Shopsmith Hands On!


*10 rules for success in setting-up the best shop for you*
2: Seek comfort The shop is more than a workplace. It’s also a room dedicated to thinking and planning. Remember that the total time it takes to accomplish a project, 80% of it is best spent thinking about it – planning it – and drawing it up. You need a comfortable place to sit as you think out and draw your projects. And although you may not have the space to dedicate permanently for a computer or drawing board, your workbench may serve as a good spot – providing it’s fairly dust-free (for your computer) and that you have a comfortable stool that matches the bench height properly. Once you’ve done your planning, be sure to remove or carefully cover your computer before you start making sawdust. WWW.DIRTBAG.BIZ offers some special dust filters that totally encase your computer, protecting it from shop dust. Also, include a space or shelf reserved for those “How-To” books you own. They’ll do you little good resting untouched in a living room or family room library. Instead, move them to the shop, where you’ll actually USE them. In cold climates, keep the shop warm enough for comfort and cool enough for clear thinking. If you decide to add a space heater, avoid the potentially serious hazards provided by exposed heating elements or open flames. Instead, invest in a water or oil-filled baseboard heater or portable, electric radiator-style heater or two. Be kind to your ears, as well. Use *hearing protectors* and glue some acoustic tiles on hard walls to soften the sounds of saws, routers, planers, jointers and pounding hammers. And only those of us who can afford the luxury of ignoring time should do without a good clock in the shop. 3: Spare your feet By carefully placing the tools you plan to use most, you’ll eliminate extra footsteps and conserve your energy. Start by deciding which piece of equipment you use most. Whether it’s your MARK V, Bandsaw, Scroll Saw or another machine, keep it where it’s most convenient to reach. And be sure to leave enough work space around it so that you don’t collide with other tools while you’re working. One exception to this may be when an adjacent machine table is low enough that large pieces of wood that may be extending beyond that table would pass over the adjacent table. Install a resilient floor under your feet, too. Studies show that most MARK V owners have a basement or garage shop with concrete floors. If possible, any underlying arch enemy areas should be covered with wood flooring. If this isn’t possible, you should use foam rubber anti-fatigue mats (link to 721049 in on-line Shopsmith Catalog) to help save your feet and back. You’ll be able to work longer because you’ll feel more comfortable. 4: Keep nearest what you use most As humans, we have a tendency to store items alphabetically and by basic groups. And although that may work nicely in a library, it doesn’t work in the shop. For instance, Bandsaw Blades should be stored near the Bandsaw, not in a cabinet on the far side of the shop marked “Assorted Saw Blades”. Setting up a Scroll Saw requires Allen Wrenches and a square. Lathe work requires Chisels, Chucks, Calipers, Tape Measures and more. If you use your workbench for clamping, don’t hide your clamps in some faraway drawer or shop corner…put them on nearby pegboards. Safety devices such as machine & face shields, eyewear, hearing protectors, push sticks, push blocks and dust masks should be the most conveniently located of all items. Why? Because if they’re difficult to reach, chances are, you won’t use them when you should…so, keep them handy. Also, store these items where they won’t collect excessive sawdust. Request your FREE Woodworking Video *Continue...*