Hello,

 

This is an introduction and a request for help.  I hope this is appropriate here.  I am downsizing and have to part with my grandfather's GE Workshop (model 5kh29da3.)  I know that he bought it in Ohio in the early 1930's, it went to my Dad and then came to me.  It has many attachments and I've used some of them over the years.  

I need to sell it and don't know how to value it or where to advertise it.  I've used it a bit over the years, and it worked well.

 

Does anyone here know how to find it a good home?  Any insight is welcome!  

 

Many thanks,

Karen

Madison, WI

Hello Karen, welcome to the forum.  I never saw or heard of the GE Workshop.  Looking forward to hearing more about it from our members.  Someone here will fill us in on it.

Welcome, Karen. Can't help with the GE workshop. Before my time.

Nothing I know about. Let's summon @Larry Buskirk

I've seen info on these but never one in person.

 

Here's one that sold in Madison recently.  Does not seem to be much demand for them 
https://woamadison.hibid.com/lot/69457-57111-18857/general-electric-5kh29da3-workshop-combo/

 

You might try the vintage machinery site http://vintagemachinery.org/home.aspx

 

Here's a recent discussion here 

 

 

Edited July 20, 20205 yr by kmealy

I had not heard of them before Karen posted here (welcome to the forum!). I checked OWWM and there is several shown there in the photo index, some of them really nicely restored. But they appear to be (by today's standards) more of a crafting tool than a woodworking tool. No criticism, just an observation. But it looks like the one you have is complete, even with the manual. The key to selling it would be finding the right buyer (duh!) and you might have some luck listing it over at OWWM  Vintage Machinery.org. That would be the selling part, I have no idea how to value it. If you choose to go to OWWM   Vintage Machinery DO NOT ask them for a price or how to value it. The fellow who owns the site is a little hard nosed about a few things, and that's one of them.

Hi Karen, and welcome to The Patriot Woodworker. 

 

As others have stated there doesn't seem to be much of a demand for the G.E. Workshop.

The last one I saw on the OWWM classified listings (BOYD) was I believe listed at $25.00.

It was not as complete as yours, I'm not sure if it sold or not.

Unfortunately they are considered more of a novelty due to the small work capacity.

 

I live next door to an Antique Mall, and if you would like could try displaying it there for sale.

I'm located in Bristol, WI. (Kenosha County) 

It even has a scroll saw attachment so I will take it.  But it has too many other things I would get lost and thats my problem now..

  Some museum might want to buy it for I know there are not too many left and especially all those little pieces that tend to go out in the trash from time to time...

 

At least hang on till you are offered a bunch. Check with GE

There is lots of info on them but are mostly called toys or hobby machines. Back then there was not that much machinery in the home shop but mostly hand tools.

 

Found these references: This one looks like the one Keith posted http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=6806

 

Here is one that sold for an amazing $80 https://offerup.com/item/detail/189040408/

 

Then there is the discussion on Fine Woodworking https://www.finewoodworking.com/forum/ge-tool-workshop-pre-wwii

Thanks to all who welcomed me and offered thoughts and links about the GE Workshop.  I am not sure what I'm going to do about it...but I appreciate the thoughtful replies!  (Maybe I'll keep it for a while yet...if I can only figure out how to shoehorn it into the new basement! Hmmmm.)

Karen (KRG)

3 hours ago, krg said:

I am not sure what I'm going to do about it.

Considering its history keep it for the time being.  

Welcome Karen. Sorry I don’t know anything about that machine.