Shopsmith Forums

The question of new parts for the Shopsmith Model 10E and 10ER has come up again. Why doesn’t Shopsmith USA have new replacement parts available for these tools? The answer is a rather simple one, there is not enough demand for parts for a tool that was made from 1947 through 1953. I wouldn’t expect Ford to have new replacement parts for a Model A, but many are still around.

Now don’t despair if you need a part as there are many available on the used market. There were over 150,000 Model 10E and 10ER tools made and a lot are still in use today. Some of them have been sacrificed to keep others running. I have restored 24 Model 10E and 10ER Tools so far to like new condition with everything they came with from the factory. I have two Model 10E and a 10ER awaiting restoration and have all the needed parts to do so just haven't had the time. I have not found it difficult to find used replacement parts when needed. It can take a little patience trying to find the same part as it originally came with since many parts changed during the production of the Model 10E and 10ER. I have found 7 versions of the Headstock. It was these changes that prompted it going from 10E to 10ER. Just to help clear something up when the change occurred from 10E the Logo Plate listed them as Model ER not 10ER. They are actually a 10ER and this went on for some time before the Logo Plate changed and had Model 10ER on it.

There are two parts from the Model 10’s still in use today in a new Shopsmith Mark 7 tool. The Quill Return Spring (spring only) and the Quill Bumper Ring.

As for accessories, the Model 10’s can use many of the current ones. As an example, the Lathe Drive hasn’t changed much since the first ones that came with a Model 10E. The set screw size changed and later the black protective coating was added. Any Drill Chuck made for the Shopsmith Mark series tools can be used on the Model 10's. The 8" Saw Blade was mounted on the predecessor to the 5/8" Universal or Molder Dado Arbor part number 505506. The 8" Lathe Tool Rest is the same shape and size as the current one except for the very first one that came out with the early Model 10E as seen in the picture below. The Arm and Post are different. Although they have changed over the years the current 3-3/4" and 6" Lathe Face Plates can be used. I could go on but I think you get the idea. Do understand that not all current accessories are usable on the Model 10’s.

Below is one of those first Shopsmith Model 10E tools made in 1947.

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For more about the Shopsmith Model 10E and 10ER check out the topic Shopsmith Model 10's What When and Where at the link below from the Forum under Community.

viewtopic.php?t=23647

Well said (as always) Russ.

I said I would stay with (Only) Mark 5 when I was introduced to these Shop Smith machines.

Then being the old guy I am.

I have a Few 10ER's now.

Dwayne,

It was learning the history behind the Shopsmith Mark V 520 I got from my father-in-law that got me started on the Model 10's beginning with the one listed below. That is the reason I have restored so many of them compared to the 4 Mark 5/V restorations I have done. I still have a Greenie and a Goldie to restore.

Russ

I am looking forward to seeing your Greenie and Goldie restoration.

I really enjoy you sharing your detailed input and pictures and knowledge of these machines and there history.

When I got bit by the bug of the Shopsmith machine,

I went on a Buying spree.

I use 2 of them and the rest,
I have those machines collectively stored.

With what I have learned about these machines, I would have probably focused on the 10E's and 10ER's.

I have no regrets of my purchases of the Mark 500's I have, and I have a (Only one) 510 also.

The reason I bought so many was they had different accessories and they were Cheap.

I have never understood when people ask why manufacturers don't stock parts for machinery over seven years old. Because they don't have to. And with the intense infusion of Chinese manufacturing, because they don't want to, products are built to a price point. Often, there are no parts available; you're just supposed to buy another unit when it fails.

That's why sites like these are so invaluable. Others who are very knowledgeable about these machines know workarounds for when parts are unavailable. And honestly, for the 10E and 10ER, if you wait long enough, parts come up on eBay. Albeit not always at a favorable price, they're mostly there. I'm restoring a 10E for a friend when he gets the space. I want the Shopsmith kit wheel assembly. But I'm not going to have him pay a fortune to have that all shipped, even if I can find them. I can build a frame with swivel/lock wheels and get to the same point. Nice to have the originals, but I may not live long enough to find them....lol.

Kevin

Real1shepperd,

As you suggest there are other options. Below is a bench I have made for 5 of my Model 10 restorations. It is a welded angle iron frame with locking swivel casters.

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Another option is making a wood bench from the plans included with the Model 10's. The ones below also have the Retractable Caster Sets.

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I have a 3rd wood bench to make for 10E S/N 1033. All of my other Model 10 restorations have been on Benches using the metal bench ends that either came with them or I found at a reasonable price. The one below is on a bench made with "homemade" metal bench ends it came with that are very similar to the OEM ones but are about an inch taller.

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