Thread: Any Shop Smith owners here?

I just recently inherited my brother-in-laws Shop Smith after his passing and would like any advice anyone could give me. I haven't done any real wood working since highschool 20 + years ago.

Sorry about your brother in laws passing. I'm not using one because I can't seem to find one. These devices are about the coolest thing since sliced bread is what I read. I've been hoping to find one, but in the meantime have found a stand alone table saw, scroll saw, band saw, grinder, etc. If you look around the net you will find some pretty inventive ways to make these things do just about any job under the sun. Otherwise, if you decide to sell it, I'm sure you won't have any trouble collecting fair value. The guys who want one, really, really want one. And the guys who use one are always looking for spare parts. Just my .02. I believe there are a few forums dedicated specifically to the Shopsmith actually. Might check that out.

Thanks Joe. When I got it I just thought it was a lathe but when my sister-in-law got this box down off a shelf with all the attachments I didnt know what the heck it was. So like anything I googled it and wow. Now I got so many projects running around in my head I dont know where to start. I never thought about a forum for them I will look into that.

Whadaknow there is a Shopsmith forum. Thanks Joe.

Glad to be of service. Looking forward to seeing all the nifty SR cabinets, strop hangers, SR coffins, brushes, stands, etc. you're going to be able to build.

They are a neat tool. Mine is from the '50s I think. It's a 10ER. A machine like a Shopsmith is almost never as good as a standalone machines. For me it was a space (and $) saving issue. I paid $160 for mine, wood lathe, drill press, horizontal boring machine, table saw, sander and other attachments I do not have is hard to beat. These are wonderful little machines that can open up a lot of wood working possibilities. Of course a little creativity and you will discover new ways to abuse this tool. I have mounted an 8" grinding wheel on the saw arbor for a variable speed grinder, and have used the disc sander for knife handles with stainless pommels. There is someone in here who posted one with a homemade belt sander attachment. The drill press will turn slow enough to drill aluminum.

Enjoy your new tools and be careful. 10 fingers and 10 toes.
Jeff

Thanks Jeff. Mine is also a 10ER. Before it was my BIL's it was my wifes dads (he passed long before I met my wife). I know it has turned out some wonderful works in years past. I am excited to start learning to use it. I also only have a small space to work in (my garage).