MULTICO or Pro Mex/Multico Super-shop/Master Woodcraft/Multico/tyme Maximize

MULTICO or Pro Mex/Multico Super-shop/Master Woodcraft/Multico/tyme

MULTICO or Pro Mex/Multico Super-shop/Master Woodcraft/Multico/tyme

The history of Multico Pro Mex/Multico Super-shop/Master Woodcraft/Multico/tyme here in the UK and Total Shop or Shopmaster in the USA. (I will just refer to all the types as Multico from now on) is one of bitter dispute between Shopsmith and Multico over patent. To try and escape the Patent issue the Multico was made as a clone in the far east and they changed a large number of the design facets but in the end were forced to stop production in the late 1980's The Multico was never made or endorsed by Shopsmith and was a "clone" made with deliberate differences to compete with the successful Shopsmith brand. There were many court battles between the two companies over the rights to the design which Shopsmith won. Not long after Multico ceased to exist. In general the differences are components made in Imperial measure by Shopsmith and Metric by Multico with modifications to the headstock internals and motor.

More details

Multico

Thank you for your enquiry to service your Multico machine but I am sorry to say I am unable to provide this for you. I am including some text to explain why.

Officially, as a Shopsmith supplier, I am instructed to offer no support for these machines.

The Multico being a clone machine shares limited parts similarities with the Shopsmith. The headstock is a different design despite looking the same and has no common parts especially with the speed control assembly. Some customers with engineering backgrounds have modified the speed control to use a Shopsmith assembly but it is not a straightforward process and relies on the good condition of the speed control layshaft assembly bearings which has to be modified to accept Shopsmith sheaves.  The external accessories and tooling is mostly interchangeable as far as my experience goes so items such as bandsaws, planers, beltsanders etc do fit onto Shopsmith machines with only the drive hubs requiring change.

When customers in similar positions of having got to the point of having problems with the headstock they have elected to purchase a Shopsmith headstock as a replacement in order to continue utilising their investment in the machine. It doesn't work in all circumstances however and will depend on waytube diameters. You would need confirmation of the rail diameter which the headstock slides on to be able to process and order. The diameter required is 1.875" and the information I currently have is the tubes from a clone can vary but usually measure 1.65625". I was told you also cannot interchange between these machines (Multico or Master Woodcraft)

That having been said the legs and carriage assembly from your clone could make a good base for your Multipurpose Compound Mitre Saw if you utilise the carriage as the saw base and make a custom table.

The power coupler is different to the unit used by Multico In order to complete your conversion to a Shopsmith Power coupler for your Multico you will need to have Shopsmith design hubs on your headstock and a matching hub on your accessory/accessories. The hubs fitted to the headstock are 4 spline and the hubs on all accessories are 5 spline in the Shopsmith world.

My advice is to order a Shopsmith Power Coupler plus the top and lower 4 spline hubs for the headstock and at least one 5 spline hub for your accessory (contact me for the Pro forma).

I will need to setup an account on the website to process your order when you are ready. You can do this yourself or send me your full address details with a phone number and I will do this for you.