Which way to go?

[Ed in Tampa]

I have owned the 500, 510 and now the 520.
I loved my 500. I hated the 510 and I now am happy with my 520.

If I were doing it I would go 500 or 520 and I would never purchase a 510 unless I was going to upgrade it immediately.

I bought the 510 and later 520 because I was sold on the idea of bigger tables to break down sheet stock but since then I have learned far better ways to break down sheet stock. And now that I'm older these learned methods make even more sense.

In my case if I was starting out I would buy a 500 and if I wanted to cut sheet stock (plywood) I would use a guided tool system which is a circular saw with a special base that locks onto and slide along a special guide track.

As for the SPT machines I would make sure I needed them. Then considering space requirements I would compare prices of them with similar standalone machines.

Take the bandsaw for example the cost of the new SS bandsaw is fairly close to the price of a new standalone machine of similar capabilities. This is more or less true with new or used equip. So the tie breaker is do you have the space for standalone? Remember you have to have space to store the SPT's also.

[damagi]

I may be able to arrange something like that.
I think I told you in an email that my budget (if you ask my wife) is $250. But could be stretched up to around $350-400 if I to attachments that replaced tools that I already have.

Ideally I've been on the lookout for a 510 and bandsaw (jointer and sanders would be wonderful too)
From what ive see I think that may be a bit out of reach.

What did you have in mind if I made the trek up there?

Check your email - I have a really nice 510 with the standard stuff that's a little more than what you are looking to spend, but we can get creative if you have something non-cash to trade

[WmZiggy]

I own two 500's - a '78' and '82'. I have a jointer, planer, and biscuit cutter as support tools. I have never felt the need to upgrade my basic SS, except with a dust port for the jointer. I would go with the 500 and SPT then upgrade the SS model if you feel the need. Now that said, I also own a table, and radial arm saws so table size is not a big issue for me. I love having two 500's which I mostly use mostly for cutting dados, moldings, some shaping (I also have a stand alone shaper), drill press work, biscuit cutting.

[forrestb]

Check out damagi's offer first. If not feasible go with the 500 and jointer if you want to start woodworking right now. That's how I started many years ago and di upgrades as budget allowed.

I agree with Ed that I would skip the 510 and go to the 520 when you can afford upgrades.

Forrest

[phillsam]

[quote="damagi"]Check your email - I have a really nice 510 with the standard stuff that's a little more than what you are looking to spend, but we can get creative if you have something non-cash to trade ]


Damagi, thanks for the offer. I just may take you up on it.

I likely wont be able to travel very far for a bit tho.
My wife is due with our son in about a week so i have a pretty short leash.

Looks like I'll keep browsing the ads and trying to learn more about this crazy tool.

[texomawood]

Having had both a older 500 with the small tables and now a new 520 with large tables and the floating tables I'd definitely go that way. I think the 510 will give you the large table and then you can add tools as you go.

[mikelst]

Knowing what I do now I would go for the larger tables (510).
Just my opinion. But spt's are easier to find than the 510-520 's

[phillsam]

Well, I just may have an update for you guys.

I had almost paused my search for a shopsmith as my son's due date is this saturday.

But he is not here yet and I happened upon what I think is a great deal. I am scheduled to go take a look and possibly buy this afternoon/evening.

The owner has been a great guy to chat with over email and extremely nice. He also seems to know a lot about the shopsmith and even warned me that no matter whose shopsmith i buy be sure the owner knows about maintenance and that the speed changer cannot be turned while off, which gives me confidence about the machines upkeep and treatment.
He admits to his not being the most prestine but says he maintained it to keep it in perfect working order.

Here is what will be included:
(i will attach pics but not all is shown)
Shopsmith (510 with all tables and telescoping legs)
-Standard attachments and accessories (minus the drive spur for the lathe -does that cost much? & no brad point bits for drill press)
-Drum Sander
-Shaper Mandrel w/ stile & rail bit set
-Router attachment and bits
-Bandsaw with 4 different blade sizes
-Jointer (the newer model w/ featherboard guard - has some surface rust but zero pitting and knives are in great shape)
-Set of 12 forstner bits

He has agreed to my offer of $400.

I plan on buying a universal 5/8" arbor adapter so i can use my current saw blades (freud blades and dado sets) --- Where is the most inexpensive place to purchase those/ anyone have an extra laying around?
Maybe even the spur for the lathe?

Also, I have to share this story, as I think you will all appreciate it.

The seller is older now but when his wife was pregnant with their first child (they didnt know if it was a boy or girl) he had just been bit with the woodworking bug. His wife gave him the honor of naming his son/daughter.
The two names he chose??? ASH (boy) & KOA (girl)

It doesnt stop there, what should any self-respecting, expecting woodworker dad do?
He made a cradle for the soon to be baby. (but because he didnt know the gender he made TWO, one from Ash and one from Koa wood) This guy is awesome right?! They had a baby girl and the koa cradle was put to use, the ash one was stored.

And now he is offering me the Ash cradle he made years ago, out of excitement for our baby boy!

[beeg]

You KNOW that half way to getting it loaded. The wife will HAVE to go to the hospital.

[terrydowning]

All of that for $400?? Get it!
Great Deal!
5/8" arbor from the mothership part no 555608 $31.99
Also from shopsmith
505715 MARK V Lathe Drive Center ... $29.99 (see my PM)