Donation?

lsh · Post by **lsh** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:09 pm

Hello - I'm not a woodworker (wish I were) but I have a question for this group. My father, who is in his eighties, has a complete (and pristine) ShopSmith set up that he would like to donate to someone who would actually use it. He's even got the original manuals (EVERYTHING) plus additional woodworking books. His conditions are that the equipment be kept in an indoor location (e.g., garage or other) where it wouldn't rust; that it actually be used by someone who would enjoy it; and that whoever takes it can pick it up.

I can get a complete list of what he has (starting with a Mark V, I believe). The equipment is in the Chicago area.

I don't want to post this on Craig's List or some other forum of that ilk because I'm not always available to assist him with callers, etc. I've tried Habitat for Humanity, the VA, the Salvation Army, etc. - they either don't want it or require that we deliver it to them. That's not going to work.

Does anyone here have a good idea for a worthy home for this equipment? I'm open to all suggestions, including donation to individuals who can demonstrate a real desire to make use of this equipment.

Thanks.

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:26 pm

Wow, wish I lived in nearby. I could definitely put it to good use. I would either use it direct or pass along to my dad who is nearly retired...he needs a hobby =)

Alas, I am near Seattle, so pickup could be a problem =(

lsh · Post by **lsh** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:29 pm

Bummer . . . well, I'll keep hoping! I've assured my dad that there's someone out there that will give this a good home. It's hard to believe how hard it is to GIVE something like this away . . .

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:15 pm

I am certain that you and your father will find an appropriate home for this Mark V. The fact that it is a one owner machine in good condition makes it, in my opinion, much more valuable than its book value. I would love to have something like this in my own shop except that I already have two, one of which is my own original machine. To have another one (given to me) would be greedy and would deprive a more deserving person of the opportunity.

I am really sorry that you, yourself, can not put it to good use. To have a shop like this that is handed down is a treasured experience for every one associated. I wish you and your father the very best. God Bless you both.

papahammer8 · Post by **papahammer8** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:43 pm

well i'm in alabama but say the word. i can be in chicago tomorow . i was born and raised just 60 miles from chicago, in La P orte . indiana. i have a complete shop with 3 shopsmiths i believe in the system. i build toys mainly. which i mainly donate . say the word i'll be right there . thanks jim hagd .

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:45 pm

Ish
Can you send me a list, and maybe some pictures? It is a 11 hour drive from Wichita, but might be worth it. jweeks11@att.net

papahammer8 · Post by **papahammer8** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:57 pm

my email is banjimdeb1@yahoo.com or call me at 334-275-5966. if the unit is pristine as u say i'll take it sight unseen just call . need to come up north anyway. my mother is buried in southern michigan.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:23 pm

I am just a jump from Chicago and have bought several Shopsmith's in that area. As Dusty says however it would be too greedy for me to take it. I have them sitting all over the place now.

Still I can't read such an offer without drooling.

joedw00 · Post by **joedw00** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:56 pm

I only have one Shopsmith, and a ER. I could make room for one more. It would be used and taken care of.

papahammer8 · Post by **papahammer8** » Wed Nov 03, 2010 9:14 pm

i have only 2 ss mkv's now 1 needs to go to bill mayo which would be a 8 hour drive south. i would go as far as putting a small brass plague on the ss to honor the gentlemen. my father which would have been in his 80's know if he had lived.i am retired . i am a totally disabled vet. so all my time is spent in the shop. i enjoy seeing my toys going to the kids makes it all worth my time and effort. christmas is coming . looking forward to cleaning out my toys ,so i will have room to start over in the coming year. hag1 jim