New use for an old tool

great idea! I’m always on the lookout for a SS for that exact purpose… but I’m still on the fence as Im not too happy about not having the keyless chuck anymore. as from what I hear, it’s not easy getting a keyless chuck on the SS, and it has some alignment issues.

but I love the speed control, and the fully adjustable table – which just might be worth losing the keyless option.

thanks for the review! bolting to the wall is a great idea!

-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

Whenever any one asks about getting a lathe or drill press for woodworking work, I always suggest (I’ve done that here a few times) they find an older reasonably priced Shopsmith. Even though they’re my only power tools in the shop, and I recognize & have learned to deal with the shortcomings of the table saw, it makes a great lathe, drill press, horizontal borer, (those who haven’t used a horizontal borer in woodworking are really missing out, in my opinion) and movable disc 12” sander for ANY workshop…and doesn’t take up lots of space.

The wall mount is terrific for your use, and don’t overlook using it as a shaper. I’ve done it & been very satisfied with the results. As to the keyless chuck, for me, at least, it’s only a minor thing (probably since I’ve only ever used a key one) and I wouldn’t let it overshadow the benes of the Smith drill press. -SST

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

Good job on the setup.

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

Great advice and write up Sam. I agree wholeheartedly. I have my 1951 Model 10ER Shopsmith setup in permanent drill press mode. The machine belonged to my grandfather and it still runs as good as the day it wasy made.

-- John Nixon - Buffalo, NY - http://www.EagleLakeWoodworking.com

Excellent idea Sam,
I has a Shop Smith about 25 years ago and sold it to get dedicated tools. I have a Delta drill press now and a bunch of other dedicated tools but the shopsmith does have some features that make it attractive such as the horizontal drilling and lathe.
A neignbor down the block was asking me the other day if I knew anyone wanting to buy a shopsmith he inherited. I think I will reconsider and look at it for the features it has that I do not use enough to justify buying a dedicated tool for.

-- Each and Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. Greg Little

Great idea.. keep going man!