Shopsmith SPT Power Stand Switch Box and Source for Missing Red Key!

Shopsmith SPT Stand Switch Box

There's a lot to say about the Shopsmith SPT Power Stand, but the biggest issue that owners seem to be having these days is that Shopsmith is no longer producing the red plastic key that is used to unlock the power switch! Early versions of the stand had a simple toggle switch. Some times this is seen with sheet metal wings that shielded the switch from accidental contact, and it even had a hole that accommodated a padlock to lock the switch in the off position.

There's another lockable switch box from Magna that incorporates a cylindrical lock core and a couple receptacles.

Old Magna Shopsmith Switch Box

Finally came the grey plastic Shopsmith Inc. SPT switch box. This box has a single receptacle in the bottom and requires a small plastic key to be installed and left in place in order to lift the switch into the on position.  If the key is lost you can depress the release within the switch body with your Shopsmith 5/32" hex wrench or the shaft of the chuck key, but it doesn't take too many on/off cycles to make you want to find a new key! Unfortunately, Shopsmith doesn't currently offer a replacement key, but the good news is 3D printing technology has come to the rescue.  One important note: You don't need to turn the key to start the tool! Once the key is inserted you turn it 1/4 turn to hold it in place. One of the reasons these break is people turn them like they are starting a car and the small retention tab snaps off. The key will still work for depressing the internal catch, but no doubt it will likely disappear during use since nothing will hold it in place.

3D Printed SPT Switch Box Key

Click this link to find the 3D printed Shopsmith switch key on eBay.

Click this link to find complete old and new style Shopsmith SPT switch boxes for sale on eBay

BTW, SPT stands for either "Single Purpose Tool" or "Special Purpose Tool".  Shopsmith Inc used both definitions and the creator of the SPT's didn't use the acronym at all, so take your pick!