Shopsmith....worth it ?

[Wolfpacker]

I just saw a shopsmith advertised in my area for $650 negotiable. Lady says she bought it from the original owner's son and it's in good shape. I already have a table saw, band saw, drill press and belt sander, so would likely just use it as a lathe. I don't know what a good price is for this nor do I know what it would cost to get a good new or used lathe. I've always thought the shopsmith was a neat idea, but have heard the loss of time in swapping out functions was the killer. Would a dedicated lathe be better than the shopsmith lathe ? I'm sure it depends on the bearings a lot.

Any advice or input is appreciated. ​

 

[Mike Davis]

Since you already have the other tools I believe your best choice would be to buy a full size lathe.

The only way I would buy a Shop Smith is if I had nothing and only a very small space to work.

 

[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.

Shopsmith # 55581 $259.19 + shipping

Pop :thumbs_up

 

[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.

 

[Gotcha6]

Another thing to consider, and I, too was once hot & heavy for a ShopSmith, is that the spindle is compatible only with ShopSmith accessories. Therefore, additional chucks, etc. must be their brand or their knockoff competitor which I believe is called HomeShop.

 

[Pop Golden]

Any one who offers a 5/8 in. set screw (Grizzly) chuck will fit a 5/8 in. Shopsmith spindle. There are several out there. Shopsmith charges lots for their products. There are a lot of products that work. Nova has a 5/8 in. plane boar adapter for Shopsmith.

Pop

 

[Wolfpacker]

I think I'll pass based on your confirmation of my suspicions about the usefulness of the shopsmith. If anyone is interested, it was posted on Facebook and is located in Canton, NC, just west of Asheville. https://www.facebook.com/groups/453...95774447129721/?sale_post_id=2395774447129721