Shopsmith Forums

Today while going through a barn that I inherited i found an old Shop Smith under a tarp. I plugged it in and it ran but the power head and tool rest won't move do to the rust. The serial number is 266259, not sure how old it is. Had to stop looking tonight do to darkness but can't wait til tomorrow to see if I can find any accessories.

Based on the Shopsmith serial # page, I'd have to assume your machine if from the mid-1950's:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

Post pictures and we'll be able to tell you for sure what you have. Don't be intimidated by the rust - lots of advice here on how to deal with it and make the machine purr again. I also wouldn't recommend running the headstock anymore until you can give it a proper lubing and checkover. Also, in cae you don't know already, don't ever adjust the speed changer unless the headstock is running.

great to hear, that is what I was looking for when I found this forum. Just not sure where to look for the tips on getting rid of the rust or how all the controls work. Always heard about the Shopsmith but don't know anything about working with it.

start with a lot of WD40 to start to break up the rust and unstick the moving parts

Thanks Chris, was thinking about using steel wool to try and clean the exposed bars.

georgeejr wrote:great to hear, that is what I was looking for when I found this forum. Just not sure where to look for the tips on getting rid of the rust or how all the controls work. Always heard about the Shopsmith but don't know anything about working with it.

Here's a good thread to start with - includes tons of basic info on the machines, differences between models, maintenance and repair procedures etc:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5092

Also, I suggest you read JPG's newcomer information thread:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=7092

As far as rust removal, tons of information has been posted here on the subject in a variety of threads - use the search feature to poke around but here's one of many I found after a quick search:
https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=11513&highlight=rust+removal

Most folks here recommend EvapoRust to remove the rust - you can buy it at Harbor Freight Tools (among other places, including Amazon.com) - lots of info and knowledge on this site on using this stuff and dealing with rust in general (as well as preventing rust in the future once you address it). Ask lots of questions, post lots of pictures, and search and read.

dgale wrote:Based on the Shopsmith serial # page, I'd have to assume your machine if from the mid-1950's:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

Post pictures and we'll be able to tell you for sure what you have. Don't be intimidated by the rust - lots of advice here on how to deal with it and make the machine purr again. I also wouldn't recommend running the headstock anymore until you can give it a proper lubing and checkover. Also, in cae you don't know already, don't ever adjust the speed changer unless the headstock is running.

Here is a different list with a bit more detail. I'd say May/June 1954.

georgeejr wrote:Today while going through a barn that I inherited i found an old Shop Smith under a tarp. I plugged it in and it ran but the power head and tool rest won't move do to the rust. The serial number is 266259, not sure how old it is. Had to stop looking tonight do to darkness but can't wait til tomorrow to see if I can find any accessories.

Sounds like a TV show to me. Wait where are the pictures ?