I am fully equipped with Shopsmith things, but I saw a 1957 Shopsmith on sale on Craig's list near me for $300. Looks like in good shape.
Now, here's the question - why in the world am I drawn to this machine? I have a Shopsmith. I do not need a second one.
Can some explain to me why I should or shouldn't purchase this 1957 Shopsmith? I think I have some type of Shopsmith disease.
I realize that asking Shopsmith fans why I shouldn't purchase a 1957 SS is a little dicey, but seriously, is there a case for having a second unit that is a 1957 unit?
1957 Shopsmith
Moderator: admin
1957 Shopsmith
Wm. D. Elliott
Dallas, TX
1972 Model 500; upgraded to Model 7; bandsaw; belt sander; joiner; planer pro; power stand; OPR; Biscuit joiner; router tables
Dallas, TX
1972 Model 500; upgraded to Model 7; bandsaw; belt sander; joiner; planer pro; power stand; OPR; Biscuit joiner; router tables
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JPG
- Platinum Member
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- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: Lexington, Ky (TAMECAT territory)
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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wlhayesmfs
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 667
- Joined: Fri Jul 21, 2006 10:50 am
- Location: Broken Arrow OK
As you see from more than one post, all of us repeat and repeat when a good buy come up. I have a 510, 520 and 4 ER's, I use to have a Brownie, and 2 500's and three more ER's but after being out of work for over a year somethings have to go. But now I am working again and as soon as more deals come up I am sure I will rebuild my group. O did I mention I also have the SS RAS from the 60's
Bill 
Broken Arrow OK
MKV, 510, MKVll, 50th Anniversary 520 with Jointech saw train, Bandsaw, scroll saw, joiner, 6" Sander,Stand Alone Pin Router and Router Table, Strip Sander, Jigsaw & (4) ER's plus Jigsaw for ER. DC SS RAS
Broken Arrow OK
MKV, 510, MKVll, 50th Anniversary 520 with Jointech saw train, Bandsaw, scroll saw, joiner, 6" Sander,Stand Alone Pin Router and Router Table, Strip Sander, Jigsaw & (4) ER's plus Jigsaw for ER. DC SS RAS
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JPG
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 35600
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: Lexington, Ky (TAMECAT territory)
Although the 'sales pitch' concentrates of the multi-tool features, having more than one really makes sense. One of the down sides of a multi-tool is the need to break down a setup to perform a different 'function'.
Actually you end up with multiple multi-tool units. They back up each other(not that they 'fail' very often).
As far as the smaller motor on the older versions, IMHO only the saw(ripping) function is 'under-powered'. The smaller motor costs less to 'run' for less demanding functions.
The only 'downside' to a 57 model is that it is probably a 'Gilmer' drive. Not really bad until something in the drive breaks. Although parts for that drive are not available from SS, it can be 'upgraded' to the poly-v drive at considerable expense. E-bay is a source for used parts but one must wait for an item to be offered.
But then there is a possibility(kinda remote since they really do not fail often if maintained properly)that it has already been 'poly-ved'.
Actually you end up with multiple multi-tool units. They back up each other(not that they 'fail' very often).
As far as the smaller motor on the older versions, IMHO only the saw(ripping) function is 'under-powered'. The smaller motor costs less to 'run' for less demanding functions.
The only 'downside' to a 57 model is that it is probably a 'Gilmer' drive. Not really bad until something in the drive breaks. Although parts for that drive are not available from SS, it can be 'upgraded' to the poly-v drive at considerable expense. E-bay is a source for used parts but one must wait for an item to be offered.
But then there is a possibility(kinda remote since they really do not fail often if maintained properly)that it has already been 'poly-ved'.
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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robinson46176
- Platinum Member
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- Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2009 9:00 pm
- Location: Central Indiana (Shelbyville)
I can't imaging anybody wanting more than one... 
Ignore all of those SS's in my shop and that big batch of components stored in that old grain bin.
I think I have it under control now, or maybe my wife does...
.
Ignore all of those SS's in my shop and that big batch of components stored in that old grain bin.
I think I have it under control now, or maybe my wife does...
.
--
farmer
Francis Robinson
I did not equip with Shopsmiths in spite of the setups but because of them.
1 1988 - Mark V 510 (bought new), 4 Poly vee 1 1/8th HP Mark V's, Mark VII, 1 Mark V Mini, 1 Frankensmith, 1 10-ER, 1 Mark V Push-me-Pull-me Drillpress, SS bandsaw, belt sander, jointer, jigsaw, shaper attach, mortising attach, TS-3650 Rigid tablesaw, RAS, 6" long bed jointer, Foley/Belsaw Planer/molder/ripsaw, 1" sander, oscillating spindle/belt sander, Scroll saw, Woodmizer sawmill
farmer
Francis Robinson
I did not equip with Shopsmiths in spite of the setups but because of them.
1 1988 - Mark V 510 (bought new), 4 Poly vee 1 1/8th HP Mark V's, Mark VII, 1 Mark V Mini, 1 Frankensmith, 1 10-ER, 1 Mark V Push-me-Pull-me Drillpress, SS bandsaw, belt sander, jointer, jigsaw, shaper attach, mortising attach, TS-3650 Rigid tablesaw, RAS, 6" long bed jointer, Foley/Belsaw Planer/molder/ripsaw, 1" sander, oscillating spindle/belt sander, Scroll saw, Woodmizer sawmill
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JPG
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 35600
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: Lexington, Ky (TAMECAT territory)
The greenie in Sherman is 'in pieces'. Not a good sign, but the seller did explain it needed a belt(still available from SS):)
The Goldie in Paris although much more $ is probably a later poly-v/1 1/8 hp motor version. Appears to be in better shape also(herd to tell from fuzzy pix.
If you are looking for a 'project', offer Sherman much less.
Looks like the market is 'flooded' in DFW.
The Goldie in Paris although much more $ is probably a later poly-v/1 1/8 hp motor version. Appears to be in better shape also(herd to tell from fuzzy pix.
If you are looking for a 'project', offer Sherman much less.
Looks like the market is 'flooded' in DFW.
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
The $300 price seems kind of high, especially if it's in pieces.
I see them here in Southern California go for much less.
Most assembled greenies in sad cosmetic condition but operational go for around a sawbuck or so.
But that's here.
Now that you've got the bug, keep your eyes open, you may be surprised as to how many you'll start to see.
I bought my first Mark 5 new in 84 for around $1200.00
bought my second Mark5 used last spring for $160.00. It came with the bandsaw and the jointer and a router chuck and bits.
Now I'm gotten the 10E And 10ER virus and have a bunch of those.
Honestly, I like them better as a second machine any way.
One of them will end up being re-purposed as a metal working mill, another has become a permanent drill press for general use.
I see them here in Southern California go for much less.
Most assembled greenies in sad cosmetic condition but operational go for around a sawbuck or so.
But that's here.
Now that you've got the bug, keep your eyes open, you may be surprised as to how many you'll start to see.
I bought my first Mark 5 new in 84 for around $1200.00
bought my second Mark5 used last spring for $160.00. It came with the bandsaw and the jointer and a router chuck and bits.
Now I'm gotten the 10E And 10ER virus and have a bunch of those.
Honestly, I like them better as a second machine any way.
One of them will end up being re-purposed as a metal working mill, another has become a permanent drill press for general use.
www.wirewerkes.com
Hiding in a Joshua Tree.
Hiding in a Joshua Tree.
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derekdarling
- Gold Member
- Posts: 318
- Joined: Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:53 pm
- Location: Surrey, BC
Disease???
It's not a 'disease'... it's a 'Condition'
Derek
Derek
Derek Darling
Surrey, B.C. Canada
10ERs, other stuff, you know.
Surrey, B.C. Canada
10ERs, other stuff, you know.
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JPG
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 35600
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: Lexington, Ky (TAMECAT territory)
It's an indicator ofderekdarling wrote:It's not a 'disease'... it's a 'Condition'
Derek
Intelligence!;)
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
╟JPG ╢
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Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
Ah yes and do you also have your hammer collection under control? I keep telling myself I have all I need and no desire or need to . . . . .robinson46176 wrote:I can't imaging anybody wanting more than one...
I think I have it under control now, or maybe my wife does...
.
Hey I just discovered there is a Shopsmith demo scheduled in Aurora Colorado October 13, 14 and 15. Yes I will be there at 10 AM October 13:D:eek: Fjimp
F. Jim Parks
Lakewood, Colorado:)
When the love of power is replaced by the power of love the world will have a chance for survival.
Lakewood, Colorado:)
When the love of power is replaced by the power of love the world will have a chance for survival.