Shopsmith Forums

I am seriously considering getting a Shopsmith in order to build some honeybee hives (that is my hobby). Additionally, I would hope to build some hive stands etc....I have been doing my due diligence with respect to researching this very interesting machine. My question is this...Is it possible to add a router/shaper option to the Mark V or is that only an option on the Mark VII? Also, I have been keeping an eye on Craigslist/ebay for some incredible deals. Any suggestions from anyone on this board would be very helpful....Thanks.

rick42_98 wrote:I am seriously considering getting a Shopsmith in order to build some honeybee hives (that is my hobby). Additionally, I would hope to build some hive stands etc....I have been doing my due diligence with respect to researching this very interesting machine. My question is this...Is it possible to add a router/shaper option to the Mark V Yes although the top end speed will be 5200 rpm or is that only an option on the Mark VII? Also, I have been keeping an eye on Craigslist/ebay for some incredible deals. Any suggestions from anyone on this board would be very helpful ....Thanks.

Post a link to those listings, and you shall get opinions regarding them.

P.S. Welcome!

Is 5200 RPM too slow for a router/shaper? And here is a listing I was wondering about. Do you think the price is good for what he is offering?

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/2485753069.html

rick42_98 wrote:Is 5200 RPM too slow for a router/shaper? And here is a listing I was wondering about. Do you think the price is good for what he is offering?

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/2485753069.html[/url]

Edit that to remove"[/url]" and linking will be much easier. If you merely post"http....." it will be automatically recognized as a url and create a link.

rick42_98 wrote:Is 5200 RPM too slow for a router/shaper? And here is a listing I was wondering about. Do you think the price is good for what he is offering?

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/for/2485753069.html[/URL]

I'd keep looking. Nothing special there for the basic machine. Not a terrible deal but I've seen a lot better, too! I'd be looking for one that had at least the jointer or the bandsaw at that price.

Note that he says the chuck isn't standard Shopsmith nor are the lathe tools which are also rusty.

I noticed that about the chuck and tools as well. Well, I will continue to keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for your help here.

rick42_98 wrote:Is 5200 RPM too slow for a router/shaper? And here is a listing I was wondering about. Do you think the price is good for what he is offering?

5200 RPM is surely a slow speed for routing, however I have routed with the Mark V Shopsmith. Just have to be very patient and take only small cuts with each pass. It is very slow tedious work. The Shopsmith shaper is another matter. Because the shaper bits are larger and there are three cutters, the shaper does a lot better job! In fact a very good job.

I took a peek at the construction of beehives and found them to be very straight forward with many rabbets and a few grooves. There is really no need for a shaper or router in their construction unless those tools are what you prefer. http://www.woodworkersworkshop.com/resources/index.php?cat=402

I would prefer to mill the wood using a jointer for rabbets and the saw blade or dado blade for the grooves.

The big challenge, for me at least, will be the box joints at each corner. Precision is needed to make the sides fit flawlessly. There are really just 2 rabbets which should be pretty simple. The final task are the hand holds. Can you suggest how to make these?

http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/10 ... tinfo/121/