Is A Shopsmith Worth The Money

Pop Golden

The going price for a used Shopsmith is $500 unless there are An add on tool or two. (bandsaw, belt sander etc.) I was introduced to the Mark V Shopsmith by my 7th grade shop teacher. I've owned & repaired these machines for many years. I was for a few years the mentor for Shopsmith with the Charlotte Woodworkers. A few notes:
1- NEVER NEVER turn the speed dial with the machine not running. This will destroy the entire speed chaining assembly rendering the machine useless.
2- The tool rest that comes with the new machine is NOT user friendly. But! Shopsmith sells one that is great for around $260. This makes the Shopsmith a real lathe. (photo)
3- Pressure is applied to spindle turning with the quill. The tail stock is ridge. This is a little troublesome, but you can get use to it.
4- Mike, cabinet shops snatch up used Shopsmiths like quick. That's the cheapest horizontal drill press around. The capacity is large and it does the job quite well.

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Shopsmith # 55581 $259.19 + shipping

Pop :thumbs_up

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Last edited: Sep 23, 2018

TENdriver

Brent, I can see circumstances (limited workspace etc.) that warrant a ShopSmith or any Swiss Army knife.

But, if that's not applicable to you, then I'm with Mike in suspecting that a dedicated lathe will likely be better at being just a lathe. Even if space was a limitation, some of the current Midi lathes are incredibly good. Significantly better than they were even just a couple years ago.