Shopsmith Forums

fiatben wrote:NINETY BUCKS including the BANDSAW. I think I'm gonna throw up. And then there are you guys out there that have them given to you! Here in the vacuum I live in you rarely even see one for sale, and then they want both arms and a leg for an incomplete old machine. Except for that one time when I was five minutes late to a garage sale for a 510 with jointer and more for $400. I wanted to cry.
Yeah I'm just whining. I'm glad someone out there gets a good deal and if it brings another newbie into the SS fold, then it's all good.

Hazarding a guess here, but when living higher 'on the map' (CT) the ability to purchase toys(when yer not a serious woodworker, a SS is a toy) is great when times are good. Those same toys are prime targets for disbursement when times are less good.

Now if yer living in a less prosperous area(AK) the acquisition of a SS is a life altering event performed by persons more serious as a woodworker as well as how they use limited funds. They be used to 'harder times' and tenaciously hold on to those things sacrificed for. JMHO

Last evening I went to an auction south of Pittsburgh were a goldie went for the opening bid of $100. I went there thinking it was a grey one because that's what the auctioneer told me before I drove over there. He also told me over the phone that he tried to start it and the motor just hummed. So, I figured there might be some useful parts to be had on the cheap, but everything was a bid rusty and most of the basic components were missing. Besides, I just didn't want another gilmer belt system.

pennview wrote:Last evening I went to an auction south of Pittsburgh were a goldie went for the opening bid of $100. I went there thinking it was a grey one because that's what the auctioneer told me before I drove over there. He also told me over the phone that he tried to start it and the motor just hummed. So, I figured there might be some useful parts to be had on the cheap, but everything was a bid rusty and most of the basic components were missing. Besides, I just didn't want another gilmer belt system.

Being a 'Goldie', it might have been a Poly-v and 1 1/8hp!

crokseti wrote: I know very little about lathes but looks like I need a tail stock and center pin
along with the part for the headstock shaft.
All 3 shafts are 5/8
I done want new parts so where can I find these items at a fair price?
Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks

Here is the new couplerfrom Shopsmith, Inc. You can get them on eBay for about two-thirds the price when the shipping is included so I'd rather pay for a new one to be sure it's in good shape. There are alignment problems that can result from using rigid couplers like pipe. Plus, if the bandsaw comes to a hard stop, the plastic coupler is more likely to give than the internal workings of the bandsaw. It's cheaper and easier to replace.

You can find every part you need here.

You will need the tail stock and a few centers for lathe turning. eBay is a pretty good source for the tail stock, in my opinion. This listingeven comes with a tool rest and drive center, but the shipping can hurt.

At a minimum, you will need the drive center and dead cup center for the lathe operation, along with the tool rest. I would at least spring for the live center, though. All the basic centers are available here. To turn larger pieces, you'll need face plates. You'll find everything you need for the lathe at this link.

You can also get Shopsmith parts second-hand from MKC tools and a few other places on the web. You can send a private message to Bill Mayo on this forum and tell him what you need. He has quite a collection of spare parts.

Here is an excellent how-to for turning on the Shopsmith that will also explain the basic parts you'll need. For cleaning, inspecting and repairing your Shopsmith, the videos on the Sawdust Sessions is a good place to start. Again, this forum thread is also good for general rules of use and resources. Here's a few resources for knowing which Shopsmith model you have, but yours is definitely a 500, probably early 80s vintage, give or take 5 years.

Forum Post
Shopsmith History
Serial Numbers by Year

JPG40504 wrote:Hazarding a guess here, but when living higher 'on the map' (CT) the ability to purchase toys(when yer not a serious woodworker, a SS is a toy) is great when times are good. Those same toys are prime targets for disbursement when times are less good.

Now if yer living in a less prosperous area(AK) the acquisition of a SS is a life altering event performed by persons more serious as a woodworker as well as how they use limited funds. They be used to 'harder times' and tenaciously hold on to those things sacrificed for. JMHO

When did Fiat move to Alaska(AK) from Arkansas(AR)???:D

lv2wdwrk wrote:When did Fiat move to Alaska(AK) from Arkansas(AR)???:D

MY BAD! I thought I goofed after posting. Wasn't sure! Now I be sure!:D

ALabama AriZona ARkansas AlasKa ??