Will a ShopSmith work?

My neighbor offered me his Dad's Shopsmith which I think is a 1950 vintage. My real need is for a drill press as I move forward with my 3B rebuild. My question is do any of you have experience with this multi-machine and do you think it will handle the metal work vs. the woodworking it is more suited to? The price is right - free R) , but shop space is becoming a premium in the garage. I do like the thought of a drill press and also a belt sander. The table saw could come in handy in general. Here's what I found on their website with regard to power:

1953 to 1960 (Green)
These units had a Gilmer Drive System (the inside of the top belt is like a tank track). These units were a single bearing spindle. 3/4 Hp motor was the standard.​

The on-line manual shows drilling speeds for metal at a recommended 700 rpm. I know this is a low risk proposition, but I would appreciate any insight.

 

I got my grandfather's old ShopSmith (Mark III or IV I think it is) when he died and used it as a metal drill press for several years. It worked okay but not as well as a regular table or floor drill press. If you don't abuse it, it might work well for you, too. At least the price sounds right.

 

I have a shopsmith in my basement that I use strictly for woodworking. I don't think I would subject mine to metal. But I also have more money in mine than you will. I have found that it does OK at most tasks but isn't great at most. Mostly I dislike using it as a table saw (which I bought it to replace) and will end up buying another table saw. As a drill press for metal I think it would do OK as long as you take it easy on it and don't try to rush it. You may find the table a little weak. THEY TAKE UP A HUGE AMOUNT OF SPACE!

 

A good Shopsmith is worth about $1000 around here. Maybe you could buy a nice drill press by selling the Shopsmith.

I don't know anyone who does serious work with a shopsmith for very long, since it is a PITA to switch from one function to another. But some people love them. Especially if space is tight.

Generally speaking, metal-working is done at much lower RPMs than wood.

Good Luck
Pete

 

Yeah, that's true. However, I tend to use any available surface space for storage, so I make use of the space by stacking stuff on it. R)

 

I have used my Shopsmith for many uses, including metal work. I agree the speed would be easier to work with at slower speeds. I have the speed reducer the drops the shaft speed to 100 rpms. I also use the extended table legs for extra support on the table when using the drill press.

Should work fine.

 

My father has the Mark 4 or 5, 120V model. It is quality made, but lacks a little in the power department. He wished he'd have bought the 240V model. His is set up all the time as a 10" sander, a liitle expensive for that I think. If it doesn't work for you for a drill press maybe you can sell or trade it.
Paul

 

i got a shopsmith for free a while back and quickly discovered its lack of power and the amount of space it took up. get it for free and sell it to buy a drill press. They seem like a good idea and they are gadgety which can be interesting, but the machine just wont hold up to any abuse. People will spend money on them, so take advantage and pass it on.

 

Thanks for all the input from everyone. Unfortunately, it's a moot point now as my buddy put it on Craig's List and got immediate responses. You snooze - you loose. Capitalism is a wonderful thing. Guess it's now time to go out and get a good drill press.