Shopsmith Forums

What are the basic must-have tools for a beginner woodworker?

What tools or functions can the Shopsmith replace in a compact shop?

Any tips on how to save space while still working efficiently?

markjhaner,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

As for your questions the answers will vary depending on personal opinion and needs. Your questions are in the quotes below with my answers.

What are the basic must-have tools for a beginner woodworker?

This depends on the type of woodworking you wish to do. Some like hand tools to complete their projects while others prefer power tools either handheld and/or bench tools. Tools for cutting, shaping and assembling projects are needed items.

What tools or functions can the Shopsmith replace in a compact shop?

The most common Shopsmith Tool is the Mark V which has different models in which the Table/Fence System varies. The Mark V is a 5 in 1 tool able to be a Table Saw, Disk Sander, Horizontal Boring Machine, Drill Press and a Lathe. These are functions that a Mark V can replace individual tools. The Mark 7 add under and over table Routing and Shaping. You can add SPT's (Single Purpose Tools) to the Mark V or 7 to increase the functions. There is a Jointer, Belt Sander, Bandsaw and Strip Sander that are currently in production. On the used market you can find the discontinued SPT's like the Jig Saw, Scroll Saw, Planer and from time to time one of the Air Compressors all made to attach to the Mark tools to power them.

Any tips on how to save space while still working efficiently?

The Shopsmith Mark tools can have Retractable Casters made for them attached to the legs. This allows the Main tool (the Mark V or 7) to easily be moved around the shop and stored out of the way when not in use. The SPT's mentioned earlier can also be stored out of the way on shelves, carts or other methods. I have my primary SPT's (Jointer, Jig Saw, Belt Sander, Bandsaw and Strip Sander) on a cart with many accessories. I keep my Scroll Saw mounted on a Power Station.

If you would like to know more about the Shopsmith Mark V, its history and evolution check out the topic Shopsmith Mark 5 What When and Where in the Community section at the link below.

viewtopic.php?t=24963

There is also a topic called SPT's What When and Where you may find helpful.

viewtopic.php?t=26072

And if you want to know about the Shopsmith tool that predates the Mark V see the Topic Shopsmith Model 10's What When and Where at the link below.

viewtopic.php?t=23647

markjhaner wrote: ↑Tue Apr 22, 2025 11:01 pm What are the basic must-have tools for a beginner woodworker?

What tools or functions can the Shopsmith replace in a compact shop?

Any tips on how to save space while still working efficiently?

Worried about the title of this post. Are you renovating a house and that is why you want to do woodworking inside of the house? Be careful if you are living full time in this space. Sawdust released into the air will leave A LOT of particulate that is harmful to the lungs. I wouldn't want you, or your family, to develop health problems due to woodworking inside of the house. Dust collection is imperative for woodworking in a shop, but even it can't capture ALL particulate that is released.

Just one anecdote, my FIL, when he was still on Earth, had a large basement workshop to fulfill his hobby craft in retirement. The shop was large with extensive ducting for dust collection from a ClearVue Cyclone system. Everyone that visited (family) had difficulty breathing, sinus and allergy issues from overnight stays there. He had extensive sinus and lung issues during this time. After he departed Earth, I checked above the drop ceiling in the basement and there was easily a sawdust layer 1/2" thick sitting on top of the ceiling tiles in the basement. IF sawdust can escape and get up above a drop ceiling, it can easily disperse throughout the rest of the house, especially with an HVAC system. This is, of course what had happened there, which is why I am urging caution on doing woodworking inside of a home. I have an attached garage for my shop, but I worry about sawdust infiltration through the door entry so I monitor particulate counts inside of my shop and inside of my house (living space) with a laser particle counter to assess IAQ.

For a beginner, you’ll want a table saw, drill press, and lathe. The Shopsmith Mark V covers all that in one compact tool. To save space, put casters on the Mark V and store your extra tools on carts or shelves.