99 Reasons You "Should" Buy a Shopsmith & 1 Reason Why You Should Not!

Den of Tools - • 99 Reasons You Should ...
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[@rodneywheeler2278]

I was an instructor for the Shopsmith company for around 4 years. I too had some reservations about their equipment before they hired me. Once I learned the ins and outs of using the machine, it's appeal grew on me. I built my own house and it served me well. Although it has been 36 years since I worked for them, I still have all of my accessories and use them often. If you are considering buying a Mark V, regardless of which model (500, 510, etc.) be sure the speed control dial is free as you dial it up or down. This part withstands a lot of pressure if your internal mechanism has not been lubricated. Once the speed control dial is frozen or damaged, the repair is expensive and quite a challenge. (I was a factory trained service technician as well). If your space is limited, these are a great way to do woodworking. I should know...

[@smallblockchevy1022]

Just curious, have you ever tried running a larger than standard circular blade on your Shopsmith? Or are you aware of, and/or heard of anyone doing this? I'm thinking of trying at least a 12" blade on mine, and possibly even the 14" blade from my Evolution dry-cut chopsaw.

[@christopherpardell4418]

@@smallblockchevy1022I would advise against it. The larger the blade, the longer the lever arm it has on the arbor, and thus the higher the torque acting against the drive system. ( think, the difference between a 5 inch long wrench, and a 7 inch long wrench. ) The motor is more likely to pop its protector due to overload, but you’re most likely damage would be stripping teeth off the toothed belt that drives the headstock when you hit a knot in some thicker stock. If you want to drive a 14” blade, I would recommend nothing less than a 3 horse motor. For a 16” blade, 5 hp. Its not just the thickness of the stock and the longer surface area of the kerf, its the increased mechanical advantage of More teeth engaging more wood with a longer lever. I have a shopsmith… but for thick materials, I also have a 3 ph, 3 hp, 1953 DeWalt radial arm saw that sports a 14” blade.

[@jimmyjohnson6496]

Right cuz you wrote this the source is: "Trust me bro"

[@Robvnbl]

I think my speed gauge may be locked

[@jerryoshesky5222]

Brother, and I both have Shopsmith 500. Our Dad had a Shopsmith since 1952 when Magna Engineering made them. Still runs today. You knew when the Shopsmith starts up or shuts down by the distinct sound. Like a Chrysler or a Harley startup. I used mine for all kinds of stuff. Belt sander, band saw, and jointer all provides some excellent results. I will be using the lathe to clean up some chair legs that I repaired. Needs some fine tuning from the putty repairs. Dad recently passed and his Shopsmith will remain in the family. I believe his working jigsaw attachment is the only extra he bought with the package. Still have the box the components came in. Fond memories from some good years. A shotgun, fishing rod, favorite Christmas tie, ring, pictures, or Shopsmith gives you some of those life memories. Enjoy.

[@Therealphantomzero]

Spindle travel isn't bad. 4.5 inch spindle travel is about what you get from grizzly 20 inch drill press. Plus you get larger table. And it's movable. I'm just doing my research here... so I'm comparing.

[@thomassasalar3869]

As a 30 year turner : If you want to be a proficient tuner buy a real lath . If you just turn pens & candle holders buy a shopsmith . I started on a shopsmith quickly moved to a dedicated lathe . Set up time & versatility on a shopsmith main drawbacks .

[@Therealphantomzero]

What's the limitations on the shopsmith lathe? Speed? Size chuck options?

[@jessedoyle4308]

So, I just watched a video that may help you with your heighr adjustment issue with the drill press. Make the adjustments when it's laying down then lock it in place and lift the tool up into the drill press position.

[@ken481959]

I have 2 of them. A 1947 ER made by Magna Engineering, the guys that invented the Shop Smith, and a 1953 model Mark.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Any tool that has been around for more then 50 years virtually unchanged has to be good! =D Great video!

[@larrybernstein4109]

You got that right ScoutCrafter.

[@mikes-mz5xb]

My shopsmith is 67 years old and still going strong.

[@Grumpyseabee22]

I inherited the one my dad bought back in 1984, interested in getting it here in my shop to experiment with.

[@joelongrid7625]

I just got one of these from my father in law and I am excited to use it as a lathe. I have most other tools as standalones but no lathe. I remember drooling over the magazine ads for Shop Smiths back in the 1980's and I finally have one. Great video.

[@kmcwhq]

Bought one years ago for little money and made it into a welding lathe. Ran lot$$ of parts on it, simple cheap solution.

[@tonytrotta9322]

I have a Wards Powr Kraft - shopsmith that my neighbor gave to me. Shopsmith made that model too and all attachments are interchangeable. I use mine manily as a table saw and it works great for that. You have to plan your work if you are going to be switching back & forth from operation to operation. My dad built a whole brick (2) car garage with a circular saw. Take care & thanks for your video!

[@timplays6602]

There are so many things you can do with and so many things about this machine that makes it worth having.

[@davidcrawford6505]

I have the 10er and Mark V. Love working with them. Set them up properly and you can get expert results. My secret, Diablo blades. Like butta.

[@michaelc4060]

So do I and I love them both.

[@ken481959]

Me, too! I keep the ER set up as a drill press and the band saw on the Mark.

[@allanhart4115]

SHOP SMITH ‘s are great for the wood worked that is limited on shop space. Yes there is some shifting from one tool to another.90 seconds being the longest time shifting. Then there is always using one set of tools and having two mark V’s or a mark V w/ a shorty, or a mark v and a power head. Then there is the mark 7 that offers the user more power and reverse and lifting at both ends!! 50 plus year in business says a lot about a tools effectiveness! That be said those in the know, know the power of ShopSmith. And for those that just don’t get it, they just make it easier for us to get a used one, ready for a new home!

[@1D10CRACY]

I really like mine! Here is a video I made of it in use! kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJenpGeFoNeLjZI

[@Goldsteinphoto]

I wall mounted a Shopsmith in drill press mode. I put some bungee cords on it to support the headstock so it can move up and down easily over about a one foot range.

[@vivelachocha2751]

That's clever

[@dougiefresh9618]

I looked into shopsmith around 80 - 85 it’s a quality product I just decided that I would excede all its capacities. Then went with individual tools in my pole barn.

[@thoughtguardian]

My spring project is running power to my garage, and my reward for ditching extension cords is hopefully going to be a used shopsmith. I don’t know that it was mentioned in the video but I’m pretty sure shopsmith is still around and making tools for the mark V today.

[@keng1197]

SHOPSMITH FOREVER 🇺🇸

[@zerimaryar]

Norm Abramsused the shopsmith in drill pressmode, and the lathe, until tool sponsors took over his shop. It's a great tool for a hobbyist

[@jblo6822]

I have my dad's 1954 SS, which he used to build 2 houses with. Still runs good, though I broke the belt4 the other day.

[@douglas60040]

I had to replace the belt in mine as well, due to underuse...pretty easy to replace it though.

[@miguelcastaneda7257]

Am 65 that head isn't that heavy..seeing yr week use it horizontaly...read up on it there's a adaptor. So you can cut sheets plywood..accessories..bandsaw..jigsaw grinder..planer jointer..though most of those would apparently be too heavy for you to lift..me no problem

[@1D10CRACY]

It really is a great tool! I will never argue with you there! In fact, I can't imagine not having it! But if you can adjust the headstock while it's in its vertical position and it doesn't seem heavy , you truly are more of a man than I. ;). I used to lay it down and adjust its position before I got my mill. At 65 you are still young! Keep on making and DIYing, I truly believe that keeps you young!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’m happy to see a reply to Jeff’s vid. BTW, 4 1/2” of quill travel is nothing to sneeze at, compare that to most of Grizzly’s drill presses and I think you’ll be surprised. Yes, the aftermarket chuck is likely the cause of your run-out. Have you had the opportunity to use a Mark V model 520 or 520? Also, don’t bother locking the base lock. I did a video on that and it is rarely needed. With that left unlocked you can easily drop the machine down to horizontal to make your headstock and table height changes easy-peasy. Scott

[@1D10CRACY]

I'm not sure what model mine is, but it is the only model I have been around let alone used. I use it enough I could probably justify an upgraded model, I' have been looking.

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@1D10CRACY Yours is a Model 500. Keep an eye on Craigslist as a used one is usually a better way to go than a new upgrade.

[@sandysmeltzer2975]

@@1D10CRACY I recently upgraded the table system on my 500 to the 510 by buy a used unit with 4 accessory tools for $700, reconditioned the purchased unit, kept one of the accessories, and resold the rest for $700. Free upgrade and free strip sander. Used market is great! Glen, not Sandy

[@markbeiser]

@@sandysmeltzer2975 That is how I worked my way up to having a Power Pro upgraded 520, another barely used 520, Pro Planer, Power station, most of the STPs, available, and most of the small accessories available, at a net profit once I finish selling some redundancies off. :)

[@rodneywheeler2278]

DO NOT LEAVE THE MACHINE UNLOCKED WHEN IN DRILL PRESS MODE!! If it were ever to fall unexpectedly, somethings going to get broken...badly.

[@kentuckycornbread8502]

I’ve tried to watch the den of tools guy but that bear is just too immature in my opinion, I can’t get into it. A cartoon and talking about tools doesn’t go together. I do like your shop smith though. Good multi tool that takes up little space.

[@rgd2598]

I owned a shop smith mark 5 since about 82..... until I gave it to my dad. I remember my drill press/ quill extending about double travel compared to yours. You may want to take the cover off opposite the quill and see if there is an issue. You should be able to turn the quill feed at least two times around

[@1D10CRACY]

I think I have a mark V model 500, it specs at 4.5 inches and without messing, I'd guess that to be what I have.

[@douglas60040]

I also have a mark V and get much more throw. The quill cover allows me to adjust the depth. I wish I had more attachments...use the drill press and lathe the most.

[@rodneywheeler2278]

@@douglas60040 Fellas, the quill travel is the same on all machines. The set screw on the top (usually filled with grey putty) is intended to limit the travel of the quill so it doesn't accidently fall out at full extension. If that set screw has been tampered with, that could be the problem.

[@markmattingly2929]

I have one moving and don't want to hassle with moving it it's in basically normal condition anyone know what they are worth ?? Definitely would like to sell

[@christopherpardell4418]

For a longer throw than the quill, just set it up as a horizontal borer, And then you can use the entire run of the guide tubes to drill.

[@turbotom416]

I got mine back in1984 new, with jointer, lathe duplicator and shaper tool.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Good Morning and Happy New Year's to you all. Wow, you surprised me in hearing the name Shopsmith. As I was listening to your channel today. I heard you say how heavy the Power head is. With all space you showed around. Do you have a spot where you hoist. If you do, I think you're problem is solved!!! Because you can raise and lower easier. Back in the day Shopsmith was considered a very high end tool.

[@bugman-ir8cw]

The downside is switching back and forth between tools true. The upside is the cost of a used shopsmith vs the cost of new dedicated tools if you do have the room....I'm shopping for a second. ..

[@Dan-ji2gw]

The only problem I have is cutting angles. You have to tilt the table and it’s hard to get a stable cut.

[@HawkKI4HEE]

Invest in the bandsaw to add to your ensemble. You won’t regret it.

[@thomasillinois4934]

Could the runout be bearing related? If a previous owner (I assume you are not original owner) really loved using it, it is possible the bearing have developed some slop. Extreme heat at the top of the headstock is one indication. This was the case with my user 510. I replaced all the bearings in the headstock except in the electric motor. For a metal guy like you should be dead simple. I am surprised how little I raise to drill press mode. I find most things I tend to do can be done horizontally, that makes moving the table to get extra throw a bit easier.

[@KevinCoop1]

Two things. Who decided that a drill press must be vertical? You need to loosen the wing below the pull handle. It is only going 4” out because you have it set that way. That collar with the dimensions is for precision depth.

[@1D10CRACY]

Well, I guess I'm the one who decides, as I'm the one doing the drilling. ;) As far as the throw, last time I looked at it I couldn't get any more throw out of it. To be fair, I'll never use it as a drill press, so I didn't spend a lot of time with that feature. Thank you for the information and comment!

[@petervona1777]

Thanks for the review and your points, but why so negative?? I don't own one yet, considering one, but look at the option??? How much room would you require if you had individual workstations???

[@roncoleman4017]

Better as a horizontal borer than drill press..

[@RickRose]

I've had several of the old 10ER models--The original ones built by a different company from the one producing the modern Shopsmiths. I thought they made great lathes, with occasional use as a table saw.

[@Tom-Travels]

Wow. I haven't word "Shopsmith" in years and years. The Bear... Have you ever notice a closeup shot of his soft hands? That guy hasn't done any actual work in years. He does know his tools though.

[@SyntaxSeed]

You mention that it's heavy. Do you think a modestly fit woman would be able to switch it between modes? Or would I need someone to help?

[@homefrontforge]

Shopsmith offers a lift assist accessory for raising and lowering the headstock. It makes that tasks much easier.

[@douglas60040]

I also have a Shopsmith. You should be getting more than 4” of throw...have you checked the adjustable stop in the handle ring?

[@1D10CRACY]

I need to take a second look at it and see if I can figure out what is wrong with it. I also have noticed it doesn't auto return. Other than that, it works pretty good! Here is a video showing it in action. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJenpGeFoNeLjZI

[@rodneywheeler2278]

@@1D10CRACY the set screw on the top may be the culprit, or possibly a broken return spring

[@buzzsah]

Hmm, not sure if I'd buy on, I like going from one tool to another and sometimes 2, 3 times. This could be a royal pain switching.

[@1D10CRACY]

Absolutely! I could totally see that! It probably wouldn't be a good tool for you!

[@xomeht]

Owning a Smith and using it efficiently requires the user to think about the steps involved in a project. Plan things so you do all the like steps together if possible. Changeover is not all that difficult or time consuming once you do it for a while. (I have 2 Smiths, a 500 and a 520 and a power station so I am not switching things around a lot during a build). Used Smiths and accessories can be had quite reasonably

[@christinehart5724]

@@xomeht also, having two ShopSmith Mark V”s and running one set of tools is the way to go!

[@markbeiser]

That's where having more than one Mark V and a power station come in handy!

[@douglas60040]

It does take practice to switch between tools...and time, of course.

[@danburch9989]

I can see that as an excellent tool for a home hobbyist carpenter to make small things to sell. Not going to build a house or boat with it.

[@HawkKI4HEE]

So…you can’t configure the drill press while the power head is horizontal as a table saw? Just slide the power head & work table closer to the end of the bench, THEN tilt it vertical. Oh surprise! Lifting it upright is easier now too.

[@mypugsdad5366]

used one have two and love it.

[@Lonlyfisherman68]

It’s a shame you went into this video with the absolute negative attitude. Apparently you didn’t know the concept of this tool. It was meant to be a tool made for people who want to woodwork, but don’t have the space for all the tools you can use on this unit. You should have read the manual and actually learned how to do what you were supposed to do instead of trying to figure it out on your own while making this video. It is a very good tool for what it was designed for,

[@1D10CRACY]

Not sure who you were replying to, but yes, I 100% agree with you! It's a great tool and I enjoy using it! That is why I took the time to make the video!

[@djmeowmix01]

Can someone tell me the individual things that this machine - does- do? I have the opportunity to pick one up and I'm unfamiliar. I was hoping this video would list off the things that you can do. Thanks!

[@1D10CRACY]

It really depends on the accessories it has with it. Here is a video I did a while back using some of the more common accessories. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJenpGeFoNeLjZI

[@christopherpardell4418]

Base model, Drill Press, horizontal borer, table saw, lathe, disc sander. Common accessories- 11” bandsaw, 4” Belt sander, conical sander, drum sander, shaper, 4” jointer, 12” planer. Less common accessories- jigsaw, strip sander, router table, square mortiser, lathe duplicator, Milling machine style lathe tool rest, 4 jaw lathe chuck. Some of these accessories can be run simultaneously, like Belt sander and disc sander, or bandsaw and disc sander. Table saw and jointer. Etc.

[@hobonickel840]

how much would one pay for this beast?

[@jon8706]

Got one for free today. Like you said, I'm a metal guy

[@KevinCoop1]

4” of throw in drill press? No, it has almost 8”. Loosen the wing nut on the right side for the collar stop.

[@1D10CRACY]

If you go through the comments you can find out more.

[@codysmith1915]

Im still saving up to buy the mark 7 new. I have an okay jobsite saw, and if I really decide I need a better table saw delta has a $600 one that will pick up the slack. There is no way you can beat a table saw, lathe, drill press, shaper/routing table, and a disk sander all in one piece of equipment. My dad had an old mark v for years and it never broke.

[@ellisreeves8936]

The Mark 7 is great. You can't believe the difference between it & M5 until you own one. It is super nice.

[@Deathrider188]

My shop smith 10 er the head is always hard to slide

[@eriku571]

What is the price range for an old shopsmith?

[@A2ZREY]

Could I use this for metal ? There’s one for sale for $200 and I’m looking for a drill press and something to cut metal ?

[@1D10CRACY]

I use the bandsaw for metal, I also use to use the drill press on metal too. The lathe probably wouldn't be good enough for metal.

[@ryanweinkauf6661]

Nice Lowboy!

[@1D10CRACY]

Thanks! I've been in the process of restoring a LoBoy cab for the winter! :D

[@johntaylor1947]

it needs a rithing knife to minimize kickback as a table saw.

[@1D10CRACY]

Pretty sure the newer ones come with them.

[@bradwiebelhaus7065]

It is a good tool.

[@joeboxter3635]

Great tool to have for diy-er, imho. But could be modernized.

[@larrybernstein4109]

What do you want to do, have them change color to mauve for you or how about for the feminist make it pink to go with their hats. Now you come up with some suggestions, sparky!

[@markbeiser]

The current top model has a DVR motor, with a 250 to 10,000 RPM speed range, can tilt both ways, and has much larger tables, with a very robust fence system. They also have a kit to upgrade any Mark V to the DVR motor, even the ones made all the way back in 1953. ;)

[@markbeiser]

@@larrybernstein4109 Oh, I want mine with ponies and rainbows painted on it!

[@larrybernstein4109]

@@markbeiser Call Shopsmith and request it. I'm sure for the right price they will paint your rainbows and ponies on it. They can call it the San Francisco Model!

[@ezrabrooks12]

Good Video, Info.

[@robertboyer5498]

Do you have a link to the guy building a house with the shopsmith?

[@MyGrowthRings]

Not sure about that one, but how about this guy? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qILFq3iwZZJqjpI

[@judevenalian5008]

Does it work well as a lathe?

[@jimbennett1519]

Absolutely

[@BubbasWinterHouse]

I only use mine for it.

[@johnirby493]

"A second guy" takes up too much space and can be expensive.

[@jjcastleberry3662]

What in God's name is that blue jack on the floor?

[@1D10CRACY]

It's just a scissor lift. ;)

[@jjcastleberry3662]

@@1D10CRACY Thanks.

[@akquicksilver]

If I had a dollar for everyone of these I've seen on Craigslist the last couple of years I would buy one of them that are selling for like 1/4 of what they paid for them. It is a well built machine, but the change/setup for the different stations is a pain for a project.

[@rodneywheeler2278]

As a former instructor for the Shopsmith company, I must agree with you. Changing the machine from one mode to another does in fact take a minute or two. Grouping your uses helps minimize the change-overs. So does pre-planning. Having ample shop space would be great...if I had it. For me, the change-overs are just part of the package. I taught for them for 4 years and I dare say, the hundreds of adult students that took my three day classroom course, walked away with 95% more confidence than they walked in with. It was a rewarding teaching job...just lousy hours.

[@christopherpardell4418]

Except in those cases where the change HELPS you, like making a bevel cut, then putting the disc sander on to sand that cut at the exact same angle it was cut at, or to use the drill chuck to drill dowel pins in the cut you know are perfectly aligned.

[@brianpeters4486]

Yeah den of tools is a joke. Harbor Freight fan boy is about all that channel is. No idea why you would be impressed by that guy.

[@escanora6618]

Expensive thats why brand is going out of business

[@frankgray5789]

Really way out of date and not very practical!

[@1D10CRACY]

For sure out of date, but that is probably why they are so over built and last lifetimes. I only keep mine because it's so practical for my needs. Life is about options, there really are no magic tools that fit everyone's needs.

[@dougfowler6898]

@@1D10CRACYexcellent answer and very true. I think the Shopsmith is great as well!