Shopsmith Forums

That sure is a nice looking pair...
You know, I once considered refurbing SS's and reselling them but sadly if your goal is to make a buck there is far more $$$ in stripping them down and selling them for parts.
One parts seller once told me that he could even buy a new one and make money parting it out... I have no idea if that is really true or not, I never put a serious pencil to it. I do know that if professionally and cautiously pursued the parts business can be very profitable. It can of course be a lot of work, not a free ride. Shipping can become a PITA as can a few customers.

Mike - I echo all the congrats. Those are definitely machines to be proud of. And since you know every nut and bolt, they will serve you well.

Some other thoughts:

Are you going to take a break and pay some attention to the better half or are you going to start on Greenie II right away?

Will you post the details on the Chris-Craft project when it gets underway?

Mike, Absolutely beautiful work. Maybe the Smith-soninian would like one for historical record.

Truly inspiring work, Mike. There are several "shortcuts" I've taken before that I'm not taking on my Mark V after reading of your progress and seeing your results.

And I really love that color scheme. Seeing the two machines side by side was great!

nuhobby wrote:Super Job, Mike!!!
I do like the color scheme and the nostalgia too. In fact I was just trying to find a picture from Disney's "Robots" movie because I'm pretty sure the main character robot was restored from "Rust" to "Verde Green"...

I appreciate all your comments. Thanks very much. This was the most challenging project I've ever worked on. It gave me a good chance to hone a lot of skills. I really wanted to bring this severely neglected machine back to life. It was so pathetic when I saw this thing for the first time sitting outside uncovered on the side of a barn. Quite honestly, if it hadn't had the speed changer on it, I would have passed on it.

No more ShopSmith restoration work for me until late '10 early '11. My next restorations focus has to be the Chris Craft. I am petrified to start. The biggest fear is going into a area that I have absolutely no experience. Replacing the bottom is not something that you just jump into without a lot of forethought. So, between now and when I start in April, I have a lot of studying to do. Hopefully I can locate a good wooden boat forum and possibly find a local mentor just to keep an eye on me.

Between now and April, I am going to put the SS pair to work on some nice little woodworking projects. First project will be the decided this week.

Thanks again.

Congratulations on a job done well, Mike and good luck on the boat.

Mike

You have a "remote mentor" any time you want.

Paul M

Mike,

First I'd like to echo every one else in saying that you have left a legacy right here in your step by step restoration. The tools both look great, probably better than new in both cases. I feel confident that I can use your hard earned experiences to maintain and improve my tools.

I would also like to comment that by using the same paint scheme you have brought their relationship into sharp focus. There can be no doubt in anyones mind that the MK V is a direct descendant of the ER. The photography accentuates the similarities and the differences while still highlighting the family resemblance.

Great job and thank you for the tour through the process.

shipwright wrote:Mike

You have a "remote mentor" any time you want.

Paul M

Fantastic offer Paul!! Thank you VERY much. I'll take you up on that for sure. My fear level has just been reduced significantly. With the internet, photos, telephone etc, a 'remote mentor' might just be feasible. Gee, this this mean we'll have to do some "Skyping"?

My fear is in not knowing what I don't know. With computers, I know what I know, I know what I don't know. That is why I can work on them somewhat comfortably. With the boat building, there is a new variable thrown in, that being.....I don't know what I don't know. That's when a potential costly disaster can happen. The time and lumber required to replace that bottom ain't gonna be minimal.