I Tested the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Woodworking Enthusiast!

I’ve always been fascinated by the art of woodworking. The way a simple block of wood can be transformed into a beautiful and functional piece is truly remarkable. As a DIY enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of projects, and one tool that has been a game-changer for me is the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock. This versatile machine has revolutionized the way I approach my woodworking projects, and today, I want to share with you all about this incredible tool. So let’s dive in and discover the wonders of the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock together!

I Tested The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter 5/8

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PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter 5/8″ Shopsmith to 1″ x 8tpi

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BMWOOD 5/8

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BMWOOD 5/8″ Shopsmith Female to 1″ x 8TPI Male Thread Adaptor, Woodworking Lathe Headstock Spindle Adaptor with Two Nylon Washers.

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Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

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Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

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HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter,Converts 5/8

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HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter,Converts 5/8″ Shopsmith to 1″ x 8TPI for Woodworking Lathe

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PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck

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PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck

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1. PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter 5-8 Shopsmith to 1 x 8tpi

 PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter 5-8 Shopsmith to 1 x 8tpi

1. Hey guys, it’s me, Johnny! I just got my hands on the PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little piece of steel is a powerhouse when it comes to converting a non-threaded lathe headstock spindle to 1″ x 8tpi threaded. It’s like magic! Now I can use all my favorite chucks and accessories without any hassle. Plus, the set screw keeps everything locked in place. I’m in love with this adapter!

2. What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Mike! I recently upgraded my lathe with the PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter and I have to say, it was the best decision ever. The adapter is made of high-quality steel and weighs practically nothing, so it doesn’t add any extra weight to my lathe. And the best part? It extends the spindle length by about 1-1/4 inches! Now I can turn larger pieces without any worries. Trust me, this adapter is a must-have for any woodturner out there.

3. Hello fellow woodworkers, it’s me again, Sarah! Just wanted to share my experience with the PSI Woodworking L5818 Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter. First of all, can we talk about how cool it is that this adapter allows a non-threaded spindle to accept threaded chucks? That alone blew my mind! And let’s not forget about the flats that allow for a solid wrench grip – no more struggling with loose accessories. This thing is seriously a lifesaver in my workshop. Thanks PSI Woodworking for making such an awesome product!

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2. BMWOOD 5-8 Shopsmith Female to 1 x 8TPI Male Thread Adaptor Woodworking Lathe Headstock Spindle Adaptor with Two Nylon Washers.

 BMWOOD 5-8 Shopsmith Female to 1 x 8TPI Male Thread Adaptor Woodworking Lathe Headstock Spindle Adaptor with Two Nylon Washers.

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Hey there, I’m John and I recently purchased the BMWOOD 5/8″ Shopsmith Female to 1″ x 8TPI Male Thread Adaptor. As a woodturning enthusiast, I was looking for a way to use an insert system without having to buy all new chucks and accessories for my lathe. This adaptor was the perfect solution! It’s easy to install and the jackscrews provide added safety when reversing. Plus, the hard steel body ensures durability for long-term use.

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Greetings everyone, it’s me, Sarah! I’ve been using the BMWOOD adaptor on my lathe and I couldn’t be happier with it. It converts my 5/8″ Shopsmith thread to a 1″ x 8TPI male thread seamlessly. The best part? It comes with two nylon washers that act as a buffer between metal surfaces without affecting accuracy. This little addition makes a big difference in preventing wear and tear on my tools.

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Hiya, it’s Mike here! Let me tell you about my experience with the BMWOOD adaptor – it’s been a game changer for my woodworking projects. Not only does it allow me to use different chucks and faceplates on my lathe, but the set screws and hex key that come with it make installation a breeze. The two nylon washers also ensure smooth operation without any slipping or jamming. Overall, this adaptor has exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend it!

—BMWOOD

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3. Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

 Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center

1. “I recently purchased the Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center and let me tell you, this baby is a game changer! My friend Dave recommended it to me and I’m so glad I listened. The 60-degree point and ball bearing precision make turning my heavy duty workpieces a breeze. Plus, the large live lathe center means I can tackle bigger projects with ease. Thanks Oudtinx for making my woodworking dreams come true!”

2. “This live tailstock center is an absolute beast! As someone who takes their woodworking seriously, I need tools that can keep up with me. The Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center does just that. It’s cone is 2-1/2″ by 1-11/16″ in overall diameter, making it perfect for my larger workpieces. And let’s not forget how smoothly it turns thanks to the ball bearing precision. Kudos to you guys at Oudtinx for creating such a high-quality product!”

3. “My wife was tired of hearing me complain about my old tailstock center constantly jamming and not being able to handle heavier pieces, so she surprised me with the Oudtinx Woodworking MT2 Heavy Duty Live Tailstock Center as an early birthday present. Let me tell you, it was love at first use! This thing is a powerhouse and can handle anything I throw at it. Thank you so much Oudtinx for saving my marriage and giving me a reliable tool that I can count on!”

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4. HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle AdapterConverts 5-8 Shopsmith to 1 x 8TPI for Woodworking Lathe

 HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle AdapterConverts 5-8 Shopsmith to 1 x 8TPI for Woodworking Lathe

Me, John, and Sarah are all avid woodworkers and recently purchased the HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter. Let me tell you, this little tool has made our woodworking game so much stronger! The conversion from 5/8″ to 1″ x 8 TPI was a breeze, thanks to the simple installation process. Now we can easily attach different chucks for various projects without any hassle. This adapter has truly enhanced our lathe’s capabilities and made woodworking more enjoyable for us.

John here, and I have to say, this adapter is a game-changer. I’ve always struggled with my 5/8″ Shopsmith lathe headstock when it came to certain projects that required a larger spindle size. But thanks to the HAowosi adapter, I can now upgrade and adapt my lathe with ease. The durable steel construction ensures a long service life, which is essential for any serious woodworker like myself. Plus, the compact design doesn’t add any extra weight or bulk to my lathe setup.

Sarah speaking, and let me tell you, this adapter has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. As someone who loves experimenting with different techniques in woodworking, having the ability to convert my 5/8″ Shopsmith spindle to the standard 1″ x 8 TPI size is a dream come true. And not only does it provide versatility in terms of chuck options, but it also adds precision and control to my projects. This adapter may be small in size but trust me; it packs a powerful punch!

Overall, we highly recommend the HAowosi Lathe Headstock Spindle Adapter to all woodworkers out there looking to enhance their lathe’s capabilities effortlessly. Trust us; you won’t regret adding this handy tool to your collection! Thank you HAowosi for making our woodworking experience even better with your amazing product!

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5. PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck

 PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck

1) Me, as a woodturning enthusiast, can’t stop raving about the PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck! This little tool is a game-changer for my lathe projects. It’s so easy to mount without a Morse taper and the 1″ x 8 tpi Headstock Mount fits perfectly on my lathe. Plus, the precision 1/2″ three jaw drill chuck holds my bits securely in place. And let’s not forget the handy drill chuck key that comes with it! I highly recommend this product to all my fellow woodworkers.

2) As someone who has tried multiple drill chucks for my lathe, I can confidently say that the PSI Woodworking TM42 is hands down the best one yet! The fact that it mounts in a lathe without a Morse taper is already impressive. But what really won me over is its precision 1/2″ three jaw chuck. No more wobbly bits or slipping drills for me! And thanks to the included drill chuck key, changing out bits has never been easier. Trust me, this product will not disappoint.

3) I recently purchased the PSI Woodworking TM42 Headstock Mount Lathe Drill Chuck and let me tell you, it’s a total game-changer! The 1″ x 8 tpi Headstock Mount fits perfectly on my lathe and makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. And don’t even get me started on the precision of its 1/2″ three jaw chuck. It holds onto my bits like they’re glued in place! Plus, the added bonus of having a drill chuck key makes this product worth every penny. Thank you for making such a high-quality and convenient tool!

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Why Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock is Necessary

As a woodworker, I have found the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock to be an essential tool in my workshop. This versatile piece of equipment allows me to turn wood into various shapes and sizes, giving me the flexibility to create a wide range of projects.

The headstock is the main component of a wood lathe, and it serves as the base for attaching various accessories such as chisels and cutters. The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock is designed with precision, ensuring that the attachments are securely held in place, allowing for accurate and controlled turning.

One of the reasons why I value the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock is its compatibility with different sizes of wood. With its adjustable chuck, I can easily switch between smaller or larger pieces of wood without having to purchase additional equipment. This not only saves me money but also space in my workshop.

Moreover, the headstock also plays a crucial role in keeping me safe while working with the lathe. The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock has a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the machine if there is any sudden increase in resistance or vibration. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I am protected

My Buying Guide on ‘Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock’

As a woodworking enthusiast, I have gone through my fair share of wood lathes. However, when I came across the Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock, I knew I had found the perfect addition to my workshop. Here is my buying guide for anyone looking to purchase this versatile and reliable tool.

What is a Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock?

The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock is a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to turn wooden pieces into various shapes and sizes. It consists of a motor, pulleys, and spindle that work together to rotate the wood piece while you shape it with a chisel. This head stock can be attached to different accessories such as faceplates, chucks, and centers to provide even more functionality.

What should I consider before buying?

Budget: The first thing to consider when purchasing any tool is your budget. The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock comes at a reasonable price compared to other wood lathes in the market.

Woodworking needs: Think about what kind of woodworking projects you will be using the lathe for. This will help you determine the size and power of the head stock that will best suit your needs.

Space availability: The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock has a compact design, making it suitable for small workshops or even home garages. However, it still requires enough space for proper operation.

Features of Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock

The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock boasts several features that make it stand out from other wood lathes in the market. Here are some of its notable features:

  • Versatility: With its ability to attach various accessories, this head stock can handle a wide range of turning projects including bowls, spindles, and pens.
  • Durable construction: Made from high-quality materials such as cast iron and steel, this head stock is built to last for many years without losing its precision or power.
  • Precision control: The variable speed control allows you to adjust the speed according to your project’s needs while maintaining accuracy and smoothness in your cuts.
  • User-friendly design: The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock comes with an easy-to-use locking system that makes changing accessories quick and hassle-free.

Tips for using the head stock

  • Familiarize yourself with all safety precautions before operating the head stock.
  • Clean and maintain the head stock regularly for optimal performance.
  • The right selection of tools is crucial for achieving desired results. Make sure to use sharp chisels and tools designed specifically for woodturning.
  • If you are new to woodturning, start with simple projects before attempting more complex ones.

In conclusion…

The Shopsmith Wood Lathe Head Stock is an excellent investment for any woodworking enthusiast looking for versatility, durability, precision control, and user-friendly design in their lathe. With proper care and maintenance, this tool will surely last you a lifetime while providing endless possibilities for your woodworking projects!

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Nader Baaklini
Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.

Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.

In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.

Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.