Shopsmith Forums

For starters I am a owner of a mid nineties that I love. Also I was given an old ss, mid 50's, and I don't know what to do with it as it is in really rough shape and missing a lot of stuff.
I'm debating cutting the tubes down and using it as a platform to hold extra attachments tables etc. Should I cannibalize for spare parts?
They are both mark V.

I think it would make a good 'power station' by shortening it and not using the table and carriage.

It actually depends upon what is 'missing'.

gucho wrote:For starters I am a owner of a mid nineties that I love. Also I was given an old ss, mid 50's, and I don't know what to do with it as it is in really rough shape and missing a lot of stuff.
I'm debating cutting the tubes down and using it as a platform to hold extra attachments tables etc. Should I cannibalize for spare parts?
They are both mark V.

What do you need most - small footprint, tool stand or just functional ? You can accomplish all three if you want. Let us know and we can suggest the best fit for you and your shop.

I would start by not doing anything to alter its' original configuration and tune it up. It is amazing what a thorough cleaning, lubrication and alignment will do for these old machines.

Once you have done that, decide what you need most and go for it.

I turned mine into a Shorty. It serves me, mostly frequently, as a drill press but is also the semi-permanent resting place for my belt sander. When needed, it morphs into a full fledged Sanding Station or a Short Lathe or (of all things) a Table Saw (that takes up much less space than a bicycle). It could even be used to provide power to the Jointer (if I just had the power to move it from where it is).