Shopsmith Forums

Okay, the more reasonable among you might think, "Why in the world would you want to do that? If it works as-is, leave it alone."

But every so often I like to give my tools a bit of a cosmetic makeover. My current project is the table on my 520. The saw insert finish has seen better days, and i wondered if there was a spray paint that would do the job -- and hold up to use -- or if a powder coat is the only good answer, in which case I'll relent and rejoin the reasonable folks.

Krylon comes to mind.

paulrussell wrote: Fri Jan 15, 2021 11:20 am Okay, the more reasonable among you might think, "Why in the world would you want to do that? If it works as-is, leave it alone."

But every so often I like to give my tools a bit of a cosmetic makeover. My current project is the table on my 520. The saw insert finish has seen better days, and i wondered if there was a spray paint that would do the job -- and hold up to use -- or if a powder coat is the only good answer, in which case I'll relent and rejoin the reasonable folks.

Obviously you are using the metal table inserts. Except for a couple I abandoned those long ago. I make my own and I don't bother painting them. I have, however, done some cosmetic rework on the tables. I painted the edges of one set. The idea was to distinguish the original tables from the those that came from ebay and with my second Mark V.

Actually I can relate. I have restored many Shopsmith tools to make them "pretty" and like new again including touch ups on my Marks V/7. When I did my Power Pro upgrade I painted the headstock casting, motor pan and belt cover. Since the inside parts were going to be new the outside should look new too. I haven't painted a table insert, except Jointer/Shaper Fences for the Model 10's but you could try spray paint with maybe an added clear coat for protection. Waxing it may help the paint last longer too.

Thanks all

You don't want to hear this, but I'm loving the powder coat idea. Lots of interesting colors.

Whatever kind of paint or coating you use, worst case is you sand it down and start over.

I would prefer something that citrus strip will remove.