A demonstration

Re: A demonstration

Edward

>Zeke, Demos are best done on machines that the demonstrator, you, are the most familiar with. Plan on using your Merc. and take your own accessories like chuck(s) and faceplate(s). there may not be any acc's available for the SS; and it takes a 5/8 ths. inch straight tennon.

Best of luck, and good planning!

Edward

Re: A demonstration

Brad Vietje

>Zeke,

First -- I'd bring the Mercury just because you're familiar with it, and your demo will be more relaxed, and you can concentrate on your demo, and not on figuring out a new lathe.

As for the ShopSmith... If you search these archives under ShopSmith, you'll probably find a lot...

For turning between centers, it will work fine. Pretty powerful, and somewhat noisy, but for spindle turning, they're not a bad machine. Speed variable from 700-5800 rpm. Major difference between the SS and any other lathe I've ever used is that whenever you would normally "bring up the tailstock", you actually slide the headstock down to the fixed tailstock.

For faceplate turning, there is a 16" swing, but the spindle is only 5/8" in diameter, meaning that for larger sized work, chatter is a very real problem. The movement and adjustment of the tool rest is also quite different than other lathes, but after you get used to it, its functional.

My real advice is for the school: if they have not already spent the money, they would be far better off with a real drill press, a real lathe, a real bandsaw, a real table saw, and a real jointer, even if they got used equipment for each, than getting the combo tool. The SS is OK at each of these functions, but not so great, and they are not cheap -- they charge a hefty premium for the "convenience" of a single, multi-purpose tool that actually does take up a fair amount of floor space. If they can store them, they will be happier with the results from individual dedicated tools, which can always be mounted on rolling tables to save space.

Contact me directly if you want to know more about turning on the ShopSmith. I've been much more happy with a used Jet 1236, and that isn't my favorite lathe by far.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: A demonstration - another thought

Brad Vietje

>Zeke,

Another thought -- there is probably plenty of goodwill and grant money out there for programs dealing with troubled youth -- a very worthy cause. If their shop teacher isn't very knowledgeable about turning, maybe you can get him involved in a local turning club, where he will get additional guidance and possible find a few good used lathes for sale.

Here in VT there are stores that deal specifically with used woodworking and metalworking equipment, so I'm assuming you might find such a thing in Ohio, too (?) Certainly an ad for donations of equipment could be tried; the sad truth is that a lot of school woodshops are closing, so there is real good used equipment out there.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: A demonstration - another thought

John Lucas

>I would get them to check on a grant from the AAW to get some Mini lathes. As far as the Shopsmith it makes a louse lathe. I've turned on several and owned one and they all vibrate so much it's hard to get a really good cut.

I would definitely take the mercury to do demo. Mostly because you will be comfortable on it but mainly because the Shopsmith won't take any of your attachments except maybe the #2 morse taper tailcenter.

As a former SS user...

RevDoug

>I would agree with everything Brad just said. We still use ours, but primarily as a bandsaw, joiner, and planer.

Turn 'em round,

RevDoug

Using a Mercury for all my bowls now, in Louisville, KY