Shopsmith Forums

Hi all,

I thought about starting a thread like this a while ago, but just never got around to it.
When I bought my SS new back in 1984 (I think, I need to check with the receipts to make sure) I bought the full package for the time: 500 table system, bandsaw, jigsaw, jointer, belt sander, and sharpener/grinder. With 26 years of use I have definitely formed some firm opinions and wanted to know how you all feel about which tool or function gives you the most enjoyment and satisfaction.
I'm asking strictly about the SS functions. Other tools which may be your true favorite (mine is the hand held router) could be a different thread. Also, the function you use the most may not be your favorite. For instance, we all probably use the table saw most of all, where appropriate, but that is from necessity.
So, my favorite is the jigsaw (later replaced with the scrollsaw, but I kept the jigsaw). I really like cutting complex patterns and shapes for all kinds of reasons. It's quiet and relaxing. So quiet that I'll usually save the jigsaw stuff to do for late at night and I know I won't disturb the neighbors.
Second favorite for me is the lathe. I don't do much turning though. More now because I bought the pen starter kit from PSI, but still I don't start new lathe projects that often.
My bandsaw is another favorite, but mainly because of the respect for the capabilities. I mean that the bandsaw really opens up new woodworking opportunities for me. I've pulled old pallets with oak skids from the trash and re-sawed them to use in lots of projects. Patterned curves, increased cutting capacity and brute power make me turn to the bandsaw very often, but I can't say I enjoy it. Not like the jigsaw.
So, how about you guys/gals? What SS specific tool or operation do you enjoy the most?

Stay safe everyone

Actually my favorite tool isn't the Shopsmith, its a sawmill. With a sawmill you can make round trees into small square boards which you can glue up into bigger square boards and put on the Shopsmith lathe and make round again.

My second favorite isn't SS either in my case but could be. That is a planer. I truly love picking up a shaggy dusty board and feeding it through the planer to discover what kind of beauty that rough-sawn surface was hiding.
I reclaim a lot of used lumber. Sometimes even painted stuff (I only do that outside in a good breeze).

I rarely use the tablesaw function. Not because it is not fine but just because I have several other options (4 other table saws, one great and 3 just so-so but handy). I use the drill-press function the most which is why I built the push-me, pull-me drill press. I also use the arbor itself a LOT just to power other stuff like wire wheels, buffing wheels, special sanders and a lot of other stuff. I am just in love with the machine's complete flexibility for stuff not even dreamed up yet.

I do not get around to turning on the lathe very often but that is probably my actual favorite function. I do hope to correct that neglect of lathe use soon. There is just something about it that draws me.


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By far the most satisfying and enjoyable is the lathe.

Second place is the Jointer now that I have it functional again. I never realized how important that tool would become. Since getting the jointer running again I use it often and it has taken up semi permanent residence on the machine.

Now if I could just get my hands on a band saw. (Eventually)

Dust collection is next on the major purchase list. The shop vac just isn't getting it done and LOML is not happy that her gets covered in dust from time to time.

My favorite is the band saw because it's so much fun to use. But, as most without other choices probably, I use the TS function most.

Currently, the bandsaw fits the bill for me. The Lathe may supercede that as I get more involved with it. I have only done superficial projects on the lathe thus far but have some vague ideas of more involved projects somewhere in the future.

The bandsaw.

Selecting the favorite tool in my shop is like picking a favorite grand child. There probably is one but I don't want to commit (vocally).

Lately, I will say that I have been using the bandsaw and belt sander an awful lot more than in the past.

Which one I use the most is dependent (obviously) upon the project being discussed.

I have fun with the bandsaw too. I made a few of the bandsawn boxes in the image to give as gifts. I kept this one unfinished because I liked the oak, even with the nail hole in the side. This is one of the things I made with those pallets that I mentioned resawing earlier. I painted the gifted ones to look like mailboxes. The drawer in the front is to hold stamps by the roll (but I can't remember the last time that I bought stamps).
Does anyone remember where the plans for this little box can be found? An old "Hands On" issue, Mar/Apr/May 1985.
Right now I'm using the bandsaw to mill small boards from a dead oak tree that I had to cut down recently. That was sad, it was such a beautiful and old tree. The wood is awfully rotten, but I think I can save some and make some things that will last a long time with what I can salvage. I'm not getting much yield either because I had to have help and I traded the wood for the labor, so I only got to keep a few select pieces. No tables from this tree.
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I would have to say the lathe. I have not used it that much. Like Farmer said,To be able to take square boards and put on the lathe and make round is something.

joedw00 wrote:I would have to say the lathe. I have not used it that much. Like Farmer said,To be able to take square boards and put on the lathe and make round is something.

I don't have any problem making square boards round....so long as diameter doesn't matter. Getting one turned down to all the different dimensions correctly seems to be my challenge.