Shopsmith Forums

JPG40504 wrote: If those 'two planers' consist of a jointer and a thickness planer, then that makes it even more so 'the one'.

On the other hand, if the sale somehow includes two planers, you should STILL definitely get that one. The planer is a great attachment, and one of the more expensive add-ons. If you're savvy, you could pre-factor your eventual resale price of planer #2 into your purchase estimate. Assuming both are working, etc.

But JPG's point is probably what the seller actually means.

I remember looking at a 50TH Anniversary Edition 510 a couple of years ago. I noticed the retractable wheels even when fully extended didn't touch the floor. The table would not raise or lower, PERIOD. The table nor the headstock would move in either direction at all. There was little or no rust yet every surface looked dull and discolored. They had an invoice for the motor having been rebuilt less than a year prior. There were a number of minor parts missing and the owners didn't have any knowledge of the equipment at all. I made no secret of my concern regarding what I viewed as poor condition. I offered $500 less than the the advertised price and carried it home. Please note I did not even attempt to start the motor, that is far to dangerous when condition and cleanliness are unknown. The bottom line is that although the unit was not properly assembled or maintained a few hours work and I had a bargain. I upgraded it to a 520 and managed to purchase all of the missing parts. Most of the parts I purchased were from Shopsmith. A few I tried to buy on Ebay. The Ebay purchases were mostly mistakes. All of the Shopsmith purchases on the other hand were great.

Personally I think the newer version is the better buy. You will love your new Mark V and it will open a new adventure you will never outgrow. Fjimp

Thanks for all of the tips and advice guys! I will be off this morning to look at the ShopSmiths mentioned. If the F-350 has cargo when I return I will take some pictures and post.

I can see from the short period of time I have been on this forum that there is a great deal of knowledge and experience that is willing to be shared!

Well the F-350 came back with ShopSmith cargo!

It was not exactly as described but, it usually never is. All of the major pieces were there, scattered in three different locations (storage shed, garage and house), as for minor pieces… I still have to sort that out.

The Mark V model 510 that was purchased “5-6 year ago” has a 1998 date stamp! “Hardly ever used” I believe, but stored roughly. The unit and accessories has little rust, but lots of cosmetic dings and scratches from storage. Some of the plastic pieces (looks like dust collection connections) are cracked or broken, but should be easily replaced.

He wanted $1500, I offered $1250 (I should have offered less but…) he countered with $1300 and it went into the truck!

Let me know your honest opinions, like “you paid how much for that!”

I am now the proud owner of a ShopSmith Mark V Model 510, with Band saw, Scroll saw, belt sander, jointer, shaper, and a second jointer that I have yet to recognize.

Given the SPTs its not a bad price

I think you paid an excellent price for your SS. Right off the bat you might consider selling one of the 4" jointers. I wonder why he has two. I can see that you might want to add to your saw blade collection of one right now . I would recommend buying arbors too, because it's so much more convenient when changing blades if they're on their own arbor. I see that you got some video tapes with it. Do you have a VCR ?
Other recommendations I would make is to find the SS manual and "Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone" because it is appropriate for the SS and has lots of plans for jigs to build that make woodworking safer, quicker and easier (what else are jigs for anyway?). Also, before you try to use your machine, clean, lube and align it.
I think the only way you will regret the price you paid is if you don't use it . I'm sad when I hear that someone bought a SS and never or rarely used it. Such a waste. 20 years down the road, while you're making some heirloom for your grandchildren, you will be happy that you only spent 1300.00 initially.
Congratulations and enjoy. Keep it safe and keep it running.

Outstanding deal! You have quite an arsenal of accessories there!

Here is a set of cleaning and inspections instructions from Sawdust Session # 22. And the first 12 pages of the Service Manual from Sawdust 23.

Here are the maintenance and lubrication instructions from a 1950's manual (still pretty much the same).

Maybe I'm reading your statement incorrectly, but here are the two jointers I see in your photos. Nice Jeep, by the way.

[ATTACH]12092[/ATTACH]

Did it come with manuals, self study course or Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone? I strongly recommend at least the later. Here is the on line version (all the links on the left of the page work).

Thanks for the tips guys!

Yes it did come with the instruction manuals and self study guide. I did not see Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone, but thanks for the on-line pointer.

I have no idea why there is two joiners, the original invoice shows one. One has a feather board the other is solid. I certainly do not need two.

I had the guy run it up while it was in storage just to make sure it worked. I probably will not fire it up until I go through the initial clean up and lube instruction.

I am looking forward to an interesting project.

Jeep is a 1969 with a Dauntless V6.

Yup. You did well. Actually, you should go to jail for grade theft.

You paid for the jointer, belt sander and scroll saw. The rest you stole.

It makes me sick to the stomach to think what could happen to my shop when I am no longer there to protect it. I can see someone getting the whole thing for $1000. Especially if the buyer shows up with cash in pocket.

Clean it good (inside and out) and then lubricate it. By the time you start making saw dust you will know and understand what I am saying. Shopsmith makes a marvelous, high quality machine - even with today's foreign made parts.

Your first project should be to build shelves so that you can store things somewhere besides on the hood of that Jeep.

But alas, it didn't come with any planers at all.

... which is good, because once you get all that up and running, you can still participate in some traditional upgrade-lust with the rest of us.