Shopsmith Dedicated Table Saw

[Gunny]

3 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Not anymore though right Gunny? It all comes down to rumors and misinformation.

Not too sure about rumors but I did learn a lot about SS as this post has progressed.  Would not have guessed SS made stand alone units, or power units.  Learned something more about the SS as a result.  It is a very versatile machine and for space savings I have yet to see anything that matches it considering the wide range of available add-ons.  

 

I did so some research and found a lot of modified SS units, some of them are absolutely stunning.  What I like about this site is the diversity offered.  Everyone has tools or systems that work well for them.  While I might not think it works for me I do take the time to study closely how the units work.  Always trying to find a possible use or idea for a future upgrade.  

 

Had a shop teacher with two of his fellow shop teachers here at shop last week looking over the Twin Tablesaw.  Thought of you when one went into the benefits of a SS.  Got a lot of feedback and two pages of suggestions for upgrades.  Always interesting to have your project measured and picked apart right in front of you.  They asked me to come down to the schools and do a presentation or give a lesson.  Had to turn that down, I appreciate it and all but I am not a public speaker kinda guy.

[John Morris]

17 minutes ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

They asked me to come down to the schools and do a presentation or give a lesson.

Oh man Gunny, why not?

I could see it now,

 

Student: Mr. Woodbutcher, could you please go over one more time how you fit two table saws into one system and what the benefits are?

 

Mr. Woodbutcher: What! Did I speak to you ragweed! Don't you know to only speak when spoken too! Now get down and give me 50! You puny excuse for a human-being, don't you know I was eating Constantine wire in "The Sandbox" and taking incoming and chasing down enemy, while you were playing with Elmo the doll in your lil sweet dreams! 

 

As you are being escorted out by security and the principal of the school.

Sam Kinison comes to mind as you are yelling.

Laughing with you Gunny, not at you!

[Gunny]

8 minutes ago, John Morris said:

don't you know I was eating Constantine wire in "The Sandbox" and taking incoming and chasing down enemy, while you were playing with Elmo the doll in your lil sweet dreams! 

[FlGatorwood]

Other than the space saving versatility, many of the hardware parts are available from a reputable hardware store.  I am often loosing set screws and they are about 20 cents each at the local hardware store.  And, I can choose the tip and length.  And, it does all i want to do.  One thing I would change is the low speed.  But, mine is a 1984, and it was the only machine at that time with all those variables in the power head.  

[Gunny]

Just now, FlGatorwood said:

I am often loosing set screws and they are about 20 cents each at the local hardware store.

I brought the store to me.  

 

[Gerald]

Had a neighbor with a SS back 40 years ago and thought "that would be nice to have in my small shop" . That is until I saw the price and then all that set up stuff. Now with the 24x36 I will just run around to different machines while John is changing BS to TS.

 

All this info has my head spinning gonna have to stop  readin this SS  stuff.

[FlGatorwood]

To change from table saw mode to bandsaw mode is about 30 seconds.  You can leave the table and raise it so that the table saw blade does not protrude above the table top or just leave on the guard.  Insert the coupler from the head stock to the bandsaw and go.  I can be producing while you are still trying to get around tools in your shop.  

[John Morris]

7 hours ago, Gerald said:

Now with the 24x36 I will just run around to different machines

I used to do that, when I had a full two car garage to work in, now with my smaller space, I'll just stand in one place and raise my table saw table a few inches, slide the motor over and couple with the band saw, and in 30 seconds I'm band-sawing! Aint that much of a difference really. You get good at it.

Folks buy the brand new machines for their own reasons, we have a few folks here who purchased theirs brand new and I'd hate to discourage them from their happiness, and yep, put out some nice dough for them, good on them! Not too mention supporting a USA company, if you can, aint a bad idea.

 

I do miss my stationary machines sometimes, but rarely anymore, it's been a fun transition for me. If cost is an issue for folks when considering a Shopsmith, the secondary market is wonderful on that.

[Larry Buskirk]

8 hours ago, Gerald said:

All this info has my head spinning gonna have to stop  readin this SS  stuff.

...I don't know Gerald, it's got my head spinning with new ways of assembling my own version with my 80+ year old Delta machines. 

 

1 hour ago, John Morris said:

If cost is an issue for folks when considering a Shopsmith, the secondary market is wonderful on that.

I'll have to wait until I find one hitch-hiking along some lonely road. 

[Gunny]

The Twin Tablesaw is my mini version of a small shop set up. Squeezed 3 tools into one space plus the storage. It's what works for you that is important.

 

Did get an offer from someone for the Twins.  Was pretty fair but it means I have to make a new one.

 

Hmmm. NO.

[Larry Buskirk]

1 hour ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

The Twin Tablesaw is my mini version of a small shop set up. Squeezed 3 tools into one space plus the storage. It's what works for you that is important.

 

Did get an offer from someone for the Twins.  Was pretty fair but it means I have to make a new one.

 

Hmmm. NO.

Hmmm ......

Back to my original plan...

Pullies, Line-Shafts, and Belts...

 

@John Morris

I might needs to create an alter-ego 

[Artie]

On 2/17/2020 at 6:19 PM, Larry Buskirk said:

 

...Now that seems counter productive to the reason most often given for owning a SS. 

It is, but the scrollsaw that mounts on the SS is too cumbersome to operate. The stand-alone is much simpler to operate, but it does take up more space. It is light enough to that it is easily moved.

[Al B]

Recently saw a SS stand alone scroll saw advertised on Craigslist. Owner was asking $150.00. 

[FlGatorwood]

OK, I'm not trying to convince anyone to get one or that you should have one.  I am just showing that you can do whatever you are able to do on most other machines.  The Shopsmith has it's limits.  Set up is not one of them.  I often hear the argument that the machine would drive someone crazy or you have to do all that tear down and set up.  Mode changes are normally about 30 seconds or close.  Any other adjustments are just like any stand alone.  To go to the bandsaw, you normally adjust the upper guard and you tighten the blade.  Same amount of time there or maybe less.  The heaviest part of this machine is the 4" joiner.  And, if you think a bit, you can make a stand that mounts the joiner at the same level so you don't have to lift or bend.  All other attachments are rather light and easy to adapt.  One thing I don't like about the Shopsmith is that the lathe bed is not long enough for some things I would like to do.  Since I have 2, I can clamp the 2 together and remove the power head from one on the tail end of the lathe.  Shorties are available to do the same thing.  Is it the only machine to have?  No.  It is a good machine for most home projects.  Folks have built houses with these machines.  I am very limited on space and funds, so these machines are wonderful to me.  When I acquired these 2 machines that were made in 1984, I was given one because the previous owner developed Multiple Sclerosis and didn't want his son-in-law to get it and sell it.  So, I have used it to make him a 1968 Camaro.  Wish I had the picture.  The second machine was $500 with bandsaw and lathe tool rest plus routing fence and bits.  I love doing bandsaw boxes and turning.  I have made 5 book cases and visitors have requested that I make some.  It's an option and very adaptable.  It is not the ending of separate machines.  It is compact and versatile.  In my 24' X 24' garage, I have a 11 foot pecan tree, 2 cedar trees and a black walnut plus pieces of other odds and ends to make.  It is so full, I have to use a 12 gauge extension cord to use my machine outside.  And, as I try to get rid of the wood, it keeps coming.  Folks are now coming to the door requesting rolling pins.  I guess I'll set up the grandson to make rolling pins while I do other projects to downsize the lumber supply.  So, no harm or condemnation for those who are fortunate to have space and funds to have dedicated machines.  That would be really nice.  We are just working within the confines of what is allowed us to have.  End of ramble.  

Edited February 19, 2020 by FlGatorwood

[Brian Compton]

I also have a similar saw that I am looking to sell.  I can provide pics if necessary.

[Cal]

12 hours ago, Brian Compton said:

I also have a similar saw that I am looking to sell.  I can provide pics if necessary.

 

Welcome aboard Brian, glad to have you here.

While I am not interested in the saw, you will generate more interest if you post up a few pics, tell us where you (or the saw) are located, how much you might want for it, if any accessories are included.  That sort of stuff.

[Gene Howe]

I love both my Shopsmiths. The Frakensmith is pretty much dedicated to ripping and router table use. Though, one of the bandsaws is fairly well permanently mounted on it as well. The other one is a shorty and serves as a drill press, disk sander, belt sander (takes a 6X48 belt and can be used horizontally or vertically and at any angle between) and a bandsaw resaw station. I'll occasionally use it as a rip saw, too. Since I've had the Miter Saw">SCMS, not many cross cuts are made on the SS. 

If I were really wealthy and had a huge shop, I'd probably have all stand alone machines. But, since neither of those conditions apply, the Shopsmiths do me nicely.

 

[John Morris]

15 hours ago, Brian Compton said:

I also have a similar saw that I am looking to sell.  I can provide pics if necessary.

Brian, welcome aboard, and yes, put her up in our Shopsmith Classifieds at this link, thanks for joining us!

https://thepatriotwoodworker.com/forums/forum/89-shopsmith-classifieds-and-trades/

[Masonsailor]

The strong point of SS’s is the ability to create jigs which allows you to things that I am not sure you could do with any other machine. The quill fed 12” disc sander is a great example. With a very simple jig it is the best for flattening small object like segmented rings for turning. I have four  SS’s in the shop and use them daily. One is a dedicated drill press mounted on the wall. Another is a dedicated sliding table saw which really works well. I really like their 6” belt sanders and have one that has two power heads on it each connected to a separate belt sander. The last one I keep as a horizontal boring machine for doweling etc. Love those things !

Paul