Shopsmith Forums

For more than 35 years I have been annoyed with removing that power cord to make any changes to the SS. But I did and the only injury I have ever had was a slight abrasion from the sanding disc because of my inattention. It anything involved changing anything on the head-stock I unplugged the cord. I thought of solutions, none of which I liked, but today settled on one that I think satisfies me and may you. Simple, easy and always there when I need it.

Can you explain more what you have done and how it makes it easier?

Is it just something to stick the plug in after you remove it from the outlet?

It is less restrictive than sticking it in yer pocket.

Notice the last picture. It's just an empty receptacle with no cord attached. Screwed on the underside of a table mounted on the left. That way the cord is out of the way and handy when I get ready to plug it back in.

db5 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 31, 2021 10:27 am Notice the last picture. It's just an empty receptacle with no cord attached. Screwed on the underside of a table mounted on the left. That way the cord is out of the way and handy when I get ready to plug it back in.

Aaah - that's what it is.

I just drop my plug on the floor near the wall receptacle when not in use. I find that out of the way too behind the Shopsmith and right near the wall where it needs to be plugged back in.

I see it is a place to put the plug and protect it while making changes on the Shopsmith. I have yet to step on the plug while using garys method not to say it couldn't happen. Sometimes when the way tubes are exposed on the back (belt cover) side I drape the cord over them while making changes on the quill side and vice versa when setting up a SPT. I like to keep the power cord out of the "action" area.

I use a dead mans switch on all of my connected equipment. If my foot isn't on it there is no power. Two circuit breakers on my pony control all of my equipment and they get turned off when I leave.

Further explanation will clarify why I did this. My SS is parked between two cars in my garage. I have storage drawers below and other stuff in a tool chest and three cabinets against a wall. Electrical outlets are not accessible where the SS is. The closest outlet is in the ceiling where the garage door openers is plugged in. A 12 gauge extension cord hangs from overhead. When unplugged the cord was either in the way on the table or on the floor. This makes it out of the way and easily accessible to plug back in. It does not work in drill press mode.