Shopsmith 10E and 10ER - Which is Better?

ctxman · Post by **ctxman** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 10:49 pm

Hi all,

I'm curious if one is considered better than the other? Did the ER come with a lot of real improvements to the E, or is the E more heavy duty etc. Or are they basically the same? In other words, would it be worth trying to get an ER over an E?

Thanks,
John

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:10 pm

ctxman wrote:Hi all,

I'm curious if one is considered better than the other? Did the ER come with a lot of real improvements to the E, or is the E more heavy duty etc. Or are they basically the same? In other words, would it be worth trying to get an ER over an E?

Thanks,
John

As I understand it. The model 10E was the 10 Experimental and the 10ER was the 10 Experimental Revised. The machines are basically the same, but the 10ER benefits from improvements made after the 10E had time in the "field". I have had both and think the 10ER is the way to go if you have a choice (and you are only getting one]

wlhayesmfs · Post by **wlhayesmfs** » Thu Nov 18, 2010 11:13 am

I agree the ER has several improvements that are well worth it. If you go to the ER site Skip has listed all the changes over the first few years. But the fence hold down and several others changes are will worth getting the ER over the E I feel. I have several ER's set up in the shop and several more in boxes to rebuild as I get time. But as a drill press and lathe I feel it is a really nice machine and built to last and last.

ctxman · Post by **ctxman** » Thu Nov 18, 2010 2:56 pm

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess I should also have stated that I would only be using one of these as a drill press and maybe lathe. I don't need the tablesaw feature (already have a Unisaw). So, keeping that in mind, are there any real differences in regards to the drill press and lathe features? I can't think of any but still curious. Thanks

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Thu Nov 18, 2010 3:14 pm

ctxman wrote:Thanks for the responses so far. I guess I should also have stated that I would only be using one of these as a drill press and maybe lathe. I don't need the tablesaw feature (already have a Unisaw). So, keeping that in mind, are there any real differences in regards to the drill press and lathe features? I can't think of any but still curious. Thanks

As Bill mentioned the fence on the 10ER with front and rear locks is superior to the one on the 10E. It has a hole for the mortising holddown built into it (they offered an add on for the 10E fence to do this). The tailstock on the 10ER is also superior as the taper that holds the cup center can be adjusted where as on the 10E it is fixed. The extension table top on the 10E was home made out of wood and the fence was fixed on the extension by studs. You will find that many 10E's have been upgraded. One accessory that is very desirable for both lathe and drill press operations is the speed changer.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 1:30 pm

Having a 10E that has acquired ER trappings I can heartily agree that if one has to have one, an ER is a better choice. The ER has a calibrated quill feed and as Robb has pointed out the tail stock is more gooder! And a speed control is a really really really good thing to have(not as handy as the Mark 5/V/7, but keep in mind it has a greater speed range). Keep in mind it has a smaller motor.

ER parts(tail stock, fence, quill spring housings) are common on e-bay, so even if a 10ER is not available, a 10E can be upgraded in those areas.