Shopsmith Forums

I've always wondered if the large vertical hole in the middle top of the model V had a purpose? Anyone know?

Thanks

For holding the mortising attachment hold-down

Mortising setup. The set up below is on a Model 510.

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Newer Mark model fences with a "T" Track do not have the hole but instead use a "T" Track nut on the bottom of the Hold Down Rod. Below are examples of the Mortise and Hold Down sets beginning with the set for the Model 10's (left), a Greenie (center) and the Current (right) which includes the "T" Track nut and washer. The current Hold Down can be used on older Fences by removing the "T" Track nut and washer. Older Hold Downs can be upgraded by ordering a new Rod with the threaded end, the "T" Track nut and washer.

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Thanks for that. I haven't used the mortising attachment yet. Makes total sense now.

Also, if I recall correctly, you can set the fence on the auxiliary table and place the lathe tailstock center in that hole. You can then lower the auxiliary table and use the tailstock center as a pivot for cutting a circle or a circular arc with the table saw.

IdahoEd wrote: Fri May 22, 2026 11:24 pm Also, if I recall correctly, you can set the fence on the auxiliary table and place the lathe tailstock center in that hole. You can then lower the auxiliary table and use the tailstock center as a pivot for cutting a circle or a circular arc with the table saw.

??? The lathe tail stock center is a #2 Morse taper. The hole in the fence is straight. I don't think that will work.

It will work - sorta. Secret is minimal side pressure.

I think I found the photos in from Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone 1953 - Revised 2018 Everett Davis.pdf - same trick shown twice, once for the Jigsaw (p.215) and again for the disc sander (p.280) - cup center in the fence hole, work pivots around it.

I imagine you could do something similar with the bandsaw using the table + fence for big circles.

I've only known what a Shopsmith is now for 3 weeks and I'm constantly amazed by how capable these machines are with a little ingenuity. I'm sure it's a well known feeling to most.

I really should print and read this old doc, it's fascinating.

Interesting! I stand corrected. Still not sure how WELL it would work.

It should be noted that the book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone from 1953 was the 1st edition and featured the Shopsmith Model 10ER. The examples Maurice posted are showing the operation on a Model 10ER with the A-34 Jig Saw made to only fit a Model 10E or 10ER. In the actual book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone that operation begins on page 190. Everett's PDF version has additional features and additions that change the page numbers. For example, page 12 in Everett's version is actually page 2 in the printed book.

The A-34 Jig Saw uses the Model 10E or 10ER Main Table as the work surface as opposed to the Model 610 and later Jig Saws made to mount on the Mark series tools and have their own table. The 2nd edition of Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone was rewritten and edited to use the Mark 5. The circle cutting with the Model 610 Jig Saw is still included beginning on page 219.

Although it doesn't show it done this way in either edition, 1st or 2nd, of Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone the circle cutting could be done with the upper arm removed using the Jig Saw in Sabre Saw mode thereby eliminating any inference with the Arm.

Trying to use a Bandsaw in the place of the Jig Saw would not work due to the orientation of the blade to the Mark 5. Circles can be cut on the Bandsaw with the Aluminum Table, Table Extension and Circle Cutter but there is a much smaller size limitation for that operation.