Greetings

[wolfepakt]

Dunno if this is the place to post an intro, but since there is only four catagories it seems to be the best!

I am a new shopsmith owner. I know very little about the incredible tool that I just inherited! (The unfortunate news is that my dad passed away 2 weeks ago)

My dad was a fabulous wood worker who made some of the most beautiful things and I would like to learn some of the things he knew, but I have no idea where to begin! He (I) has a Mark V (circa 1978) that had a new motor put in it about 3 yrs ago, plus the scroll saw attachment, band saw attachment, belt sanding attachment, not to mention the many stand alone tools he has purchased in the last 30 yrs of wood working. (two planers, a jointer, a stand alone table saw, etc. etc.)

Now how do you all suggest I go about learning about all of this? I will not be able to get any of the stuff home until next spring and want to learn as much as possible before I just go pell mell into it and remove some vital body parts! I have been perusing the shopsmith site and have learned some, but the amount of info can be overwhelming!

Thanks in advance for all your help!
Troy in Cheyenne

[alancooke]

Troy,

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. That is tough time in anyone's life. But, I am glad to hear of your desire to continue his tradition of quality woodworking!

Sounds like you'll have most of the hardware you'll NEED. However, if possible, I would try to make a detailed inventory of everything you'll be getting next spring. That way, as you begin your learning journey, you will know what you have, and more importantly, what you DON'T have. SS is running a lot of sales right now and it would be a great time to complete your SS tool collection if possible.

As far as learning goes: WOW, you'll probably get more ideas, suggestions, advice, etc., than you can possibly take in, so I'll try to keep it simple:

First: Try to find out if your Dad has all of his documentation. If so, try to get that in advance so you can be reading it. The owners manual (mine is a large white, ring notebook) has a self-study woodworking course. SS also carries a book called 'POWER TOOL WOODWORKING FOR EVERYONE' (PTWFE)
which is like the SS bible. Mine came with it but I'm not sure if all did/do.

Second: Get yourself registered with SS. Get on their Mailing and Email lists.

Third: Hang out regularly here and ask as many questions as you want. No such thing as a stupid question if you don't know the answer. I probably can't provide many answers, but lots of guys here can, and will.

Fourth: Watch all of the new HandsOnline video tips and Sawdust Sessions. If possible, take a class at SS, or find someone in your area with one, so you can get some hands on reinforcement of what you're learning.

Fifth: Buy all the woodworking books you can afford(especially Nick's) and learn ways and methods that YOU are comfortable with and that give you the results you want. Also, I'm sure there are some good Woodworking shows out there but, since I don't have TV, I'll leave them for others to recommend.

Sixth: Practice, Practice, Practice!:)

Seventh: Go back to Number 6.

Good luck in all your adventures. I'll look forward to hearing of your progress!

[wolfepakt]

Alan,
1st thank you for the condolences.
2nd I have found both the book you mentioned (PTWFE) and a self study course on the shop smith in his collection. Also he has a crap load of books on everything tool related I can think of and lots I can't! Not to mention 3 or 4 bookshelves full of magazines! I think my biggest concern is where the ..... to start! 8-)

I have already ordered a catalog, and am not sure if the self study course and the manual are the same. (3 ring binder for the Self Study.) I would like to attend a class, but nothing is currently listed within 200 miles of where I live (since I am 90 miles or so from Denver) so I am waiting!

Anyway, I am still looking for suggestions on where to start, besides PTWFE and the manual.

Also as you say I have everything I need (probably more, certianly more than I currently have space to use) but the inventory thing is a great idea thank you!

[john]

As Alan mentioned, we are sorry to hear about your dad. I'm sure that is not the way you wanted to acquire all those tools. Also glad to hear you want to take up the hobby. It can be fun, productive, and satisfying.

Alan has pretty well covered the subject, and I would do everything he mentions if possible. When you want to start, pick a theme, mine was cars and trucks, and then get a simple plan either from a book or magazine and start from there. You will be surprised at how fast you will go on to more complex and varied projects.

Welcome to the forum!

Good luck.

John

[dusty]

Troy

We are very pleased to have you as I member of our family. I am only sorry that this had to come with the passing of your father. I am sure that what you are doing now pleases him. The challenge to follow in your father's woodworking footsteps may be great but we are here to help whenever you need. Just ask.

I must warn you though. There will be times when you will get more answers than you can sort and store. This is a diversified group with more experience than you can possibly imagine. It seems like every aspect of the craft and many of the professions are represented in this group.

Whatever you do with your power tools - LEARN HOW TO USE THEM SAFELY.
While reading all this new material, don't gloss over the Cautions and Warnings. This machine can bite and will.

Once again, Troy, welcome to the group.

[james.miller]

Check in the self study course for an owners manual. You will need it for setting up and performing routine maintenance. There is not a lot of maintenance but it is highly recommended that it be done at the recommended intervals.

Some of the manuals can be downloaded from here http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/productmanuals.htm

At the Traveling Woodworking Academy the teach to check 5 locks before each cut. Quill lock, Headstock lock, Carriage lock, Table Height lock, and Table Tilt lock.

Being safe makes woodworking even more enjoyable.

[charlese]

Troy- I want to add my sentiments regarding the recent passing of your Father and wish the best for you and all of yours.

As said above, you may find (sometimes) a lot more help than you asked for - however if you get same - You always will have at least two choices; 1) ask more questions 2) ignore it.

That said - I encourage you to take your time and actually participate all the way through the entire "Self Study Course". Doing this (although time consuming) will get you familiar with your Mark V and at the same time give you basic skills that will serve you well in the future. In addition, after doing the "Course", you will be able to better understand the on-line information.

There is (as mentioned earlier) also Loads of info on the Shopsmith sites. This computer based info is very valuable, but nothing can compare to what you learn yourself in the Self Study Course.

Stay Safe and enjoy!

[Bruce]

Troy,
After I bought my Mark V back in '85, I took a road trip to Minneapolis to a SS company store and took a class. In the class I built a small table with cabriole legs. Sadly, the only company store left is in Dayton, but if you have the time and money, a trip to Dayton for a class or two would be money well spent. You'll not only learn about the tools, but learn some woodworking skills too, if you're not already an accomplished woodworker.

Bruce