Shaper barn find

[7milesup]

I should put this in the vintage machinery section but meh, I will put it here.
The F-I-L of one of my good friends has a huge pole shed absolutely packed with crap a collection of you-name-it. My friend had told me that there was a metal working machine in the shed, so we ran over there today to check it out.
It is a John Steptoe Shaper. 14" from what it says. Used to run off of flat belts, well, actually the LAST time it ran it appears it was running by flat belts, just to give you an idea of how long it has been sitting there. I was sort of hoping that it was going to be a little smaller one, like an Atlas or something, but this is very interesting nonetheless. I could move the "table" with the ratcheting hand wheel.
By looking at the pictures, do you guys see anything missing on it. He is thinking about sending it to auction, but wanted to know if I was interested.

He also has a Cochrane Bly #2 filer. Also ran by flat belts. He said that he swiped a part off of it for his wife to hang one of her plants on... Not sure what part that is.

Of note also, he has at least a dozen canisters of 3" Naval dummy training shells. They look like they are made out of mahogany, or similar. One of the coolest things I have seen, especially since I just got done reading "The Last of the Tin Can Sailors". I wish I took some pictures of those. He told me I could have one for $60. They come in a white container that has a 1/8th turn end cap and then you slide the "shell" out of it.

 

[Aukai]

That stuff is in amazing condition for just being left out in the barn.

 

[FOMOGO]

That's really a nice size. The Atlas's are on the small side for a lot of work. I would grab both of them in a heartbeat. Looks like the shaper would be relatively easy to convert to electric, and it's just such a cool piece of history. Any idea how much he wants? Cheers, Mike

 

[7milesup]

I don't have any idea what he wants. If my friend had his way, he would give them to me. I will be talking to the guy within the next few days. He also has some rough sawn oak that I am going to buy and I really do want to figure out how much he wants for them.

Edit: If anyone sees something missing on that shaper I would like to know. Hate to get it home and find out the all important widget is missing and making a new one would be challenging.

 

[silence dogood]

Check to see if he has the vise that went with the shaper hidden somewhere. I did not see one in the pictures. You don't have to have it, but it sure would be nice.

 

[Superburban]

I do not know how it compares, or how prices are in your area, but I paid 300 for my steptoe shaper several years ago, with a variable speed drive, and in working condition.

John Steptoe Shaper Co, 14" shaper

I adopted this shaper a few weeks back. It has seen a well pampered life. I hope I look half as good when I'm 111 years old. Since they only used the name "The john Steptoe Shaper co", from 1903 to 1917. From Vintage Machinery. (Steptoe, McFarlan & Co. was founded in 1860 as a partnership...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[francist]

I’m not seeing the lantern tool holder holder nor the foot to support the front of the table. Neither would be hard to come up with replacements. I’m not even sure that there was a foot but I see the milled front edge of the bed where it would run so I’m basing it on that. And, of course, no vise either endless it’s still lurking in the barn somewhere but again not an insurmountable deficiency.

 

[davidpbest]

I prefer things that go around in a circle instead of back and forth. DVD’s versus Betamax for example. Widebelt sanders versus stroke sanders (woodworking). Parting versus hacksaw. Ask yourself if this planer is attractive because: 1) emotional/nostalgic reasons, or 2) it’s a bargain (potentially), or 3) everybody else is doing it, 4) my hero (Abomb79) has one so it must be good, or 5) I can identify how this would be more helpful in the shop than a (pick your poison) TIG, surface grinder, blast cabinet, Biax scraper, lunch with Stefan.

 

[davidpbest]

I’m not seeing the lantern tool holder holder nor the foot to support the front of the table. Neither would be hard to come up with replacements. I’m not even sure that there was a foot but I see the milled front edge of the bed where it would run so I’m basing it on that. And, of course, no vise either endless it’s still lurking in the barn somewhere but again not an insurmountable deficiency.

“Lantern toolholder”? Seriously?

 

[7milesup]

I prefer things that go around in a circle instead of back and forth. DVD’s versus Betamax for example. Widebelt sanders versus stroke sanders (woodworking). Parting versus hacksaw. Ask yourself if this planer is attractive because: 1) emotional/nostalgic reasons, or 2) it’s a bargain (potentially), or 3) everybody else is doing it, 4) my hero (Abomb79) has one so it must be good, or 5) I can identify how this would be more helpful in the shop than a (pick your poison) TIG, surface grinder, blast cabinet, Biax scraper, lunch with Stefan.

It is mostly of interest because I don't want it to end up in a scrap heap. Maybe not a great reason, but nevertheless, a reason. I know the gentleman well enough to believe that it may end up outside or in the scrap heap. He is clearing the barn out (it is actually a pole shed) to make way for a cemented floor so his wife can have a pickle ball court.
Not sure if I am going to take it or not. Leaning towards not. Don't really want to take up more room in my shop.