Shopsmith Pro Planer Comparison

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 6:50 pm

A few years ago I acquired a 1984 model Shopsmith Planer. Yesterday I finally moved it from the garage to my shop and began the process of cleaning and assembling it. The first issue I encountered involved a missing key. As I am far too impatient to await arrival of a back ordered key, I (temporarily) disabled that function. After time invested yesterday and much of today I have it cleaned and running. I still need to align the table and lubricate the chain. I am extremely pleased with the great condition the planer is in. I am curious to determine comparison between the older model I have and the newer versions of this tool. Anyone aware of any comps or impressions to share would be appreciated. Fjimp

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:30 pm

fjimp wrote:A few years ago I acquired a 1984 model Shopsmith Planer. Yesterday I finally moved it from the garage to my shop and began the process of cleaning and assembling it. The first issue I encountered involved a missing key. As I am far too impatient to await arrival of a back ordered key, I (temporarily) disabled that function. After time invested yesterday and much of today I have it cleaned and running. I still need to align the table and lubricate the chain. I am extremely pleased with the great condition the planer is in. I am curious to determine comparison between the older model I have and the newer versions of this tool. Anyone aware of any comps or impressions to share would be appreciated. Fjimp

The main upgrades are as follows:

1) pulley upgrade (for freestanding planers)
2) dust collection upgrade
3) 1 1/2 HP vs. 1 3/4 HP motor
4) knurled infeed roller

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 7:31 pm

The old Shopsmith pro planers had a hand crank instead of a feed motor. Not sure of the year the change was made.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Mon Nov 07, 2011 8:23 pm

Wow great points so far. I would like to brag about how smart I am. Truth be known when I bought my Planer Jan at Shopsmith guided me to purchase the pulley upgrade kit and the new model of the knurled roller. It looks like I still need the dust collector upgrade. My unit comes with the power feed motor. I am thankful for that as the hand crank would make the tool difficult for me to use.

Today Jan helped me to order the key, unfortunately that item is back-ordered indefinitely. I am saving the spring and lock portions from the switch housing as I would feel more comfortable long term with ability to lock it.

So far both Shopsmith and this forum's members are living up to your collective reputations. Thanks to each for great input. Fjimp

michaeltoc · Post by **michaeltoc** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 7:31 am

To maker a planer key:

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... planer+key