Shopsmith Forums

Hello Everyone,

I'd like to introduce myself before I introduce my machine and the circumstances around my acquiring it. My name is Steve and I live in Nashville, TN with my beautiful wife Carla.

I'm a young whipper snapper, so I grew up watching This Old House and The New Yankee Workshop. Even though i didn't really do much woodworking as a kid (Dad passed on the love of electronics and computers instead) I was always mesmerized watch Norm use his arsenal of power tools to create masterpieces.

My Love for Electronics coupled with my love of music led me to get my BS in Recording Industry Production and Technology. I then subsequently began working as a recording assistant with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra before landing my current position at Vanderbilt University in the Ingram Center for the Performing arts. For the first time i had access to a whole Scene Shop of power tools and really enjoy making things (whether it be a set for an opera, or a new sound console cart.)

NOW how does this relate to my Shopsmith? Well my Wife's grandfather purchased my greenie new in 1955 I believe and it sat in his shop until about 6 months ago when it moved to my garage. He passed a couple years ago and it was until after my wife's grandmother passed that they went through his things to distribute them amongst the family. Well he had a son and 2 daughters the son being my father in law and 4 grand daughters my wife being the only married one at the time. The Family knew I liked to work with my hands so they decided to offer his greenie to me. So I am now the proud owner of a family heirloom.

I have placed it a 1955 model and from what i can figure it was built in September. Because he wasn't around to show me where all the parts and pieces were I grabbed as many things as looked like belonged and brought them home. I know I am missing some crucial parts but I'm really not sure what. On top of the normal things, he also had the Jointer accessory which I will also be rebuilding. I don't plan a full blown museum job like Mike in San Diego, but I do see some deRUSTifying and plenty of Hammered Verde Green in my future. I want it to be something i can pass down to my children and tell them how their great grandfather made their mother's doll houses and such with this great tool. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions and I'll be taking tons of pictures to go along with said questions. I appreciate any and all assistance you can provide.

Pics coming Tomorrow! Cheers!

Yes we like both b4 and after pix.

Here is some useful info https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=7092&highlight=newowner

Welcome !

Here are the preliminary Before Pictures... there will be more.









I know directly off the bat I am missing the Drill Chuck. Also the side of the Lathe Accessory that goes on the headstock, Both Top and Bottom Saw Blade shields. and probably more. Let me know what you think... looks pretty good as far as rust is concerned. He was a pretty fastidious guy from all the stories I have heard ( I only met him once before he passed away.)

The rest can be found in my Flickr Account. Thanks for looking!

beeg wrote:Looks like that grinder wheel on the jointer can be TOSSED.

Yeah it is pretty rough, along with the 2 bearings next to it... I'm not sure which two they are, OR when they were replaced.... but they are pretty rough

The headstock appears to be a 'greenie', but the belt cover is not. A pix of the speed control side may reveal further details. The quill is definitely not a greenie vintage(tis newer).

Bottom line - you have a mix of different vintage parts.(that is not bad, just a fact). It may be an improvement over a 'stock' greenie. I would not attach much significance to the sn vent plate.

Only first hand internal inspection will identify the true nature of it. You need to determine if you have a gilmer drive, or a poly-v(that quill may indicate an upgrade to a poly-v has been done). The motor hp also needs to be checked out.

BTW nice paint job!:D NOT important!

I'm in the same boat, but mine was acquired from my uncle. I also have great memories of all the beautiful things he build using this tool! The first thing I would recommend is to start watching the Sawdust Sessions on the Shopsmith website, as they show great maintanence tips. If you have one, reading the manual will also be helpful. If not, they are still available for purchase through Shopsmith (check their website).

They are great for providing parts for these machines, but you'll also find many parts for sale on eBay as well. Do check the price for new parts with Shopsmith before bidding, as many seem to go for close to the new price!

As Requested Here are some Speed Changer Side Photos:





I was unable to remove the Belt Cover to inspect for Gilmer or Poly V drive because of the following piece that is stuck on the idler shaft i believe is the name. (the shaft that sticks through the SN plate.) Before I go pulling on it, i want to know what it is...



Again there are more Photos in my Flickr if you are interested... it is linked at the top.

Thanks again!

Also just to share some other "restoration work" I have done previously to the community I submit my other passion Cycling.... My Father's 1973 Schwinn Continental

Before


During


After (transformed into a single-speed for fun greenway rides)