Shopsmith Forums

I just purchased my second Goldie that was born in 1961 with a the Mark V shaper kit and the Shopsmith safety package.

The previous owner stated that the original 3/4 HP motor died during the 1980's and was replaced with a new Shopsmith factory replacement Emerson electric brand 1 1/8 HP motor. The Gilmer belt and drive belt appear new and all bearings seem smooth. The headstock changes speeds smoothly with little vibration.

I was thinking of setting this machine up right now, as a stationary drill press / shaper system. It could use new paint, but is the Gilmer system good for a stationary drill press / shaper? Or should I do a complete makeover to the Poly V system with the double bearing quill, and new paint, etc. ?

Any suggestions and opinions are welcomed.

Incidentally my other Goldie is the Poly V system that was born in 1963 that I just did a complete headstock makeover of belts and all bearings. Both the Mark V Goldies will beautifully augment my Goldie Sawsmith RAS born in 1961.

I just finished my 1954 Greenie...took OEM belt off, I had ordered a new one... there wasnt enough difference to replace it... cant argue with 56 years of service.

beeg wrote:Well to change that over to a poly-v system, I think I remember that the cost is about $500.00 for parts. I'd think it's not worth it to me.

I agree 100%. With proper maintenance, that old Goldie will run for another 50 years on its Gilmer drive.

IMHO, the time to 'replace' the gilmer parts is when they fail, AND you cannot find a replacement.

I would at least get her painted. You'll feel better every time you walk into the shop.

I've seen so many great restorations here that I'm beginning to get interested.

8iowa wrote:I would at least get her painted. You'll feel better every time you walk into the shop.

I've seen so many great restorations here that I'm beginning to get interested.

I agree completely...
I really notice the difference having a few restored and a batch not done yet even though they are not in bad shape at all. I find that I just automatically migrate to the restored units first.
I'll ramble on more about this later but I'll move it over to the thread where i was talking about my new shop rather than hijack this thread.
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I would not worry at all about the Gilmer drive as long as you can get the belts. They are quite tough.