Shopsmith Forums

I have been using my 2 SS for several years now, but now I want to start turning. Friends tell me that SS is not right for turning. Is there any sites that show and talk about turning on the SS.

thebear wrote:I have been using my 2 SS for several years now, but now I want to start turning. Friends tell me that SS is not right for turning. Is there any sites that show and talk about turning on the SS.

Ask them to explain WHY the SS is NOT right! How many of them use a SS for other operations. How many of them have ever used a SS for turning? How many of them even own or have owned a SS?

i.e. Are they expressing an opinion or do they have some knowledge of the subject?

Perhaps this will shed some light! http://www.shopsmith.com/academy/latheturning/index.htm

thebear wrote:Friends tell me that SS is not right for turning.

That's right, because the table tilts.

beeg wrote:That's right, because the table tilts.

And the arbor doesn't!:D

thebear wrote:I have been using my 2 SS for several years now, but now I want to start turning. Friends tell me that SS is not right for turning. Is there any sites that show and talk about turning on the SS.

Bear,
Tell your friends they are full of $#!+!!!! There are a lot of very good turners out there that started out on a SS.

I have never used a dedicated lathe in my life. All I know is the SS for turning. I have turned alot of different things with it with very little trouble. Now you do need some extra attachments like the speed reducer if you want to turn a big bowl from a log. One thing it can't do is have a vacumn chuck attatched to it?? Hmmm this might be a good question does anyone know of a way to do this on the SS I have the large bowl jaws that I use to reverse my turnings to do the foot. And now I have to save my change to get the speed reducer which I do want to get.

I've heard similar B/S from someone when I mentioned turning pens on a SS. They said a SS wasn't good enough for turning pens. I believe there's a number of people that post regularly that turn pens on a SS that would disagree with that.

I have used several lathes over the years. I have now in my shop a $3750.00 Mini Max T124 Lathe. It is a 16 inch lathe 42 inches between centers with a built in copying device. I have made several modifications to make it easier to do hand turning. It is very comparable to most lathes in its class size. I can turn pens or anything larger on it. I much prefer my SS mini for the pen operations and many others. The negative side of the SS argument about the lathe being to low is a real advantage here as I can set on a tall stool for these operations. Also with the Shopsmith you have the variable speed without having to change belts as I do have to on my Mini Max. Yes there are a lot of newer lathes on the market with this feature including electronic speed control but the price starts close to two grand for ESC.

There are many operations in bowl turning and that type turning where the ability to extend the work piece on the quill is a great advantage.

Now lets talk about the argument that the SS is to light for turning. Well now how about all those machines that come with the ability to add a sand bag shelf. Are they not to light also? I am sure I could rig something up on my 520 to add weight.

I prefer the tool rest on the SS. It is easy to set the height. It is easy to slide without losing your distance setting. It is easy to remove the tool rest when you start sanding. I have however upgraded all my tool rest with the SS hand levers.

I will admit that the tail stock does feel a little light on larger pieces but I have never had a problem with it in any way.

In short my opinion is that the SS is a very capable lathe up to its capability. If you want to do very large bowls from green wood it is probably not the best choice but neither is my Mini Max. With the speed reducer and the 35 lb tool rest upgrade the SS would handle most bowls I have seen turned.

Now this is my best advice so far: You already have a SS. You are just experimenting and learning. I would defiantly start out on the SS. You may need to invest in some other things like chisels, sharpening jigs, etc but they will work with other lathes if down the road you decide to go big time and buy, Oh say a monster lathe like this. http://www.turnrobust.com/

One last thing. Last winter I bought a Grizzly Go462 on Craigs List. I turned 4 bun feet with it and put it right back on Cl and sold it. The SS is 10 times the lathe in my opinion and I am kind of picky about my tools. I think that to buy a lathe better than my 520 the price would be at least two thousand dollars if buying new.


Mark

beeg wrote:That's right, because the table tilts.

I absolutely love that comment.
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I will admit that it is not the worlds best lathe but it is a very good one.
I will admit that it is not the worlds best table saw but it is a very good one.
I will admit that it is not the worlds best drill press but it is a very good one.
I will admit that it is not the worlds best sander but it is a very good one.
I will admit that it is not the worlds best horizontal boring machine but it is a very good one.
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Isn't that the whole point of a machine like this...
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I will also admit that it is one of the most flexible and versatile general purpose woodworking machines out there. That is the reason I have a small herd of them in my shop. Yes I have a stand alone table saw and i love it but its use is limited to being a saw. I have other stand alones but I won't give up my Shopsmiths.

RE: "Robust" lathe: The ways look flimsy to me compared to the rest of it!;)