Shopsmith Forums

Noticed Grizzly now offers a low cost digital readout. Wonder if this would work for the Shopsmith Pro-Planer?
They also offer other sizes.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/0-6-Dig ... ale/T21577

cincinnati wrote:Noticed Grizzly now offers a low cost digital readout. Wonder if this would work for the Shopsmith Pro-Planer?
They also offer other sizes.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/0-6-Dig ... ale/T21577

Thanks, looks good for the Thickness Planer. Price is really reasonable. I will order one to see how it works. Also, I want see if I can adapt it to my dedicated Shopsmith drill press machine when using it as a milling machine to control and measure depth of cut. I will attach metal brackets to the headstock for the readout unit magnets. This could give much better control for routing and shaper functions.

I'm sure it could be adapted to work with all kinds of movements. Drilling, sawing (table movements) etc.. That's supposing one would want to fuss around a while. Worth the effort? Doubt it very seriously.

Bill, let us know how it works out. There are plenty of stories on the metal-working forums about adapting scales on milling machines and lathes. Many use those 6" digital calipers, grind off the jaws, and drill holes to attach to home-made bracket for measuring the "z" axis. The ability to zero the reading at any position greatly increases the flexibility of these items.

A couple of days ago I was planing wood to 3/8" to make some floating tenon stock and a digital readout on the planer would sure help speed up dialing in the exact thickness.

I've seen recently a Harbor Freight coupon for $10 for one of those 6" digital calipers.

pennview wrote: I've seen recently a Harbor Freight coupon for $10 for one of those 6" digital calipers.

I've had my digital calipers for a couple of years and don't know how I did without it. I use it at least once just about every day I spend in the shop.

Eagle America has a 6" version on sale for $29.99
http://www.eagleamerica.com/product/v424-0160?s=EMAIL&r=EML100818&lm=eagl