Replies

1. 
   aew | Nov 02, 2008 05:56pm | #1

   It serves as a light to medium duty lathe. The motor has adequate power but the problem comes in the speed range available. The lowest possible speed isn't low enough. I bought my ShopSmith about 20+ years ago and used it regularly for 10 years. It now serves as my lathe on which I do little work and a drill press which is adequate for my purposes.

1. 
   Scott_y | Nov 02, 2008 06:01pm | #2

   Thanks. I was asking because they are a dime a dozen used, but as I feared, you get what you pay for.

2. 
   bones | Nov 03, 2008 04:33pm | #3

   I had a Shopsmith for years (since about 88). I just sold it for 450 about 3 months ago on craigs list back in St. Louis, and it was still in great shape.  It mostly took up space for the last 5-10 years, but I still used it for the lathe (I don't turn that much though) and the boring and the disk sander.  It will do what you want but you would want to upgrade the standard chuck and tail piece.  Nova Makes a chuck for the ss.  If you get one that was cared for and have the space it would do fine.  Your not going to turn a large blank with it, but it will do. SS's were a great tool for someone with a small shop and does not mind change overs. 

   Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
   If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
   And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
   
1. 
   Scott_y | Nov 04, 2008 01:04am | #4

   Thanks for the reply. I think I'll just save up and get a real lathe when I can afford one. 

3. 
   BruceS | Nov 04, 2008 02:45am | #5

   My ShopSmith(510) sits mostly in the corner.  My problem with using it as a lathe is the the Spindle is on the sloppy side, with not too many hours on it, with much more play than a didicated lathe that has some "proper" bearings.

    

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S.