October 5, 201213 yr So- I said in my previous posts how woodworking has really taken off with me...a friend of mine turned me on to the prospect of a Shopsmith- 7 tools in one. I actually found one for $400! It was built in 1972-73 and is mounted to a cabinet on wheels. The best part is- when I finally got it home a opened up the drawers, I found a complete set of Greenlee turning tools, dados, blades, jigs- everything a young wood-piddler like me could want. I rebuilt the cabinet, added better casters, and opened the motor casing to blow out 30 years of saw dust. I have to order new belts, but the motor sounds lke it was brand new.This has really become a dream come true- I can't wait to start building cutting boards, turning bowls, and general self-banishment to the shed where I have everything set up. Anyone else own a Shopsmith Mk V? Anything I need to be worried about? I'll post pictures in a little bit...Also- what are some food safe, water resistant glues and finishes I should use for making cutting boards and counter tops with? I have already received some orders from friends and co-workers...
October 5, 201213 yr I've never had the oppotunity to play with a Shopsmith yet so let us know how you like it. Others will jump in on your cutting board question but when I build cutting boards I use Titebond III and finish them with a mineral oil blend. Ron DudelstonSite AdministratorAbove and Beyond WoodWorks
October 5, 201213 yr Great find! I've owned and used the MKV since '75. The shop made cabinet is a great addition. Mine is still on legs and casters. I love mine. As a lathe, I understand it's pretty good. You might want to get a live center for the end piece. That cabinet will give you plenty of stability for turning, too.As a drill press, it can't be beat and the horizontal boring capability is awesome. And, the tilting table is great for boring angle holes.I'd seriously consider purchasing the Incra miter gauge. And, pay very close attention to the fence alignment when ripping. Get acquainted with alignment the set screws located on the handle end of the fence. I use both thick and thin kerf blades, but whatever you do, get a good quality rip blade and a good quality cross cut blade. My favorites are Tenryu and/or Freud blades. Tenryu stays sharper longer and has more carbide.Go to Shopsmith site and get a manual. Also a free Maintenance schedule and lots of other goodies.Then, surf on over to SS Forum and get acquainted. Lot's of great guys over there, too.Finally, here's a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puDvyCfqWPQ channel with some awesome tips and procedures by the Shopsmith guru, Nick Engler. The channel I linked has 46 videos of "Handsonline". I think there are even more. Just do a search for handsonline. Enjoy your new toy and if you have more questions, just holler.Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
October 5, 201213 yr That's a great find especially with all the added accessories. I bought the Mark V 510 brand new with all the bells and whistles and used it for about 6 months before returning it. The only problem I had was the boss for the tail stock had a defect. The setscrew was drilled off center so when you tightened down the live center it would cock it and wouldn't allow me to get the center to line up with the head stock correctly. I liked it because as a drill press and a horizontal boring machine it works great. The table saw I felt was a bit limited just due to it's size and the height of the table made cutting large sheet goods a bit awkward. Mine had the factory legs and casters but with a cabinet it would be more stable and possibly lower to the ground. Start out with small projects untill you get familiar with the various functions, the table for the saw is quite small in depth.There are many multi tools that perform various jobs but the Shop Smith is by far the best. For a woodworker that has limited space you can't go wrong. Keep an eye on craigs list for other accessories like the band saw and I think there is even a scroll saw available for it as well. As Gene stated the SS forums are great and I still go there for tips and projects from time to time. There are great solutions for various projects and jigs which make the tool even more versatile.Good luck, enjoy and lets see the pics. www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
October 6, 201213 yr My dad bought one back in the early 60's. I remembering him making all sorts of things. Had all the goodies to go with it. Learned a lot on using it from him. I even turned some plates for Xmas presents and I couldn't have been much over 10 years old at the time.If I had the room and $$....maybe.Harry BrinkBulldog WoodworkingMontana
October 18, 201213 yr Sounds like it is what you have been wanting for a long time!Have a blast with it.Keep the pictures coming. Both of your toy and your works.  To know but not to do is not yet to know.WWW.SAWBLADE.COM
October 18, 201213 yr John, sounds like you are ready to go. As far as the cutting boards go, I used Titebond III on all of my boards. I have tried other glues and some of them will work great, I just like the Titebond III for the open time it gives me and the cleanup. As far as finishes, I only Mineral Oil or Mineral Oil and Bees Wax mix. There are several others that will work fine, but Mineral oil is easily available for the customer to purchase to keep the board from drying out and keeps it looking good. They can purchase it at any drug store.Please do post some pictures of your ShopSmith and your other projects, we love to see what folks are using and doing.John MoodySite AdministratorJohn Moody Woodworkshttp://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com
November 28, 201213 yr John you promised us pics! Where are they? www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops
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