Shopping for a 2nd hand Shopsmith and Could Use Some Advice

[JPG]

We'll see how long she holds on to that stance...it's definitely a buy's market for used SS, so unless you just really want that machine or just want to buy something now and be done with it, I'd make here a firm offer on your end and if/when she balks, just give here your # and tell her to call you when no one else buys the thing for $1k. Also, if you do want to buy it, figure out the price you want to pay and when you go to look at it and make your offer, have the $$ in $100 bills in your hand - when someone has a machine like this taking up space and they see the $$ in front of them, it's hard to believe they'd hold on to the $1k stance.

I bet you have never 'bartered' with a female of our species.











My mind is made up - do not confuse the issue with facts!;)

[woodhead52]

To me it all depends on what SS are going for in your area. The Caigslist with the bandsaw and jointer in my area would be around $500 to $800. Last year I picked up one that was a 510 with bandsaw, jointer and belt sander in great shape in an estate sale for $300. I got my 520 Anniversary unit with boxes of extras including a sawtrain attachment, Mortising Jig. Tendon jig and more extras than I can list for $800. So you never know location and timing plays a big part of finding bargins. But in looking at the Craigslist unit it looks like it is in good shape and would be a good investment but not at $1000 unless you really want it. Price it new and then see what you are willing to pay. My first SS was a 510 with bandsaw and jointer, casters and lathe tools from the factory so I have spent big on them also. Not all were bargins. And I don't regret that first purchase even today.

Bill, thats an impressive collection. So, have you moved on from woodworking to SS collecting? Seriously, this is all good and much needed feedback. And Bill, everything you wrote makes very good sense.

The thing this lady and her husband may not realize is that sitting is probably the worst thing that can happen to any machine. The add claims it only has 10 to 12 hours on it and I'm betting less. So, it has mostly sat since 1992, that's 21 years.

My wife and I purchased a 1992 Airstream this past July. The seller wanted $18,000. Then as now I joined a forum of like minded enthusiasts where I could solicit advice from those that had already been there and done that. Like here I found plenty of good help. The advice I was given was that based on the photos I was posting they considered it worth somewhere between $12,000 and the amount I paid. I paid $16,500 for it, the high side.

Upon doing a personal inspection, I paid it gladly as it had many extras and had been very well maintained, New axles and tires, solar panels, deep cycle AGM batteries, etc. Plus, it had well used for many years, by folks who took care of it. We love our Airstream and we'll be taking it on about a four month trip this spring and summer.

I share that because I know where you folks are coming from. I'll probably get over to see the Craigslist SS today, I'll let you all know how it goes. I hope everyone's team wins later today.

Pete

[saminmn]

We'll see how long she holds on to that stance...it's definitely a buy's market for used SS, so unless you just really want that machine or just want to buy something now and be done with it, I'd make here a firm offer on your end and if/when she balks, just give here your # and tell her to call you when no one else buys the thing for $1k. Also, if you do want to buy it, figure out the price you want to pay and when you go to look at it and make your offer, have the $$ in $100 bills in your hand - when someone has a machine like this taking up space and they see the $$ in front of them, it's hard to believe they'd hold on to the $1k stance.

This is a good tactic. You aren't just out kicking tires, you are there to buy. But if you pull them out and she sees more in the stash, she will want that too! Keep any safety money in an other pocket.

40 years ago my MIL sold a big stamp collection to a guy who apologized because he only had $3,000 (30 $100 bills) with him. There were no money machines back then, but he came back that same Sunday with another $1,000, in twenties...she might of gotten another $1000 or more waiting for another buyer, but she took the CASH.

[woodhead52]

This afternoon I was getting ready to go check out the SS's. In my excitement I almost over looked something very crucial. It occurred to me that my knowledge of Shopsmiths was not that strong. I realized I better make sure I at least knew enough to properly diagnose the machine and to make sure nothing vital was missing. I called up both of the prospective sellers and let them know that today would not work out and that I would make new arrangements with them this coming week. Plus, another 510 popped up on Craigs List (no pictures) and I would like time to speak with them and evaluate it as well.

Fortunately I downloaded a pretty good five page check list and reference guide, [ATTACH]20169[/ATTACH], from Sawdust Sessions session 21, part 4 "Finding a Bargain" It's full of typos, but it seems pretty thorough. That said it makes reference to a bunch of operating parts that I'm not experienced enough to know, so, I went to Shopsmith.com and downloaded the Mark V Standard Parts List, [ATTACH]20170[/ATTACH], a 14 page reference document with diagrams and exploded views designating the names of every part. Very Helpful. I've added both documents as attachments for any other newbie who may be going through this process as well.

I'd appreciate additional input from any experienced SS owners and used SS buyers in this group. If it's not to much trouble please look over the pictures and let me know if you see important stuff missing or anything else that may concern you.

I've purchased plenty of used stuff in my life, but I usually try and learn as much as possible about what I'm buying first, this has served me well, as I'm usually pretty satisfied with my purchases.

Thanks again,
Pete

[dgale]

This is a good tactic. You aren't just out kicking tires, you are there to buy. But if you pull them out and she sees more in the stash, she will want that too! Keep any safety money in an other pocket.

Yup - I always put the $$ amount that I want to pay in one pocket and the extra amount to cover up to the max amount I'm willing to pay in the other pocket. You never want to haggle with someone and drive them down and then pull out more $$ than you agreed on if you can help it. With an item this large that ultimately folks want to get out of their garage and realize the next person with $$ in their hand could be weeks or more away from coming...so hard for them to say no when they see the cash and know it will be done and over if they bite on your offer. Then again, there's always the person who's determined to get what they want for it and would rather sit on it indefinitely than take less $$...so it always pays to determine your max amount and stick to it. If they won't budge then tell them to call you if they change their mind.

[backhertz]

Lol- I do the same thing! Don't put your eggs in one basket

[benush26]

http://montana.craigslist.org/tld/3589189234.html

Cheap at twice the price and such a wise and knowledgeable consignor!

So I am not any sort of SS historian but was there actually a solid maple work bench marketed by SS?

[woodhead52]

I'd appreciate additional input from any experienced SS owners and used SS buyers in this group. If it's not to much trouble please look over the pictures and let me know if you see important stuff missing or anything else that may concern you.

Thanks,
Pete

[JPG]

Nothing stood out as being 'missing'. The extension tubes are there, but not shown in their entirety. There is some minor rust that might help get her off her asking price a bit.

[woodhead52]

Nothing stood out as being 'missing'. The extension tubes are there, but not shown in their entirety. There is some minor rust that might help get her off her asking price a bit.

Thanks for taking time to look over this for me. A few more have popped up on Craigs List, but this seems to be the best one so far (concerning newness, accessories, etc).