Shopsmith Forums

skou wrote:Forrest, a "planar" could just be referring to a smooth surface, like the table or a geometric plane. A table router could be nothing more than the SS router attachment, with the above mentioned "planar."

Horribly misleading, but (if you can "parse" as well as some politicians) technically correct.

Pmateo, where in the lower end of the bay area are you. (I grew up in Sunnyvale.) That Fremont one looks LOTS better, in my humble opinion!

steve

Steve I am in the south bay area in Santa Clara.

lightnin wrote:First off Welcome to the forum.

Admitting your a woodworker is the first step to recovery. I haven't made it any farther...

I started with a 1956 greenie (500) loved it but looking around here and other sites I decided to upgrade it with 510
bigger table space and added stability so off to eBay went for all the stuff I needed to upgrade. I loved it..... but
it could be better so back to eBay and for a few more parts it became a 520.... then I got the power pro upgrade.
So for me a greenie was just a gateway drug it led to harder stuff... and fast.

So what I'm really trying to say is really search yourself and honestly ask if you get the greenie will you be satisfied?
If your one of the lucky ones and have a spacious shop space collecting them is nice but most of us can't do that.
If you have limited space like most of us a one shopsmith garage try to buy the model you know your gonna end up with.
That's gonna be cheaper in the long run.

The same applies to fishing boats I've had nine now.

Thanks for the warm welcome! And yea I can relate with you on the boat thing cuz I do the same thing with cars haha.

To your point on the shop size I am not at the luxury of owning a huge space so a Shopsmith is ideal for me. I also feel like if I get a Shopsmith and learn my craft on it I will be well prepared if I invest in stand alone tools later. I just am very turned on to the fact that the Shopsmith is very versatile and fits the remaining needs in my shop.

Thanks for your feedback and words I appreciate it!

First one larger 1 1/8hp motor.

Second one smaller 3/4 hp motor, but includes band saw and strip sander.

If you are not intending to use the table saw much, the smaller motor is not an issue.

Keep in mind with a variable speed control heavy(hardwood) sawing can be done but at a slower feed rate. Slower speed increases available torque from the motor.

Both are decent prices assuming good operating condition.

IIWM, #2.

Welcome to the forum.

Check and compare prices in your area of other ones for sale. Prices vary greatly around the US. You don't way where you live. Up here in the north, any used Shopsmith sells for a premium price because there aren't many available. I've never seen one that cheap up here. It would sell for close to double that much here, but in many parts of the country they are common and might sell cheaper than that.

Welcome to the nuthouse.

I’d go for the Freemont offer. The two STPs makes it a bit of a no-brainer.

You can (and no doubt will) add to this machine as you go along.

BTW — All the SS functions work great. Including, maybe even especially, the lathe.
I’ve seen a LOT of nice turning presented on this forum to prove it.

Enjoy!

(psssst… Freemont)

Well it looks like everyone is suggesting the 2nd option! I have been trying to contact the owner and we have been going back and forth so ill keep you all posted. Is there any thing in particular I need to do/look out for while I inspect the unit? Thanks everyone for your advice!

pmateo wrote:Well it looks like everyone is suggesting the 2nd option! I have been trying to contact the owner and we have been going back and forth so ill keep you all posted. Is there any thing in particular I need to do/look out for while I inspect the unit? Thanks everyone for your advice!

1) Do not mess with the speed control knob unless it is running.

2) Have the seller demo the band saw and the strip sander.

3) The band saw is 'normally' noisey.

4) Check the strip sander idler wheels. Steel with ball bearings is good. Plastic with bushings not so much(bargaining point?).

5) Make sure the strip sander has three platens(1" flat, 1/2" flat, 1" curved). If some are missing, more bargaining ammo.

By observing the 'demos' you will gain knowledge of the sellers knowledge. Tis possible the seller is inept. if so, another possible opportunity to bargain.

Since it appears to be well maintained, the seller may not be the individual who did so. (It was g'pa's etc.)

And yes the headstock is noisey also.

Ask if it has a Gilmer or been upgraded to a poly-v drive. More potential bargaining fodder. Do not let yourself be discouraged by the answers - it really does not make any difference at this price point, but the seller may not know that.

If you decide it is just plain worth the asking price, simply buy it at that price! After all it is what it is worth to you that makes the call. I presume you are looking at it as a tool to use, not resell etc.

Good Luck.

If you are transporting it, you might find the following helpful.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... stcount=18

idcook wrote:
(psssst… Freemont)

I went to "Fremont" high school, in Sunnyvale, and "Fremont" is right across the bay from Sunnyvale. "Just sayin'"

steve

So guys I pulled the trigger last night and acquired the SS in Fremont!

Few more pictures here: http://imgur.com/a/WVHFr

I am very excited to start using this bad boy. They gentleman selling this SS did not use it and he informed me it was his fathers and he did not budge on price. There were a ton of extras that were included. Many band saw blades, table saw blades etc. He also gave me a "free" dust collector for sanding. Although I think he just wanted to get rid of it cuz it was taking up space haha.

The headstock and SPT's are in great working order so now its maintenance time! Need to polish/clean up some things and from what I have read on here I go to town with Johnsons paste wax on all the moving metal pieces correct?

Lastly I just want to thank everyone here on this surprisingly active forum haha. If it wasnt for this forum and quick awesome responses I probably wouldnt give the SS a chance.

Cheers!

Looking good.

You've no doubt already plugged it in, switched it on, turned the speed dial and thrilled to the beautiful sound of your machine. Maybe even cut and drilled a bit of scrap wood. A good sign. It's doubtful any new smithie can evade the impulse.

So, that done, you're ready to move ahead.

As it sounds this machine sat idle for awhile, it'll be good idea to give the headstock innards a look.

Unscrew the belt cover and use a flashlight to check for old sawdust and oil buildup. They gotta name for that stuff here; "kerplucky" or somesuch. You'll recognize it as crud. If you see any prepare to go in for in depth maintenance.

BE NOT AFRAID!

The Shopsmith is a deceptively simple machine to take apart, clean and rebuild. A basic cleaning will likely be enough to make it fully serviceable but beware, you might fall in love with the process and find yourself driven to a full restoration.

The postits and forum members here will provide all you need to know in any event.

CONGRATS AND ENJOY! :-)