Shopsmith Forums

First let me say that before I got my SS a few months ago, I never really thought much about lathes and turning, now it's my new favorite thing!

I've only turned dry wood thus far, but really want to turn some green wood into a bowl. When I got my SS it was caked with nastiness from the previous owner doing just that and it was a bear to clean (see attached pic). While cleaning it right away after use will, of course, be done, I'm wondering if I can fashion a cover of some sort to fit over the headstock unit, and hey, while I'm at it, somehow cover the tubes to prevent them getting caked with wood guts and finish.

Have any of you thought about this? Anyone come up with solutions? It would have to be designed so I could easily get to the switch, quill lever and speed control, and would have to allow airflow to keep things cool...

JC
I envy you living in God's country more commonly known as Pennsylvania.
I was born and raised in Johnstown and have some cousins living over near State College Lewistown area. I loved traveling up the big valley Amish country I believe it was Rt 220 or possibly 420?

As to your question I have found that wax is the best defense and offense to the problems. I would guess you could cover the headstock with plastic or something. One thing I did so and it seems to be working well is spraying lacquer on my bench tubes. I gave them a light coat and it seems to be saving them from all rust and stains. It won't work on the way tubes since the carriage and headstock slide on them. One of these days I going to try a coat of Penetrol made by Flood sold at Home Depot and Lowes. It is a paint flow product but it mentions painting it on steel and cast iron for rust protection. I have tested it on many tools and it works like a charm. I just haven't the nerve or time to paint it on my way tubes yet.

One thing I found is compressed air makes clean up a breeze. When I'm done using the SS I hit it compressed air (from my compressor) and instantly the SS is clean as a whistle. Of course the rest of the shop then needs to be cleaned up.

Best to you

my guess is the previous owner did not wax as ed recommended(and so do i and even shopsmith). i turn many green bowls and they do throw water. keep the machine waxed and clean up when you are done and you won't need any other protection for the shopsmith. covering other equipment in line with the headstock is a good idea though.

And if you're like me and don't have an air compressor, a leaf blower can be used instead.

Great suggestions all, thanks!


Lest you all think I'm a slob, my SS didn't look like the pic above for very long... This is how clean she is now and how I want to keep her looking (note the airblaster )

Ed in Tampa wrote:JC
I envy you living in God's country more commonly known as Pennsylvania.
I was born and raised in Johnstown and have some cousins living over near State College Lewistown area. I loved traveling up the big valley Amish country I believe it was Rt 220 or possibly 420?

Ed, having grown up in South Fla, I really do appreciate it up here, it is great and fantastic and beautiful 9 months a year! The other three I'd prefer to be down there in your neck of the woods! Are you near Lutz?

It's 220 thru State College. I am heading to a wood turning seminar in Lancaster this weekend, the real heart of Amish country; should be fun...

JC
Yes I live in Lutz or as we call it LA (Lutz Area).

Yes Lancaster is the Amish area but I remember years ago driving up what locals called the "big valley". The road was filled with Amish buggies and I can remember seeing the beautiful farm spans either side of the road nearly as far as the eye could see to the mountains.

Now the Amish are real craftsman. I remember seeing some of the pieces they make just beautiful. Their furniture is built to last a lifetime and their just of joints is amazing.

affyx wrote:Great suggestions all, thanks!


Lest you all think I'm a slob, my SS didn't look like the pic above for very long... This is how clean she is now and how I want to keep her looking (note the airblaster )

Nice looking machine but what caught my eye in your photo was the floor. You need to make some sawdust and stop waxing..

dusty wrote:Nice looking machine but what caught my eye in your photo was the floor. You need to make some sawdust and stop waxing..

No kidding Dusty, looks like a Showroom floor... Seriously affyx, nice clean-up job on the MarkV.