Dating A South Bend Shaper

[CluelessNewB]

I found some info on dating SB lathes but not much about shapers.

My shaper has the following numbers that I can find:

956S1 and D131

 

[righto88]

Nice paint job. How are you using it?

 

[Charley Davidson]

I bet there is a "South Bend Dating site" somewhere on line, I do love my tools/machinery but I draw the line at dating them but to each his own.:lmao::rofl:

 

[CluelessNewB]

Nice paint job. How are you using it?

The only thing I painted was the stand, motor and the switch, all the other paint is how I got it, I suspect it may not be original. Using it? Just playing for now.

I bet there is a "South Bend Dating site" somewhere on line, I do love my tools/machinery but I draw the line at dating them but to each his own.

My wife would rather me be hanging out in the shop than hanging out in the bars! :thumbsup:

Other Pictures:

 

[OldMachinist]

The very early South Bend shapers(1949-mid 50's) didn't have serial numbers. These early machines required the operator to lubricate the ram.
Later machines(mid 50's) up had a serial number and pressurized lubrication system. The 4th and 5th digit of these serial numbers were the year manufactured. An example would be serial number SH7623 it would have been made in 1962.
There was also a change in the design of the front foot casting in the early 50's to make it wider.

 

[Charley Davidson]

Dude that machine is awesome:worship::man:

 

[OldMachinist]

Look around this location for the serial number. It may be covered in paint.

 

[CluelessNewB]

Thank you OldMachinist I found the number in the location you show.


SH-1632-7S8C

 

[Ray C]

You guys suck. I want a shaper.

Ray

 

[Steve M]

Do those South Bends go all the way on the first date? Never met anyone who dated them.




Sorry I couldn't resist.