Shopsmith Forums

[quote="JPG40504"]Congratulations on your benevolence.

However a 'school' donation is not likely to be realistic. This machine will scare the bejabbers out of litigation, student injury worry warts.

The wood turners help is a good start.

I think a more likely 'recipient' would be a serious minded kid that has more enthusiasm than dollars.]

Unfortunately, speaking as a former public school litigation worrywart, this is probably true. Schools become responsible for student injuries even if papers are signed by parents holding the school non-responsible, and even if students do incredibly stupid things. It is just the litigious society we live in, and the society that finds someone else always responsible for stupid acts, rather that the perpetrator of the stupid act.

There are, however, many "kids" who with guidance could make good us of the equipment but would never be able to afford it themselves. Might try contacting a secondary school that has a functioning "industrial arts" program. Whoever chairs the program would probably have in mind a deserving student or two

db5 wrote:There was a post here about 6 months ago from someone wanting SS donations for a KID and it didn't get a lot of responses. You might try to find that one, contact the person posting and then ask for donations for shipping costs. I'd be willing to contribute because I'm confident it would then be used and not resold.

Is that an awesome idea or what?:eek:

That was me. And I'd still like to help that kid out. I didn't chime in here because I figured the cost and hassle to ship it from Minneapolis to Louisiana would be pretty high.

I like the idea of selling via Craig's List, then donating the proceeds. Then you know it has gone to someone who values and will use it.

I want to update you on my goal of finding a good home for my Father-in-laws Shop Smith. Through the President of the Minnesota Woodturners Association, I was able to find a shop teacher at a school interested in the equipment. They got approval by the school administration and from the local school board and I was able to get him the equipment this past weekend.

While the students may not get to use the Shop Smith to it's full potential, I know it will allow more students to have access to equipment for their projects. They are going to add some additional safety features and quick shutoffs, etc.

Anyway, I just want to update for those that had offered suggestions and comments and appreciate your support. I was thinking about Dad a lot as I sorted and documented all the pieces he had, and couldn't think of a better week to donate the equipment than days before Father's Day.

An early Happy Fathers Day to all of you out there. Take care and be safe!

Scott

Thanks for the update! The donation is a great legacy for your dad. Great job!

Great. A school is the perfect place. Some kid(s) will appreciate learning woodworking on this machine and may even find themselves among shopsmithaholics of the future.

[quote="JPG40504"]Congratulations on your benevolence.

However a 'school' donation is not likely to be realistic. This machine will scare the bejabbers out of litigation, student injury worry warts.

The wood turners help is a good start.

I think a more likely 'recipient' would be a serious minded kid that has more enthusiasm than dollars.]

I must agree with this. Any charitable organization is is just going to sell everything at well below the value. Give directly to one person. The rest are just going to take the money and run.

Another option is to sell everything on eBay or Craigslist (with some advise from here). The downside is that it requires time on your part, becomes a pain in dealing with people, and when you make a sale the tendency is to keep the money. After all you earned it with your effort and time.

Choose to find a single recipient (we may be able to help) or sell it and if you still feel benevolent, donate it. There is no cheap, easy, "I feel good" way out.

I'd go with finding a single recipient. But I don't live close by and can't help in finding one.