Shopsmith

[corndog]

Can anyone out there tell me what a like-new Shop-smith is worth? Found it in an old barn and the old man that owns it just wants it gone, for a price of course!

[cork58]

From what I have seen some people buy them for lots and sell them cheap. Sad thing is that the sales pitch shows just how easy it is to use and when they start to use it they don't plan out their steps and just give up.

[3thumbs]

Can anyone out there tell me what a like-new Shop-smith is worth? Found it in an old barn and the old man that owns it just wants it gone, for a price of course!

Don't waste your money on a Shopsmith, unless you just like to collect tools. Very few other people will want to buy it from you once you own it. Look at craigslist, you will see several of them.

[corndog]

thanks

Thanks for the info, will check again tomorrow for additional thoughts..

[Warren]

I've known two people who owned and loved the Shopsmith. One, said that the machine forced him to begin to logically approach projects. Who among us wished we hadn't learned that lesson earlier. I've played around with one and am impressed with the quality of the machine.

Both of them based the purchase on the foot print and the size (garage) of their "shop." Both agree that the table saw is the prevalent configuration followed by the drill press. Neither used the machine for disk sanding, relying on separate sanders.

Both of these woodworkers turn out quality projects. One does extremely nice furniture.

I've known others who were glad to get rid of the Shopsmith and move on to individual tools.

If you can think linearly (I don't) then the Shopsmith will probably work for you. I tend to work on part of a project, cutting, drilling, sanding etc. Shopsmith owners are able to "see" the logical progression of a project and then do all the cutting, then reconfigure for drilling, sanding, etc. I'm not wired to think like that. I tend to make alterations to the original plan and move from tool to tool and back again (usually to cover mistakes in either the planning or the execution).

I wouldn't hesitate to go with a Shopsmith if my only shop space was a parking place in a condo garage. I'd sure have to develop a new work style though. The fact that it is a good lathe troubles me. So far I've fought the desire to learn to turn and saved many thousands of dollars not having to buy the necessary tools, more wood and, how many pens does a guy need anyway? I'm kidding! I'm kidding!

It's just that if I start turning . . . well, I've got an addictive personality. Need I say more?

[twistsol]

Depending on condition and what's included, they go for anywhere between 500 and 2000 used. For a basic unit in good shape I think 700-800 is prety fair. My dad had an old one and used it about 70% as a drill press and occasionally as a table saw sander or lathe. I personally don't like the tablesaw feature where the table raises and lowers rather than the blade.

[wardprobst]

Check out this site http://www.ssug.org/index.php. I've kept my FIL's for the horizontal boring, some drill press work(the table and variable speed are great), disc sanding and minor turning. Since the blade is exposed above and below the table (no guards since 1955) I don't use the saw function. One nice thing about them is they are an American product with great customer service. I was able to get parts and upgrades even though the company had changed hands several times before I ever met the tool.
DP

[woodturner]

Very few other people will want to buy it from you once you own it. Look at craigslist, you will see several of them.

That may just be your local market - in most areas, there is significant demand for used Shopsmiths. In addition to the "cult" following, there is significant interest among home woodworkers.

That's why we don't see many on craigslist, and they go fast. When I see someone listing a 500 for $1500, I usually think "no one will pay that, when they can get a new one for not much more". But they still sell within a day or so. A month or two goes by, another one is listed, same result.

Big question - what model is it? Is a Mark V, Mark VII, 10ER, 500, 510, 520? Huge variation in price - I paid $100 for my 10ER, $800 new for my Mark V 500 (a few years back ).

[dbhost]

It varies by model, and local market. Around here, like new Mark V ShopSmiths with the band saw, jointer, and sander accessories can be found all day long on Craigslist selling anywhere from $800.00 to $1,200.00.

[billwmeyer]

Here is a link to the Shopsmith Forum.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/

They do not allow buying or selling, but will help you on it's worth. Find out what model it is and what accessories it comes with.

I paid about $65 for a rusty 10ER so if it is a 10ER it will be worth much less than the other models. The 10ER is the earliest model and was made in the late 40's to early 50's. It is no longer supported by Shopsmith. There are still a lot of parts and accessories available for it used.

Shopsmith is trying to make a resurgence with a new headstock and new advertising.

I have not got my ER cleaned up and ready to use yet. It runs well and I haven't seen any issues other than some rust. It is a good lathe and drill press. I will probably not use the table saw much.

If you have space issues, it could work well for you.

Bill

[Taylormade]

there are always some available in the Tampa Bay area on CL. In fact, here's a current breakdown of what's available. You'll find anywhere from $400 - $1500.

[ironhat]

They go for about $400 -$500 for a 30-35 yr old machine around here. I used it as my sole shop machine for the first 30 years of our marriage and then I couldn't afford the attachments for it. I still have it but for the last fours years I have been stocking up on dedicated use machines.

[corndog]

Shopsmith

A special thank you to all that responded to my posted question about the worth of a used shop smith in like new condition! It's always nice to know that my friends on this site are always willing to answer questions like this...again, thank you all...corndog

[JoeyGee]

http://claz.org/all.html?q=shopsmith

135 results, searching all of Craigslist (using Craigslook.com ). Some of those are parts and accessories, but there are plenty available.