Hi everyone.
I recently purchased a shopsmith Mark V with primary intention of using it as a lathe. My primary use will be handles and reel seats, and I'm thinking I may also get into pens, but that is an afterthought.
I am wondering what I should be looking at getting in the way of chucks and chisels and such. I know I will need an adapter to to from the shopsmith to a normal lathe chuck, but am more interested in knowing what kind of chuck I should be looking at getting.
Also what chisels are most reccomended for turning seats? I have a set of large chisels that I got with the shopsmith, but thinking they will be better saved for larger woodworking projects. I've seen a 3 pc set of pen turning chisels and thinking of picking up that set. Would they be ideal for turning seats? [www.busybeetools.com] . Thats the set I'm refering to.

Thanks in advance for any help that can be offered.

Mike

I don't like the "mini" turning tools. Stick with the full size tools - they can turn small parts without any trouble. You need a roughing gouge and a bedan and/or perhaps a parting tool. That's really all you need to turn seat inserts.

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Mike,
Are you planning on using your shopsmith for anything else besides these turning chores?

If not, you might be better served by returning the shop smith and getting a conventional wood lathe.

The issue is the chuck and head stock on the shop smith, not being very compatible to use as a normal wood lathe. One of the principal issues is the fact that most of the shop smiths do not have a hollow head stock shaft. I am not familiar with the Mark V, and if this unit has a hollow shaft, than ignore my previous comment.

But, with respect to a chuck, a regular 3 jaw 3 or 4 inch chuck works well.
But some of the newer - wood working specific chucks also do an excellent job as well.

Best wishes.

Mike
I purchased a "c" series lathe chuck from Penn State Industries. It was on sale at a very nice price at the time, and also came with a couple add-ons. I also purchased accessory jaws and a chuck adapter that was labeled "Shopsmith". I am not familiar with the Shopsmith lathe but understand that it has a 5/8" spindle shaft size. My rod lathe also has a 5/8" shaft so this worked out perfectly for me. I can transfer the chuck from my wood lathe to my rod lathe easily. The "c" series chuck is a well made, quality chuck, available for less money than the fancier chucks. The jaws are easily changed. I am very happy with my purchase. I turn cork grips and also turn some acrylic pen blanks for reel inserts (strictly hobby status - not commercial production). and this chuck fills the bill for all of my turning needs quite nicely!
Rog

Mike,
I purchased a shop smith long before I got into rod building . . but I am glad I have it.
The only chuck I use (for turning rod handles) is the basic chuck that holds drill bits.
a 3/8" mandrel (or smaller 1/4" if building smaller rods) and a ball bearing live tail stock is all you need.
The hollow head or tail stock mentioned by Roger on conventional lathes, I believe is needed to bore the handle material.
With the shop smith you just use the horizontal boring position of the machine.
My experience is with EVA rod handles, but I've turned a lot of pens - so in theory reel seat inserts and wooden handles I'd turn the same way - bore a hole in the square material first, then turn on a mandrel.

For tools - I agree with Tom on the minis - even for pens I use full size tools . . the large rough gouge mostly . . by using the large rough gouge at an angle near it's edges it almost does what a skew chisel does.
Watch some of Billy V. videos of what a skew chisel in experienced hands can do. I use a rough gouge and sand paper.
Bert