Shopsmith Forums

Just today, I acquire a preowned Shopsmith, as a gift, from a generous friend. I don't have any experience with the SS system, but I'm anxious to learn. I don't know what circa the tool is, but here's a list of the package, as recieved:
Shopsmith, model 510R, SN:13816, w/the all the basics

11" Bandsaw, model 5156114

6" Belt Sander, model 505642

4" Jointer, model 505681

18" Jigsaw, model 505644

4"x12" Plane, model 5990

As well as following accessories: Improved saw table, 3 table extensions, shaper fence, mortising attachments, extra extension tubes, telescoping legs, 8 turning tools and a host of other items that I can't begin to ID. I'm pretty jazzed about learning to use it & I also have a ton of instructional literature, that will hopefully shorten the learning curve. Most of my WWing experienc is w/traditional hand tools, but I'm not a hand tool purist. I'll continue to use the hand tools a bunch, cause their just so satifying to use, but I think the power gear will open up some areas I've never explored, that'll be equally rewarding.
As to questions I guess the 1st one I need to address 1st is cleanup. The stuff is pretty free from rust, but has the kind of grime one would expect from sitting un-used in a workshop for a few years. My intial thought was to take a plastic bristle brush, or fine 3M pad and a liberal amount of WD40 to the metal work & something like Simple Green to the plastic & non metallic parts. Personally I'm not too crazy about WD40 and guess it could potentially stain bare wood, if not cleaned up good. Hope this wasn't too windy for a 1st post, so I'll limit the rest of the ?'s for thre future. And yeah, Happy New Year!
Ned

Generous does not do that justice! It be far more than generous.

I would start with mineral spirits followed by alcohol(to remove the MS residue).

What next depends upon it's then acquired condition. I find liquid dial soap to be very effective removing 'grime'.(gotta dilute it ).

Before doing anything re 'running' it perform the checks in the saw dust sessions linked to below starting with 21 thru 24(the rebuilding part).

ABSOLUTE RULE # 1 NEVER turn the speed dial unless the motor is running or you are rotating things manually.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

Last but not least go acquire a can of Johnson's ORIGINAL paste wax and a zoom spout oiler.

You've come to the right place. We're glad you're here.

The Shopsmith that you were gifted was originally a 500 model and then, probably around the late 80's, was upgraded to 510. As JPG suggested, take in all of Nick Engler's "sawdust sessions". You might also want to buy some of Nick's DVD's, available on this site.

Never hesitate to ask a question. There are a lot of knowledgeable people here.

Welcome to the forum. What a gift you have been given, WOW. Lots of good folks here to help. Ask away, because most of the time guys like to answer and I love it when some one else asks these questions and I get info with out asking myself. Not that anyone here doesn't know I am well behind the learning curve. If dumb questions were not allowed, I might not be either!:D

dlbristol wrote:Welcome to the forum. What a gift you have been given, WOW. Lots of good folks here to help. Ask away, because most of the time guys like to answer and I love it when some one else asks these questions and I get info with out asking myself. Not that anyone here doesn't know I am well behind the learning curve. If dumb questions were not allowed, I might not be either!:D

Dave, I always tell my employees at work, "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask". Seems to work for us.......Bob

baysidebob wrote:Dave, I always tell my employees at work, "the only dumb question is the one you don't ask". Seems to work for us.......Bob

Oh, I agree! I told my math students that for 35 years! All I am saying is it is a lot easier on the ego if someone else asks! I once had a really nice kid in class who was bright and talented in many ways, but not so much in math. He
asked a question once that drew a lot of groans from the rest of the class. Before I could respond, he turned in the desk and said, " How many of you wanted that question asked?" He got about 10 sheepish grins and hands up. If that approach is working for you, you are wise and you respond well to questions. Just like happens here.