Shopsmith Forums

I found a ss on Craigslist for $500 but I don't know if its the right buy for me I have a small 20x20 shop and want to start hobby wood working. I think the ss might be the way to go but I'd like your info. The ss is from 1960 I think he said it has table saw, jig saw, lathe, jointer, drill press and a dust collection system. It looks to be in good shape.

Give us a link to the Craigslist ad so we can take a look at the machine. For 500 you should be getting some SPT's with it if it is an older SS. Prices vary wildly regionally, so most here don't like to advise on pricing, but some of these "hot shots" can take a look at the pictures and give you some good advice.

Tylor83 wrote:I found a ss on Craigslist for $500 but I don't know if its the right buy for me I have a small 20x20 shop and want to start hobby wood working. I think the ss might be the way to go but I'd like your info.

Most everyone on the Shopsmith Forum thinks that Shopsmith's are great! A lot of tools in a relatively small space! $500 may or may not be a good deal depending on your location, the model number, the accessories and any SPTs (separate power tools that mount to the Shopsmith, including band saw, jig saw, scroll saw, belt sander, and strip sander).

But that opinion is not held universally on other woodworking forums, where you are likely to hear that:

1. They aren't accurate! (Not so if you properly align your machine per instructions).
2. The changeovers take too long! (Yes, having to set up for different operations is less convenient than a shop full of stand alone tools; but that's the price you pay for having 5 tools in one in a small space).
3. The table saw's main table is too small! (Not the models 510 and 520.)
4. You have to tilt the table rather than the blade to make bevel cuts! (True but not a big deal; all table saws used to be this way).
5. They are underpowered! (Not true except arguably for early models that had .75 HP motors ; the later models all have 1.125 HP and, with variable speed drive, can actually generate more torque than much bigger motors).

Some of those people who hate 'em either never owned one, or owned one of the early models (which had smaller tables and smaller motors), or didn't take the time to get/read the manual and learn how to properly align or use them.

I've used a Shopsmith exclusively for 5 years and I don't feel there's anything I am missing out on by not having stand-alone machinery.

Try it, you'll like it (probably)!

I reviewed the post, and it shows a jointer, and states it has a dust collection system, states it is well maintained by a shop teacher. It deserves a look for sure.

You might want to glance through the PDF I revised earlier this year that has a good bit of information on buying a used Shopsmith, has photos linked back to their source in these forums, and helps you identify the bits and pieces that came with the various models. see: http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... 90#p185690

Nearly every ad you read says comes with lots of accessories, but as we all know, the Shopsmith alone came with 5 core functions and the accessories to use them. Knowing what they are, and what might be missing or purchased additionally and adding value may help you make your decision.

If it's all there, working and well maintained, has a jointer, and a dust collection system, you have enough to get started in woodworking. It is addictive, recreational and relaxing all meshed up, and you will find many excellent owners here who freely share their knowledge of these remarkable machines.

Join us. Become one. Pass it on.

What it is:

It is an early Gilmer drive with an "A" headstock.

It indeed appears to be well kept.(The bench tube rust is typical and not of concern, but might be a bargaining point).

The 'standard' stuff appears to be there(assuming that is a miter gauge next to the rip fence).

The drawer contents can make or break the deal.

The dust collection is not shown. A SS DC3300 would be a plus(IMHO).

Now the motor overhaul is a question. What was ended up with? Same 3/4 hp motor or a larger one?

Has the drive been upgraded to a Poly-v drive?

I think the asking price has bargaining room included.

A newer version at a similar cost would be preferable.

Bottom line, what is it worth to you.

Based on WI prices, without the dust collection that would be a 2-300$ buy. ft it has the Shop Smith dust collector, 500$ here would be on the medium to high end. I have seen people ask half of a new one on CL and is an older model, with the less then stellar table and fence. Then I watch it sit for months on CL.

my shop is 12x20feet.. shopsmith is a perfect fit
for me woodworking is a hobby.. you must have it organized
well. keep it clean and picked up. mine my needs a little
cleaning now as have been doing a couple of projects. I have a
500 , 510, belt sander, jointer mounted on a shelf behind 500 , scroll saw, spindle sander, thickness planer on
flip cabinet, miter saw, propane wall heater. bench, some lumber storage . wall cabinets. also about 100 various clamps. this bunch like pictures so will attach a few.......

Nice shop. Another reason the SS is great. Good job!!!

oldc6 wrote:my shop is 12x20feet.. shopsmith is a perfect fit
for me woodworking is a hobby.. you must have it organized
well. keep it clean and picked up. mine my needs a little
cleaning now as have been doing a couple of projects. I have a
500 , 510, belt sander, jointer mounted on a shelf behind 500 , scroll saw, spindle sander, thickness planer on
flip cabinet, miter saw, propane wall heater. bench, some lumber storage . wall cabinets. also about 100 various clamps. this bunch like pictures so will attach a few.......

All that organization, but still wasted space below...

http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/begin ... 16336.html

But I digress... I found a shopsmith to be a great way to start the hobby. That's how I did it, and less than a year later I am making Christmas gifts while relaxing. But I must warn, deal shopping for shopsmiths can be addictive as much as working with them. As for starting a hobby, a Shopsmith may not be the most streamlined, but gives a great quality workshop to make just about anything.