Shopsmith Forums

I have owned my Mark 5 since 1975 but never used the lathe and would really appreciate help from someone in Seattle area (I live in West Seattle) who is proficient with it and would demonstrate set up and also suggest newer gadgets to make it work better. If you have an hour or so to spare I would really appreciate it and would be glad to share a beer, glass of wine or other refreshment in return.
Dave.

Sorry I live in the Portland area so not close enough for in person help but do you have the Manual for your Mark 5? Also the book Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone is a great resource for using the different functions of the Shopsmith Tool. The Self Study Course has sections on Lathe Turning in Lessons 9 & 10. These can get you started until you find someone close.

Check for a wood-turning club in the Seattle area.

I agree about finding a local turning club. The Seattle club is very active. But also some basics first. I will assume you have the SS set of chisels which are just fine to get up and running with. First you have to have a way to sharpen them and sharpen them very well. Razor sharp chisels are the difference between a nasty turning experience and a great experience. You do not need to spend a bunch of money to accomplish razor sharp. Do you already have a SS belt sander ? If not there is a very inexpensive alternative that we can get into later. If you have the basic SS 500 lathe accessories you are good to go. If you have the money there are a few accessories from SS that are worth every nickle. First on the list is a SS steady rest. They are a game changer for turning on the SS. Second is a live center which is available from lots of vendors. That’s about it for getting started. A note on the steady rest. I found on Craigslist an entire SS 510 with a band saw, belt sander and a steady rest for less than the price of a new steady rest. So take a look around. Besides at the moment I believe they are on back order anyway.
Paul

masonsailor2 wrote:I agree about finding a local turning club. The Seattle club is very active. But also some basics first. I will assume you have the SS set of chisels which are just fine to get up and running with. First you have to have a way to sharpen them and sharpen them very well. Razor sharp chisels are the difference between a nasty turning experience and a great experience. You do not need to spend a bunch of money to accomplish razor sharp. Do you already have a SS belt sander ? If not there is a very inexpensive alternative that we can get into later. If you have the basic SS 500 lathe accessories you are good to go. If you have the money there are a few accessories from SS that are worth every nickle. First on the list is a SS steady rest. They are a game changer for turning on the SS. Second is a live center which is available from lots of vendors. That’s about it for getting started. A note on the steady rest. I found on Craigslist an entire SS 510 with a band saw, belt sander and a steady rest for less than the price of a new steady rest. So take a look around. Besides at the moment I believe they are on back order anyway.
Paul

Paul, are you talking about the Shopsmith steady rest, or the universal lathe tool rest?

Sorry about that. Yes the universal tool rest