Buying Shopsmith Base Legs and Bench/Way Tubes on eBay

[rlkeeney]

Using parts I have left from upgrades I can build another Shopsmith if I can buy some legs and tubes.

My parts are from an early 80s Mark V all in excellent condition.

When buying base legs and bench/way tubes on eBay are there any issues I should be aware of?

Are there tubes or legs that will not work with my parts?

[dickg1]

Check with Bill Mayo. He has an extensive inventory of ShopSmith parts.
Dick

[reible]

I'm in the process of doing what you are thinking of doing. I had parts left over from several upgrades and changes so rather then have a headstock sitting on the floor doing nothing I want to make a shorty out of it.

I watched sales on ebay looking for parts that were described and pictured in decent condition. I didn't want a lot of work restoring them nor did I want to pay the price for parts in exceptional condition. Add to that you never really know the condition of parts off ebay I went to a cheaper price point.

A protractor head I got for my sons machine turned out to be in new condition, no signs of wear anywhere. Now we can get rid of the saw cut head from some previous owner. That was one of my nicest purchases.

I have a box of legs and a box of tubes to open when I'm off weight restrictions so I will get to see how I did on those purchases. I plan to paint the legs and clear up any rust issues but this is not going to be a restore effort, just a usable unit without rust.

The tubes I will polish lightly as needed after I cut them to length. Try and find the best/cleanest area to keep and cut off the rest.

I think you are safe with which ever year the legs are. The tubes need to be all the same 1-3/4" diameter ones. Postage is a bit of hindrance on them so I looked for someone selling them without over charging for postage/shipping.

With in a week or so I will have to make the rest of my purchases, not even sure what I will needed as I have not started to collect the left overs. One thing will be casters, got to be on wheels. I think I will need the mounting bars for the tubes......... other then those items I think I might be good to go.

Hope to be opening boxes tomorrow to see the condition of the parts.

Ed

[jsburger]

I agree with Ed. I built two machines from parts on eBay. I did as he did. Just check every day and look at the pictures closely and be patient. Prices tend to be all over the place as is shipping. However, there are bargains to be has. I did not have to do hardly anything to the parts I bought because I waited for things in good condition. Most of the major parts to buils a SS are on eBay all the time.

As someone else said Bill Mayo is a great source. I bought a set of bench tube bars from him for one of my machines. They don't show up on eBay by them selves very often. Bill cleaned them up beautifully and blackened them also.

[JPG]

Be aware greenies and early goldies had 1 7/8" bench tubes. The end castings for them also varied to accommodate the larger bench tubes.

[ERLover]

I dont remember the specifics, but did not someone a while back use EMT Conduit? I let some one do the search since that is not my area of expertise here.
I did a search "EMT Conduit" and it took to my post here, I know some one did it whiten the last year, and JPG you were in on discussion/advice on it.

[woodmeister]

Hi, I am wondering what is meant by blackening the tubes? Is it something like bluing on a gun barrel or just painting it?
Tom

[jsburger]

Hi, I am wondering what is meant by blackening the tubes? Is it something like bluing on a gun barrel or just painting it?
Tom

If you are referring to my post, yes it is similar to gun blueing. However, it was not for the tubes it was the set of bench tube clamping bars I bought from Bill Mayo.

[JPG]

1 1/2" emt could be used for bench tubes but I do not recommend them for an extended period of time nor full length for anything other than a temporary 'fix'. The OD is close, but the walls are quite thin.(plug the ends where they are clamped)

Mini or shorty is a more reasonable use.