Is it worth it?

mimipapax2 · Post by **mimipapax2** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 7:52 pm

I have a person who would like to sell me his (old) shopsmith, 1952, what I am wondering is, is that the one to buy, seems to work fine. It seems to run fine and was just wondering if it would be smarter to startout with this one to ensure you really like woodworking. Forgot to tell you he wants 75 or 100 dollars for it. Good deal or not?

doug45601 · Post by **doug45601** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:20 pm

Welcome to the forum.. Always glad to see new members.

So thinking about an older Shopsmith huh, Well hard to recommend a yes or no since we have no idea of your current experience level and interest. An older Shopsmith can be a bit of a challange and somewhat dangerous. Newer equipment has better blade guards, larger work surfaces and easier to maintain.

Nothing wrong with the older equipment but I can't help feel that if you are just starting out in woodworking you'll be burdened with learning the in's and out's of saw operations and trying to achieve setups and become overwhelmed.

I could be all wrong about it but if I were just starting out, I would want the latest stuff..

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 8:42 pm

My guess is a 1952 SS would be a model 10er. This machine is not compatable with the newer Mark V.

Parts are not available from Shopsmith.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2374

Look about halfway donw this page for years the 10E and 10 ER were made.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/toolhistory.htm

There is one of these available in my town for $50.

bucksaw · Post by **bucksaw** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:17 am

If it is a Mark V it would be a good deal if it is in good working condition. I'd buy it in a second. Parts can be purchased from Shopsmith and off eBay. You can have the Headstock professional tuned up if needed for a reasonably cost.

mimipapax2 wrote:I have a person who would like to sell me his (old) shopsmith, 1952, what I am wondering is, is that the one to buy, seems to work fine. It seems to run fine and was just wondering if it would be smarter to startout with this one to ensure you really like woodworking. Forgot to tell you he wants 75 or 100 dollars for it. Good deal or not?

bass-akward · Post by **bass-akward** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:18 pm

If it is a '52, then it's a 10ER. Compare pics though, as owners sometimes mistake the year of their machine. If it has all the basic parts, and is in great shape, buy it. If it's in useable shape, with accessaries, buy it. The 10ER is an awsesome old machine. All parts, and most original accs. are available on ebay, and many Mark V accs. fit, and can be purchased direct from Shopsmith. The 10ER is a great way to join the family, and if you do eventualy outgrow it (many never do), you'l probably keep it alongside your new Mark V.

pinkiewerewolf · Post by **pinkiewerewolf** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:21 pm

I'd buy it just to have in the shop since you said that it runs well.
If you are a novice start out with small projects since the table size is limited on the older models.
Once you get the hang of it you will figure out whether you want to update/upgrade.

I have a 1950'd model that I upgraded to the newest model's features which is called a 520 upgrade.

Have fun with the decision!

reible · Post by **reible** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:32 pm

I'm actually looking for an older model for my brother to use as a lathe. Well he could use it for anything he wants but he doesn't have a lathe and this old iron would be a good solution for that.

The biggest problem is trying to find one hear where he lives.

If it works and you're interested why not? If it is not to your liking, that being the machine or the hobby you can pass the machine on with little or no cost to you with the price you are paying.

Ed

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