Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 9:17 pm

You can buy a Shopsmith to work with or you can buy one to work on. If you buy that one you will be working on it.

reubenjames · Post by **reubenjames** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 10:54 pm

Yeah, that looks like a $100 max type situation with an expectation of putting more money in as a fixer upper. Probably not a first timers machine, though the folks here will help you no matter what you do!

everettdavis · Post by **everettdavis** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 11:18 pm

Indeed let folks know where you are so we can help if something turns up near you before someone else scarfs it up.

If you are the first person in 30 days to show an interest, that should tell you something as well either on the asking price, or the condition.

I am in Texas yet the last two machines I bought were in Colorado, and a buddy I met here in the forums from Truth Or Consequences, New Mexico helped me locate them. I have a new friend in Colorado now as well, and I have plans to meet them both when it is possible.

Where are you?

Everett

Brogreal · Post by **Brogreal** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 11:29 pm

Thanks for all the help guys! A few things. There is a power switch. The headstock has been sandblasted by the previous owner. The saw arbor does exist. The miter guage is not with it but he thinks he has it somewhere is his glorious shop that I am extremely jealous of.

I am in Billings, Montana.

That's being said, I am going to pass. Largely based on all the advice I've gotten here. Also, we are planning to move in a few months and I don't want to transport it. However, I would spent for the right machine. It is in pretty rough shape I would say. It appears to run well, but I have no other machine to compare it to. He is quite motivated to sell it because he is also moving. He came down on price before I even mentioned it.

I would love to find one in better shape with more attachments. This was a pretty random find by just browsing craigslist tool section. Thanks again everyone.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 11:33 pm

The headstock casting appears to be an "A" version(early 50's).

$300? Not I. Too much $. $100 maybe.

A lot of 'extra' goodies, but they are all of a similar vintage.

IIWM, I would pass.

Yes it is a 'project'. OK if that is what you want.

everettdavis · Post by **everettdavis** » Tue Mar 22, 2016 11:43 pm

Where are you heading? We can be on the lookout there for you as you get ready to move.

Nothing says Home quite like a Shopsmith waiting for you there.

Everett

reubenjames · Post by **reubenjames** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 3:19 am

Amen, Everett!

tomsalwasser · Post by **tomsalwasser** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 5:40 am

Bro, don't overlook the complete basket case Shopsmith with a non working headstock. It gives you bargaining leverage and the SS frame and box of accessories can sometimes be had for next to nothing in these situations. An extra frame makes a handy base for many shop tools and projects. You can buy inexpensive inch-and-ahalf EMT electrical conduit from Home Depot (ala JPG) to make custom sized bench and way tubes and save your good ones for a higher calling. They will cut the conduit for you for free at HD. The dead headstock could be a fun project for you too.

: Photo Mar 18, 3 23 25 PM.jpg (222.99 KiB) Viewed 2568 times

greasemonkey2275 · Post by **greasemonkey2275** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 9:35 am

Brogreal wrote:Thanks for all the help guys! A few things. There is a power switch. The headstock has been sandblasted by the previous owner. The saw arbor does exist. The miter guage is not with it but he thinks he has it somewhere is his glorious shop that I am extremely jealous of.

I am in Billings, Montana.

That's being said, I am going to pass. Largely based on all the advice I've gotten here. Also, we are planning to move in a few months and I don't want to transport it. However, I would spent for the right machine. It is in pretty rough shape I would say. It appears to run well, but I have no other machine to compare it to. He is quite motivated to sell it because he is also moving. He came down on price before I even mentioned it.

I would love to find one in better shape with more attachments. This was a pretty random find by just browsing craigslist tool section. Thanks again everyone.

If you change your mind and are looking for some in better condition there are a couple over here in Spokane, WA.

oldiron · Post by **oldiron** » Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:28 am

Brogreal,

If you feel the seller will come down to $100-125.00 you may want to think about it. Just the two faceplates, live center and the two sanding discs are worth it.
At the very least, this machine could be converted to hold SPTs, a shortie or a down the road restoration project.
The machines break down to a small footprint of several boxes for moving...

Just something to think about!

Also, Go into your SS account and where the section for your location is, make sure it shows your area. Log out and log back in. Your location will then be visible to everyone...

Mike

Shopsmith Forums

Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?

Re: Going to look at a used ShopSmith. What should I look for?