[Gen2026]

I have the opportunity to buy some used wood working equipment for my husband from a friend of mine. The equipment belonged to her husband - but he has been in bad health the past few years and really can not use it. I was curious if the machines listed are decent models............ with decent prices for used products. There are so many different models of everything - and with this equipment being older, I am not sure where to look for values. Any input would be appreciated.

Campbell Hausfeld 26 gallon air compressor - $170
Delta 6" Deluxe Jointer model 37-190 - $300
Delta 12" Portable Planer model 22-540 (mounted to stand) - $300.00
Delta Hollow Chisel Mortiser model MM300 - 150.00
Shop Smith Dust Collection System - $100.00
Shopsmith Mark V (will need to be put back together) - $400.00

Thanks for any suggestions you have...........

gen

 

[BrandonD]

It really depends on how "used" they really are. At first glance those prices seem steep so I'd be making sure they're in near perfect condition. You have to take into account whether any accessories are included (such as the planer stand, fittings/piping for the dust collector, etc.), warranty expiration, as well as the condition. If you're only saving $50-100 from brand new then you can easily make that up in benefits from having sharp knives and new warranties from a new purchase for instance.

I've bought new and used tools and that's what I consider when looking at used tools. I also require it to be demonstrated in front of me to see the quality of the results. Best to look up the price of those models when they were new and find what they're going for used (Craigslist, eBay) to get an idea of how much savings you are looking at, and then look at everything I mentioned above to make sure it's worth it.

Thanks for doing the research, by the way. I realize not everyone is like me, but I have an issue where I have to research and be fully confident in a tool before purchasing it. The idea of my wife buying me $200-1000+ tool as a surprise used to scare me. The couple of times she did it she did some research and got with my dad (who is also a woodworker and just as anal retentive as me), and also preceded the surprise with, "Now, if you don't like it..." :thumbsup:

 

[GeorgeC]

I too think the prices are high. If in really top of the line condition they may be worth it.

I would not want my wife buying equipment of this type without consulting with me. There are just too many ifs, ands and buts involved.

George

 

[ctwiggs1]

I too think the prices are high. If in really top of the line condition they may be worth it.

I would not want my wife buying equipment of this type without consulting with me. There are just too many ifs, ands and buts involved.

George

+1 on both accounts.

 

[Gen2026]

Thanks everyone. The equipment is in pretty good shape, but my thought process was that the older equipment might be heavier made and therefore perform better than the new things- especially in regards to the planer.

My husband has personally seen the Shopsmith and expressed an interest in it a few months back - so I will probably just end up purchasing it. He had one nearly 30 yrs ago and shortly after we married, our house burned and so did the shopsmith. He has not had one since and he drools when he sees them...

Do you have a suggestion for a good quality planer? He picked out one for Christmas, but then changed his mind because he was afraid it was poorly made.

I really appreciate all your input!

 

[gideon]

I've heard excellent things about the dewalt and ridgid planers but I agree with the above posters: you really need to include him in the process. Tools become extremely personal and people will or won't like certain tools for various reasons.

For example, the delta portable planer - I've heard terrible things about it. One guy posted on this forum showing him dismantling it with a sledgehammer. Not to say that this one isn't good but your husband really needs to see them to determine how they fit in with his process.

 

[Steve Neul]

The air compressor may be good if had more info but the rest of it I would pass on. Not only is the Delta equipment overpriced if it needs repair it's difficult right now to get any parts for Delta equipment. From what I understand the company still hasn't resolved their parts problems.

 

[Dave Paine]

What does your husband want in the way of tools. Shopsmith is good at somethings, like drill press, horizontal boring. Lathe gets mixed reviews. Table saw feature is not so good due to the table being too small.

Delta parts are presently a problem, but I would not let this put you off the Delta 37-190 jointer - if your husband wants a jointer. Price is too high. Perhaps more like $200.

I have this jointer, purchased new in mid - late 90's. The design was sold by many companies back then. Very simple design. Not much to worry about with manufacturer specific parts. Switch, motor, belt, knives are all replacement with other off-the-shelf parts.

Just make sure the infeed/outfeed beds are not warped.

 

[Gen2026]

Ok, thanks. I know most of this stuff was probably purchased in the early 90s. He MAINLY wants the shopsmith I think because he lost that one years ago in a fire. I am not sure what all attachments he had, but I know he is interested in the lathe - haven't really priced any other lathes for comparisons. He doesn't need a table saw - has an antique one that belonged to his grandfather that works great. But he doesn't have a planer, jointer, or lathe. He just does his woodworking as a hobby, but he is nearing retirement age and might get more serious about it with more tools and more time............

Thank you for the input. I have sent all the info about the equipment to my husband to look at as well. I was going to surprise him with the shopsmith at first, but since he had seen it previously, I wanted to make sure he thought it was worth the price. He wasn't sure about the other prices, and the more I check, the more I think they are overpriced.

Thanks to everyone for your input! I really appreciate it. I have had a hard time finding reliable info on the machines that are that old........and I know they made things differently then than they do now and in most cases, I find the other equipment to be made better..... but that only applies if it has been well taken care of and parts are still available if needed.

Thanks again!

 

[Gen2026]

By the way, while I am asking.............which lathes do have good reviews? for the novice, hobbyist?

 

[Dave Paine]

By the way, while I am asking.............which lathes do have good reviews? for the novice, hobbyist?

Take a look through the Woodturning forum. Many threads on lathe recommendations, basics for turning, etc.

While you are looking, have your husband give some thought to whether he want to turn mostly spindle work (length longer than the diameter) or bowl work ( length = or less than diameter.

A person wanting to turn mostly spindle work is likely happy with a 12in swing lathe. Swing is the turning term for the maximum diameter of wood which can be turned on the lathe.

A person wanting to turn mostly bowl / platters is likely going to prefer a lathe with larger swing, e.g. 16in

Just be aware that the lathe is only the beginning of the expenditure for wood turning.

Also many of the turning tools are specific to spindle vs bowl work.

Example of a thread on getting started with turning.
http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f6/newbie-here-tons-questions-45977/

 

[Gen2026]

Just be aware that the lathe is only the beginning of the expenditure for wood turning.

LOL... I think I have figured it out that it is like a few of my hobbies and no end to the list of things that are "needed" or at least wanted. :icon_smile:

Thanks for your help!