Shopsmith Forums

Hi. New here and new to Shopsmith. and looking at possibly buying my first Shopsmith. Been dealing with a lady online that knows very little about the one she is selling. Think she is selling it after someone passed away. Anyway, I think from pic I have narrowed it down to a 10e or 10er. (Shopsmith is all new to me) Have not taken a in person look at it because of distance of drive. So my first question is, after looking an other pics online, some head units have 2 pulleys. Others have 3. This has 3. What is center pulley for or does that define a model? Lady knows it is pre 70’s and it is gray. Will attach pic. So my question is are the 10e or 10er good machines. At least compared to a Mark V. I’ve came across a few Mark V’s for not a lot more than this one. I’m also new to using forums so if you could point me in the right direction for info on the 10e/10er or the Mark V’s differences, capabilities and what attachments fit what models I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.

That's a 10E or 10ER. The middle pulley is there because it has a speed changer. That adds something to it's value. If you can find a nameplate it will have more info on the specific model and the serial number can determine when it was made. It's not just pre-70s, it's 50s or 40s.

This thread may help you get started - Everything E/ER-Technical info, documentation, links

Ronniej,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

As Ed said it is a Model 10E or 10ER. The Logo/Serial Number Plate on the other side of the Headstock will say either 10E or ER. An ER is a 10ER just something that was done on the plate when the Shopsmith 5 in 1 tool changed from 10E to 10ER. It has the 4th or 5th version of the Headstock and is most likely a Model 10ER. The picture shows it has not only the Speed Changer (third pulley) mentioned but also the Jig Saw and other extra accessories. It has either a Mark V Miter or the special Mark 5 Miter type for the Model 10's. The Shopsmith Model 10E was introduced in 1947 and the 10ER continued through 1953. This one was made prior to April 1951 based on what I see in the picture.

As for Model 10's verses Mark 5/V's that can be a tough call. There are reasons for liking both. I own both Model 10's and Mark series tools. Some reasons are based on what type of woodworking you plan to do. The Model 10's are popular for wood turning due to their weight and this one has the Speed Changer which provides it with a wider speed range than the Mark V. 425 to 6800 RPMs with the Speed Changer versus 700 to 5200 RPMs for the Mark V. The Mark V although a 5 in 1 tool also is a bit more versatile and easier to add additional functions to it. The Mark 5 was introduced in 1954. It has had a lot of changes and upgrades made available for it. All upgrades to the Mark 5/V including making it a Mark 7 can be done to any Mark 5/V. I do like my Model 10's, but I do use my Mark tools a lot more.

For more information on the Shopsmith tools check the links below. The first is for the topic Shopsmith Model 10's What When and Where.

viewtopic.php?t=23647

Next is the topic Shopsmith Mark 5 What When and Where. It explains Mark 5 and Mark V.

viewtopic.php?t=24963

This last topic is titled SPT's What When and Where. It is information and the history of the Special Purpose Tools.

viewtopic.php?t=26072

There is a lot of good information on this site and people willing to help.

I would definitely call it a 10ER since I do not see any 10E specific stuff.

+1 all that has been said already.



BTW what is she gonna do with that small metal lathe?

You did not mention what she is asking for the 10ER. That could change our recommendation.


Finally it appears to be in excellent condition.