Gilmer or Poly V ? second opinion?

bob84 · Post by **bob84** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:10 am

I just purchased my second Goldie that was born in 1961 with a the Mark V shaper kit and the Shopsmith safety package.

The previous owner stated that the original 3/4 HP motor died during the 1980's and was replaced with a new Shopsmith factory replacement Emerson electric brand 1 1/8 HP motor. The Gilmer belt and drive belt appear new and all bearings seem smooth. The headstock changes speeds smoothly with little vibration.

I was thinking of setting this machine up right now, as a stationary drill press / shaper system. It could use new paint, but is the Gilmer system good for a stationary drill press / shaper? Or should I do a complete makeover to the Poly V system with the double bearing quill, and new paint, etc. ?

Any suggestions and opinions are welcomed.

Incidentally my other Goldie is the Poly V system that was born in 1963 that I just did a complete headstock makeover of belts and all bearings. Both the Mark V Goldies will beautifully augment my Goldie Sawsmith RAS born in 1961.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 12:26 pm

Well to change that over to a poly-v system, I think I remember that the cost is about $500.00 for parts. I'd think it's not worth it to me.

tkhudson · Post by **tkhudson** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:27 pm

I just finished my 1954 Greenie...took OEM belt off, I had ordered a new one... there wasnt enough difference to replace it... cant argue with 56 years of service.

thainglo · Post by **thainglo** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:59 pm

beeg wrote:Well to change that over to a poly-v system, I think I remember that the cost is about $500.00 for parts. I'd think it's not worth it to me.

I agree 100%. With proper maintenance, that old Goldie will run for another 50 years on its Gilmer drive.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:55 pm

IMHO, the time to 'replace' the gilmer parts is when they fail, AND you cannot find a replacement.

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:51 am

I would at least get her painted. You'll feel better every time you walk into the shop.

I've seen so many great restorations here that I'm beginning to get interested.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 9:55 am

8iowa wrote:I would at least get her painted. You'll feel better every time you walk into the shop.

I've seen so many great restorations here that I'm beginning to get interested.

I agree completely...
I really notice the difference having a few restored and a batch not done yet even though they are not in bad shape at all. I find that I just automatically migrate to the restored units first.
I'll ramble on more about this later but I'll move it over to the thread where i was talking about my new shop rather than hijack this thread.
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I would not worry at all about the Gilmer drive as long as you can get the belts. They are quite tough.