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an early shopsmith want-to be
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:36 pm
by cincinnati
Found this ad in a magazine from the 1950's. $80 was a lot of money back then. What did a shopsmith cost back then?
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 4:44 pm
by greitz
As far as I can tell, about $200. See this link:
http://www.woodworkinghistory.com/appendix_22.htm
Gary
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 5:54 pm
by cincinnati
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 6:36 pm
by chiroindixon
I have here, a "54 Shopsmith sales display unit. Price is marked $259......
It's cool display. The demonstrator must have this behind him. All the extra tools like the sanding disc have a "slot".....
The previous owner kept his tools likewise....
Now I'll see if I can make Dusty happy and post a picture.
Doc
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 7:40 pm
by dusty
That would really be neat, Doc. Good Luck in the effort.
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 8:29 pm
by charlese
Ahh, memories and reminiscing. I almost can remember the "Do It" machine adds in Popular Science Mag. Thanks for the post, Cincinnati!
Edit - Probably was more like Popular Mechanics Magazine. I think Popular Science came into circulation at a later time. I still have one of those quarter inch drills just like the one pictured. (only one speed - full open)
Greitz - Thank you for your link to history.
Posted: Thu Jun 26, 2008 9:25 pm
by a1gutterman
That $80 7 in 1 tool utilized your own drill motor. It clamps into the "jig". I wood not compare the price to the SS, which came with it's own motor (although, with today's drills, you wood have the variable speed!).
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:16 am
by chiroindixon
Okay Dusty, hopefully here they are.
Doc
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:19 am
by chiroindixon
Looks like it worked. Can I now wear big boy pants, Dusty?
Doc
Posted: Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:28 am
by dusty
Yup, you got it now, Doc.
The pictures look great and the subject matter is terrific. What was that, a full up Shopsmith for $289.50? I'll have to keep this picture handy for when I finally find that Shopsmith that has been in someone's garage, covered up for years and they now want to sell. $289 would be a good spot to start negotiations.
I hope this means that we'll begin seeing more photos from your sawdust mill.