Well, me being in this forum all started by having to figure out how I was going to drill a 1/4" hole through a 1" OD by 6" long dowel. All I had was a hand drill and bit. The entrance hole I knew was going to be easy. A little basic geometry and I knew I could get the center pretty darn close. However, I figured there was NO WAY that my exit hole was going to be anywhere near center after going through 6" of wood freehand so I had to come up with a plan. Little did I know that my plan would result in a Craigslist purchase of a 1955 model 500. I've been watching these ShopSmiths for years at the county fairs but could never justify the $$$. Well, I manged to pick up this old timer for $350. Whether or not that was a good deal I don't know (and don't really care one way or the other) but finally, I have a ShopSmith!!!
Here are a few pics of it minutes after I brought it home.
Does it run? No idea!! I went on blind faith and a good solid handshake from the guy that sold it to me who looked me straight in the eye and said "you'll love the thing". Had to travel an hour to his "house". He just got kicked out of his girlfriends house (who lived just 1/4 mile down the road) so he carried the ShopSmith from her house to his new pad......unfortunately a cabin in the sticks with NO POWER. Good for me I guess.
Anyway, glad to be in this forum and I am sure that there will be a lot of learning to do. There seems to be a ton of info here and I look forward to meeting you guys (and probably gals). I'll keep you posted on the restoration.
