Shopsmithtom's Workshop

Tom Go for it. The tools don’t make the project. The person makes the project.

Nice shop

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

It would seem that 2 shopsmith’s would greatly improve your flexability and eliminate the limitations of a single machine. Especially, since you can share accessories. It sounds like a great small shop solution.

I’m in agreement with Karson and I know that am no where as good as my tools. I’m am the limiting factor and by the time I would outgrow one of my tools another better one would have long been in it’s place.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

this sounds like the old “digital vs film” camera debate. It’s just a tool – the creator uses the tool and it is the creator that is the true artist/craftsman/creator/tool.

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Well, I only disagree on one point. That the presision isnt in the machine. If you have a piece of junk, it’s difficult to over come that. But the rest is like you say, or in my words a “Mental Disposition”. I think the Shopsmith is probably the best single tool you could ever own.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Thanks, Obi, for the Shopsmith comment. I know that I’m biased in this regard (when you get as much enjoyment playing with a tool..putzing, tinkering, etc, as you do actually building stuff with it, you know you’re probably not going to be objective about it.
I have used separate tools as well, and the end results have been great…there’s no question about it, but I’m constantly amazed at the engineering/imagination that went in to creating this combination tool (back in 1946, Hans Goldschmidt) that works so well in each mode. My 1952 models are certainly more simplistic in their adjustments than some of the new tools, but with a good combination square and metal ruler, I can get all the precision that need for my use. I know I’ll never convert anyone over to this system. (nor would I want to) I just want have fun, keep them running, and maybe pass them along to the next generation of shopsmith guys in my family. -SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you

SST, I was looking at the Shopsmith and almost bought one, before I saw the SuperShop, which you can see in my wookshop pics. I like the versitility of these type of machines. Thanks for sharing your shop pictures. I really like how you have drawers on them.

-- Jesus is Lord!

Hows the shop going? Any new tools or upgrades?

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Hi Wayne. I’m always picking some kind of little accessory or part off of ebay, I think the last piece was a 2 1/2” jointer head that works with my shaper fence. I can get the speed up to 7200rpm’s so it works ok on a limited basis. I’ve been putzing with ways to make a workable dust collector since the 10ER model never had this option. Also using the 12” disk sander with a jig as a plane blade sharpener works pretty well. -SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you

I hear you on the always picking up small things. One of my bad habits too. The disk sander sounds like a great idea. Especially if you can work out a way to flatten the back of the blade.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Hi SST,

You have a nice shop and it appears as if the Shopsmiths are working for you. If tools were the bottom line we would all have the best tools that money could buy. But it is the operator behind the tool that makes the difference. You are making the Shopsmiths work for you and that is what counts.

Thanks for the post.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Hi,

Thought I’d stop by your shop for a look around. I really like to see these old shopsmiths still is service all these years later. I’ve been watching locally for one of these to get for my brother to use as only a lathe, so far no luck finding one for a good price but the hunt continues.

I’m originally from a bit farther up north and make trips up 51 to visit my brother and my wife’s Dad in the UP. I actually lived in Rothschild a couple of years after I got out of the Army and got me some school’n. We attended the Highland Methodist church and I often wonder if that is still there… We lived in a couple of apartments at Radiant Court Motel… most likely that is gone by now. I should pull off and have a drive around but after 30 plus years I don’t think I’d see much to remember.

Thanks for inviting us into your shop… sorry I got off on memory lane but it happens.

-- Knight of the Shopsmith

I see, + View the posting rules is in bright red. I don’t know what I said that was inappropriate, but my apologies Miss Debbie. I’ll try not to do what I don’t know I did again :). Hal

-- dofitch

I’m not a big fan of the ShopSmith system, but I do like old machines, and other than the bandsaw desperatly needing a paint job, I think you’ve got a pretty neat machine.

I can see from your shop that you are an experienced woodworker with a great shop and great tools. I agree with your philosophy about combination machines. I have a fairly inexpensive combi with 5 functions. It isn’t the greatest woodworking machine in the world, but it gets the job done and saves me a lot of space in my small shop.

-- Mike, American in Norway

Sometimes its the way to go. I recently bought a planer/joiner combo and in my 12×14 foot shop i’m running out of space. Hmmm, maybe i should look into getting one of those.

-- John in Arizona (but it's a dry heat!)