I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your opinion/s of
it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a Delta or Jet? They
cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.

"Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your
opinion/s of it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a
Delta or Jet? They cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.




How tall are you? I'm 5'6" and it can be a back breaker for me, if I
spend too much time on it. Think hunched over. Ideally the spindle should
be mounted at about elbow height. The spindle height on the SS is about
38 inches plus or minus a bit. My elbow height is roughly 42 inches and
just 4" is back breaking. If the inseam on your pants is 38", the spindle
height will be level with your crotch. A bad catch could ruin your day.

That said, if All you want it for is a lathe, you could put it on a
platform (others have suggested digging a hole in the floor to stand in,
but I see that as somewhat impractical). I bought mine (used) because -
well, because I'd wanted one since about 1955 and I'm a sucker for multi-
purpose gadgets, jigs to make routers do the work of planers, and so on.
I would not buy one again.

This is my first post - been reading for a few weeks and am very
impressed with the knowledge and experience of this group. That said,
I have a Shopsmith (that I also bought very reasonably) and agree with
the other two replies. The lathe function is, IMO, more compromising
than any of the other SS configurations. Too light (can be taken care
of as already mentioned). Too low (I'm 5'10" and the back takes a
beating everytime I use it as a lathe). Tailstock is quirky, but
useable, and uses standard #2MT centers. As mentioned, you'll need the
5/8" spur centers, faceplates, etc. I've never gotten used to the tool
rest - it always seems to be slightly too far this way or that way; and
the fact that it cantilevers out over the ways detracts from any
strength it might have had. At times I've had to build temporary
"supports" to bridge between the ways and the end of the cantilever arm
to gain additional strength.
Maybe all this is just me, but I don't like it as a lathe. But, until
I got my little Jet mini, it was all I had so that's what I used when
necessary. That phrase, "when necessary", says it all. The lathe used
to be soothing and calming for me back when I taught woodworking, and
the SS was simply too much hassle to be anything but nerve racking and
tiring. Now I'm smiling again with my little Jet (but I'm also looking
for something additional that'll let me turn larger bowls).
That all said, if your "reasonable" price is low enough... sic'em.

"cuchara.red" wrote:

As mentioned, you'll need the
5/8" spur centers, faceplates, etc.

You can buy a 5/8" to 1" by 8tpi adaptor.

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:54:54 GMT, "Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your opinion/s of
it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a Delta or Jet? They
cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.


how much do they want for the shopsmith and what comes with it?

I'm on my 2nd one, and though I don't use it as a lathe any more, it's a great
way to start...
If it includes at least the standard kit of lathe chisels, saw blades, drill
press chuck, 12" sanding disk and all, you'll love it.. mine is set up
semi-permanateky as a horizonal drill press with the 12" disk sander on the
other end..
Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

mac davis wrote:

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:54:54 GMT, "Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your
opinion/s of it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a
Delta or Jet? They cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.


how much do they want for the shopsmith and what comes with it?

I'm on my 2nd one, and though I don't use it as a lathe any more, it's
a great way to start...
If it includes at least the standard kit of lathe chisels, saw blades,
drill press chuck, 12" sanding disk and all, you'll love it.. mine is
set up semi-permanateky as a horizonal drill press with the 12" disk
sander on the other end..

That 12" disc sander is whipping right along!

Shopsmith now has a speed reducer that you can use to slow it down a lot. I
don't use a speed reducer but have friends that do. I also own a Shopsmith.
George
Warner Robins, GA
snip.

Downsides (for my purposes) - Low speed is high - but this also applies
to most other low-end lathes, such as the ones you mention. Spindle is
small and oddball - not a big deal, especially if the present owner has
not lost the faceplates and drive centers that come with it. Lightweight
- with the high low speed, things which are not well balanced are very
hard to turn. I used to put 100 lb. bags of chicken feed across the
lower tubes to calm it down while turning from firewood. Not an issue if
turning from square stock. None of these items are really much better on
the $600 12x36's you are considering as an alternative.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

Penn State Industries sells an adapter so that their chucks (any chuck for
that matter) will work with the Shopsmith. That said, I have used that
adapter to use standard lathe items from my midi lathe on the Shopsmith.
Only one that is questionable is the technique I used to put a #21 MT on the
spindle. Questionable but it works.
Also Shopsmith now sells a new tool rest system for the Shopsmith, called
the Universal Tool Rest. Works almost like a regular banjo but not quite.
It is much better than the old tool rest.
I still use my SS as a lathe. It works fine once it is understood like all
lathes. Will not get rid of my Shopsmith, well maybe trade for a new house,
about 2000 sq feet will do.. Hee Hee

George
Warner Robins, GA

"snip

This is my first post - been reading for a few weeks and am very
impressed with the knowledge and experience of this group. That said,
I have a Shopsmith (that I also bought very reasonably) and agree with
the other two replies. The lathe function is, IMO, more compromising
than any of the other SS configurations. Too light (can be taken care
of as already mentioned). Too low (I'm 5'10" and the back takes a
beating everytime I use it as a lathe). Tailstock is quirky, but
useable, and uses standard #2MT centers. As mentioned, you'll need the
5/8" spur centers, faceplates, etc. I've never gotten used to the tool
rest - it always seems to be slightly too far this way or that way; and
the fact that it cantilevers out over the ways detracts from any
strength it might have had. At times I've had to build temporary
"supports" to bridge between the ways and the end of the cantilever arm
to gain additional strength.
Maybe all this is just me, but I don't like it as a lathe. But, until
I got my little Jet mini, it was all I had so that's what I used when
necessary. That phrase, "when necessary", says it all. The lathe used
to be soothing and calming for me back when I taught woodworking, and
the SS was simply too much hassle to be anything but nerve racking and
tiring. Now I'm smiling again with my little Jet (but I'm also looking
for something additional that'll let me turn larger bowls).
That all said, if your "reasonable" price is low enough... sic'em.

"Lobby Dosser" wrote in message
news:L5MNf.12677$XE6.7545@trnddc07...
"Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your
opinion/s of it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a
Delta or Jet? They cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.




How tall are you? I'm 5'6" and it can be a back breaker for me, if I
spend too much time on it. Think hunched over. Ideally the spindle should
be mounted at about elbow height. The spindle height on the SS is about
38 inches plus or minus a bit. My elbow height is roughly 42 inches and
just 4" is back breaking. If the inseam on your pants is 38", the spindle
height will be level with your crotch. A bad catch could ruin your day.

That said, if All you want it for is a lathe, you could put it on a
platform (others have suggested digging a hole in the floor to stand in,
but I see that as somewhat impractical). I bought mine (used) because -
well, because I'd wanted one since about 1955 and I'm a sucker for multi-
purpose gadgets, jigs to make routers do the work of planers, and so on.
I would not buy one again.


I am about 5'- 10" and I put an 8" high concrete block under each end
while using it as a lathe. It really helps the back! :-) I have a 10ER
model.
Good luck Lyndell

"mac davis" wrote: (clip)mine is set up semi-permanently as a horizonal
drill press with the 12" disk sander on the other end..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's a very useful point. I have never used a Shopsmith, but I am told
that the above setup is very useful, and very rare. Because of the
multipurpose nature of the Shopsmith, you can set it up as a disc sander
with a quill feed. This allows you to sand end grain in one stroke, making
them square, true to length and smooth.

"Leo Lichtman" wrote:


"mac davis" wrote: (clip)mine is set up semi-permanently as a
horizonal drill press with the 12" disk sander on the other end..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's a very useful point. I have never used a Shopsmith, but I am
told that the above setup is very useful, and very rare. Because of
the multipurpose nature of the Shopsmith, you can set it up as a disc
sander with a quill feed. This allows you to sand end grain in one
stroke, making them square, true to length and smooth.




Mac has the sanding plate on the Back End. That is the power takeoff end
for things like the joiner, planer, and bandsaw - which is why I commented
on it ripping along, as the PTO runs at about 10K. You are correct that you
can use the sanding plate on the front end and advance the quill.

On Fri, 03 Mar 2006 23:18:17 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

mac davis wrote:

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:54:54 GMT, "Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your
opinion/s of it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a
Delta or Jet? They cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.


how much do they want for the shopsmith and what comes with it?

I'm on my 2nd one, and though I don't use it as a lathe any more, it's
a great way to start...
If it includes at least the standard kit of lathe chisels, saw blades,
drill press chuck, 12" sanding disk and all, you'll love it.. mine is
set up semi-permanateky as a horizonal drill press with the 12" disk
sander on the other end..

That 12" disc sander is whipping right along!

sort of.. Most of the drilling is on big stock, so it's pretty much at disk
sander speed...
It would be kind of scary in the upright position though.. *g*

Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 03:33:38 GMT, "Leo Lichtman"
wrote:


"mac davis" wrote: (clip)mine is set up semi-permanently as a horizonal
drill press with the 12" disk sander on the other end..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's a very useful point. I have never used a Shopsmith, but I am told
that the above setup is very useful, and very rare. Because of the
multipurpose nature of the Shopsmith, you can set it up as a disc sander
with a quill feed. This allows you to sand end grain in one stroke, making
them square, true to length and smooth.

I do that sometimes, Leo, but usually it's set up like it is now, with the
sanding disk and small table on the rear spindle...
When used on the main spindle with the quill as you mentioned, one of the things
it's really good for is squaring up a bunch of pen blanks...

I just got into pens, but when you cut and drill a bunch of blanks (both on the
SS) it's a real pain to use a pen mill on each one...

Using the rip fence and the miter fence, you have an instant "jig" for squaring
them, and the quill stop lets you sand them to a uniform length..


Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

"Brian C" wrote:

"Lobby Dosser" wrote:
Mac has the sanding plate on the Back End. That is the power takeoff
end for things like the joiner, planer, and bandsaw - which is why I
commented on it ripping along, as the PTO runs at about 10K. You are
correct that you can use the sanding plate on the front end and
advance the quill.

I am confused as my Shopsmith has two PTOs on the rear end, one
(in-line with the spindle) runs at the same speed as the spindle, the
other (lower) runs a bit faster. The motor runs at 1700 and the speed
control is between the motor and the lower PTO so I don't see how
either could run at 10K..

I use the lower PTO as an input shaft for my DC motor setup for
extremely slow speeds.

BrianC



I may be the one confused. IIRC, the lower runs at top speed, or
thereabouts. The upper, as you point out, should run at the same speed as
the spindle.

In article 7A8Of.2081$_A4.1816@trnddc06,
Lobby Dosser wrote:
Mac has the sanding plate on the Back End. That is the power takeoff end
for things like the joiner, planer, and bandsaw - which is why I commented
on it ripping along, as the PTO runs at about 10K. You are correct that you
can use the sanding plate on the front end and advance the quill.

No, the lower one (which only mates with the jointer and planer) runs
from 1400-10000 rpm. The sanding disc would not fit on that one - it's
too close to the ways. The upper one runs the same speed as the spindle.
Simple belt arrangement.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by

George H Hughes wrote:
Shopsmith now has a speed reducer that you can use to slow it down a lot. I
don't use a speed reducer but have friends that do. I also own a Shopsmith.
George
Warner Robins, GA
snip.

Downsides (for my purposes) - Low speed is high - but this also applies
to most other low-end lathes, such as the ones you mention. Spindle is
small and oddball - not a big deal, especially if the present owner has
not lost the faceplates and drive centers that come with it. Lightweight
- with the high low speed, things which are not well balanced are very
hard to turn. I used to put 100 lb. bags of chicken feed across the
lower tubes to calm it down while turning from firewood. Not an issue if
turning from square stock. None of these items are really much better on
the $600 12x36's you are considering as an alternative.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by



I have a speed reducer, but use it only to rough out the block. Once
the wood is relatively balanced I remove the Speed reducer. It turns to
slow to try finishing the bowl (IMO).

On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 04:20:19 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

Mac has the sanding plate on the Back End. That is the power takeoff end
for things like the joiner, planer, and bandsaw - which is why I commented
on it ripping along, as the PTO runs at about 10K. You are correct that you
can use the sanding plate on the front end and advance the quill.

hmm.. I might have described it wrong, then?

It's not on the lower shaft on back, but the top one that is the "other half" of
the main spindle... it turns the same speed as the other side..

Now that I think about it, maybe if I put the bealle buffer on the LOWER one..
*lol*


Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 06:03:44 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

I may be the one confused. IIRC, the lower runs at top speed, or
thereabouts. The upper, as you point out, should run at the same speed as
the spindle.

Just picturing it in my mind, and I think you'd need major revisions of the
tubes to run a 12" disk on the bottom shaft.. *g*


Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm

mac davis wrote:

On Sat, 04 Mar 2006 06:03:44 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

I may be the one confused. IIRC, the lower runs at top speed, or
thereabouts. The upper, as you point out, should run at the same speed
as the spindle.

Just picturing it in my mind, and I think you'd need major revisions
of the tubes to run a 12" disk on the bottom shaft.. *g*

Saw blade for the revisions!

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:54:54 GMT, "Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your opinion/s of
it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a Delta or Jet? They
cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.


I have owned a shopsmith since 1974 and IMHO the lathe is the best
function it has. It will accommodate reasonably long stock, has a 12"
capacity over the ways, has an outboard faceplate capability, and last
but not least is the moveable quill and speed control system.

The weakest part of the SS again, IMHO, is those flimsy sheet metal
skirt-type legs. They don't offer stability on par with the rest of
the unit. I remedied this with my SS since I didn't have a "must roll
around" requirement, I used 8" concrete sonatube forms and poured
columns and anchored a 5/8" j-bolt into the top of each. I made two
"blocks" of wood 4" thick and about 1'x1', bolted them on each end to
the j-bolts embedded in the columns, then attached the blocks top
surfaces to the end castings where the sheet metal legs used to screw
on using aluminum angle, then filled the casting cavity with expanding
spray foam "great stuff" for extra connection and dampening. I also
used a polymer rubber gasket under the blocks at the point where they
attached to the concrete.

The concrete used was strengthened with poly fiber and acrylic
pasticizer and tinted black, and the wood blocks painted black as
well. The most impressive thing is how well the SS works in all modes
now that it is solid as a rock and vibration dampened, WOW! Oh, I
forgot to mention I chipped out a "crater" in my shop floor into which
the columns were poured so they are cemented to the floor so to speak,
a cheap fix (about 100$, if I had to buy everything new, most of the
stuff I had as leftovers from other projects however..) I wasn't
really upset with the performance of the SS before the leg mods, but
I was shocked afterwards regarding how much more smoothly it cut, and
the lathe tools felt more stable on the tool rest, too. Hard to
describe adequately, but suffice to say it is a different (way better,
imho) machine now...good luck with what ever you go with for a lathe,
but the SS would fare favorably with the other two you mentioned, even
with the crappy skirts. regards, Joe.

On Thu, 02 Mar 2006 18:54:54 GMT, "Dave" wrote:

I have a chance to get a used Shopsmith real reasonable. I am only
interested in using it as a lathe and I was wondering what your opinion/s of
it is for lathe work. Would I be better off getting a Delta or Jet? They
cost 600 bucks plus. Thanks for your opinions.


I forgot to mention, my current SS 500 is made of cobbled together
parts off of ebay costing about 250$ total. though I do have the 12"
disc sander, I also have two additional lathe faceplates with 12" x
3/4" mdf discs screwed on them. I keep each sanding disc permanently
configured with three different grit discs on them for convenience. I
think the mdf/faceplate discs are smother and more true than the steel
one I have from the factory...Joe.