Age Range of Shopsmith Users

[ericolson]

Dustywoodworker has hit the proverbial nail on the head. While this type of poll is nowhere near scientific, it's a shame that there are only 36 members that have participated in the poll but there are, as of this writing, 171 views. Taking into account the number of repeat visits to check the poll and those that are on the forum but don't own a Shopsmith yet, it's a shame that there aren't a lot more pings on the poll than 36. Nothing we can do about that, though. I would hope that everyone would want to contribute in one way or another and I'm sure there is no slight intended by those who've viewed but just don't like participating in polls. Everyone has something to contribute, but some of us are just more vocal about it than others. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Eric

[ericolson]

The politically correct term is "vertically challenged".

Batg;

I'm not "vertically challenged". I'm vertically compressed.

Eric

[deanthom]

This SS user is 58, living "just up the road" from Eric, say 3 hours or so, and have been using multi-purpose machines (SS & a copy before I was able to buy the real thing) for more than 20 years.

I'm glad that I don't have anyone but me to fight to get into my woodshop. All I need is to find the ambition to get up and get moving.

I, too, am vertically challenged, but in the other direction. At 6'3", using the SS as a lathe is a back breaker. The other functions are fine, but without 2x8 blocks under the wheels, I hurt for days when I have a bunch to turn.

Course, that's also why I bought a dedicated lathe in addition to my SS.

I used the standard 500 style table for a lot of years. Did lots of stuff with it. Bought my "real" 91 SS that started life as a 510 and had the 520 upgrade with scale poorly installed. tore it all off, reinstalled it "by the book" and have been a pretty happy camper ever since. I have to re-align the table since I don't think I got it tight enough. My bad, though.

Eric, if you ever make pilgrimage to KC, shoot me a note and maybe we can do coffee.

[ericolson]

Will do, Dean, and in a heartbeat!! Would love to take you up on your offer of coffee!!

Eric

[charlese]

count one more for the 65 to 75 group. I'm 73.

[mlwiltse]

I'm 50 also. Female. I primarily build harps. I've had a 1950's Shopsmith in my shop for 25 years (inherited) but have only used a few times as a drill press. Moving it around and lifting the head to change functions seemed more trouble and weight than I could manage. So it has basically served as shelf to stack things on for decades. However I am interested in making some Native American Style Flutes to use up some of my lovely scrap wood which brings up the question of a lathe for turning. So instead of buying another tool I am going to see if I can get the lathe set up on the SS and figure out how to turn a cylinder. I'm signed up for a beginning lathe class at Woodcraft on Saturday. Today I ordered the parts catalog for the SS. I know the speed indicator doesn't work although you can adjust the speed. It could probably use new belts. But last time I had it plugged in it purred along fine and my electrician husband can fix whatever needs tending.
I found this site and this group while checking out the availability of parts. So I'm a newby and this is my first post. Melanie

[paulmcohen]

Welcome, you might want to look into the Lift-Assistantit is a device to raise the lower the Shopsmith with little to no effort. It has made a huge difference in my use of the machine.

[hfmann]

Interesting demographics.

I'm turning 59 in March and "retiring" in a couple of months. Bought my SS in 1987, but didn't use it all that much. Now that I'm "out of a job", I chose to give up a demanding and time consuming hobby, salt water reef keeping. Woodworking has become the replacement hobby and new passion.

Hal

[retiredsgt]

I bought my shopsmith about 14 years back. My grandson is now over 13, snd I bought it before he was born. As a free gift I picked the cradle, and built one for my son and daughter-in-law, and have since built another for my daughter just before her daughter, my second granddaughter, was born. I have built a number of toys for the kids and numerous other items.
I would be lost without it. By the way I am 62

[ksdaddio]

I bought my first SS at about 32. At the time woodworking was more of a need than a hobby, and I had limited shop space to work with.

As I became more confident in my abilities, I volunteered to be the woodworking Project Leader for one of our local 4H clubs, to which my 4 children belonged. That single move probably made me a better woodworker, than any other project that I had worked on. I had always heard that in order to become learned in a subject, one should teach it, and I found that to be so true.

I found the work to be very satisfying, and it gave me quality time with all of my children, 2 boys and 2 girls. To see them win ribbons for their work gave me a great source of pride.

Now that I have retired, I can spend more time on what I deem as a project, but I will cherish those times I spent with my kids, forever.