Fix and Improve My Wood Shop Equipment

UPDATE: Thank you all for helping me achieve my goal. The parts have been ordered and I'm eagerly awaiting being able to install them. Your support means so much to me. Words just can't come close to explaining how grateful I am to everyone. I am truly a blessed man. Thank you again.

Hello. My name is Donald Matthews. In 2005, my liver failed and made things where I was unable to continue working. I've been on disability since 2008. Thus I'm on a fixed income, and money is tight. The disability keeps a roof over my head and the lights on, but that's about it. I make extra money doing woodwork.

I turn pens, make decorations and gifts, such as keepsake boxes for customers who order them and sell. My Shopsmith is my main tool for doing these things to bring in a few extra bucks to make ends meet. The Shopsmith was inherited and has become a valuable asset in my life. But, the machine is nearly 40 years old, and parts are wearing out.

I've tried to keep up with maintenance and replace parts when needed. But money isn't always available to do so. Now, these needed repairs are beginning to add up and creating some safety issues and making it impossible to use for certain tasks. I need to get these problems fixed, or I will be unable to make the extra funds that help me through the month.

If I can get the parts, I can replace them myself. But I cannot come up with the money to get the parts. And that is why I am here asking for your help. I've also added a couple of things in the goal that is as much wanted as they are needed. A bandsaw attachment that will allow me to round bowl blanks and make them safer to turn and mill wood to enable me to add to things I'm able to make. Also, a lathe chuck with pin jaws. Again, to make turning certain smaller items safer and allow me to do more.

That's it. That's my story and why I'm here asking for your help. Thank you for your help if you decide to donate. And thank you for taking the time to read my story, even if you choose not to donate. I am grateful.