tape on the headstock with the word LOCK on it. Naturally the tape came off over time and old habits returned.

Last week I came up with the idea to put a fridge magnet, coloured red, beside the switch when I have loosened the headstock lock. This reminds me to lock it before starting an operation. I then remove the magnet and only replace it when I loosen the lock. So far it works.

Now I only have to remember to use it.

Now back to the birdhouses.

John

PS: I tried to post a photo, but the file was too big. I will try to resize or take a new one later.

Pretty good idea, John. I bet it is helpful.

Over the years of working with Shopsmiths, I have tried to turn two habits into instincts: One, always do a "5 point" check before turning the switch on and Two, grab the belt loops on my jeans after turning off the saw and keep my hands there until the blade has completely stopped spinning. Have I succeeded in making these habits entirely instinctive? Not quite, which is why reminders like the one you came up will always have a place in the shop.

Put a permanent flap over the power switch that says "check 5".

Then check those of the five that are relevant.

Put another over the way tube clamp.

john wrote:More than once over the years, I have forgotten to lock the headstock before starting an operation. This is especially disconcerting when switching from table saw mode to drill press mode, also dangerous.

I thought i solved the problem when I put a piece of tape on the headstock with the word LOCK on it. Naturally the tape came off over time and old habits returned.

Last week I came up with the idea to put a fridge magnet, coloured red, beside the switch when I have loosened the headstock lock. This reminds me to lock it before starting an operation. I then remove the magnet and only replace it when I loosen the lock. So far it works.

Now I only have to remember to use it.

Now back to the birdhouses.

John

PS: I tried to post a photo, but the file was too big. I will try to resize or take a new one later.

I tried something similar but then I spent more time trying too figure out where I put my magnet. My dad had the problem of leaving the cellar lights on after he was finished down there. He built himself dongers to remind himself to turn off the lights. These were pieces of hose hanging it from twine that hits his head as he took the most logical path out of his shop or to the stairs. This made his reminder automatic, he did not have to do anything. The fact that I can not automatically remind myself to do the five point check is the reason I use the Shopsmith less and less.
Kind of like remembering to do everything on a single lens reflex or shifting to a point and shoot camera.

Ed in Tampa wrote:

john wrote:More than once over the years, I have forgotten to lock the headstock before starting an operation. This is especially disconcerting when switching from table saw mode to drill press mode, also dangerous.

I thought i solved the problem when I put a piece of tape on the headstock with the word LOCK on it. Naturally the tape came off over time and old habits returned.

Last week I came up with the idea to put a fridge magnet, coloured red, beside the switch when I have loosened the headstock lock. This reminds me to lock it before starting an operation. I then remove the magnet and only replace it when I loosen the lock. So far it works.

Now I only have to remember to use it.

Now back to the birdhouses.

John

PS: I tried to post a photo, but the file was too big. I will try to resize or take a new one later.

I tried something similar but then I spent more time trying too figure out where I put my magnet. My dad had the problem of leaving the cellar lights on after he was finished down there. He built himself dongers to remind himself to turn off the lights. These were pieces of hose hanging it from twine that hits his head as he took the most logical path out of his shop or to the stairs. This made his reminder automatic, he did not have to do anything. The fact that I can not automatically remind myself to do the five point check is the reason I use the Shopsmith less and less.
Kind of like remembering to do everything on a single lens reflex or shifting to a point and shoot camera.

Digital SLRs are almost a point & shoot in auto mode.(actually far better)

Here is a picture of the reminder magnet.
John

Move the magnet to the back side when you lock the headstock. That way you do not need to 'hunt fer it'.

But then it would be "out of sight, out of mind"

Have fun and stay safe!

John

LOL I have a light at the top of the stairs to remember the basement lights , as far as the SS locks go ,, well I do my best to make it a point to check everything before I flip the switch , if something isnt locked it shows up pretty quick . set up time is a issue especially table height but when your space is limited and time is not a issue the SS still shines !! JMO

There does come a time when "the old guy" should avoid the use of power tools. I know because I am approaching that time.