Shopsmith Forums

What would be the best value for the money for a used shopsmith? Price range around 1000.00. I am thinking minimum of 50th anniversary model for common upgrades made throughout years.

I want at minumum, 2 bearing quill, larger hp power head. (1 1/4 hp I think). Any comments welcome.

Also, need band saw,jigsaw, etc. upgrades but can do that later as funds allow.

Thanks,
David
Edit:Also,have a shot at a local 1983 model, according to serial#, for 325.00,would this be an OK deal?

creekrunner wrote:Also,have a shot at a local 1983 model, according to serial#, for 325.00,would this be an OK deal?

That sounds good but condition is important...

Searching......
CraigsList and eBay perhaps local deals type news paper if they have one in your area.
On eBay you seldom find them close by but it can't hurt to look.
Shipping is a deal killer if it's beyond local pick up range.

Then it comes down to finding something.... that's a real craps shoot.

Here's a Checklist for when you look one over.

I'd probably not be as particular about things like Anniversary Addition & 2 bearing quill, etc.

Here's why. First, I'm cheap. Okay, I got that out of the way, now here's some other reasons. I've bought, refurbished & re-sold dozens of older Mk5's. Many, probably most, were "greenies" with the 3/4 hp motor & single bearing quill. I've also personally put in a lot of woodworking hours on greenies as well. To their credit, none of them had enough run out for me to justify spending up for the 2 bearing quill setup. Oh, I know there are guys who will measure it & discuss what's acceptable & what's not, but I measure mine by whether it does a good job on my woodworking projects...and they always do.

Many of the machines I've used also had the older 3/4hp motors. I've tested many of them & the ones I've tested spec out at just about what the later
1 1/8hp ones do. And I've ripped 1 1/2" oak with them without stalling out. I've been happy with the power. (It does pay to set up the machine properly to get good results)

One of my machines is a 510, and while the table setup is bigger, (& certainly looks more impressive) I'm not convinced that it works any better. I actually prefer my older machine in drill press & horizontal drill mode to the 510.

The other reason to consider older cheaper machines is that it allows you to have more money for accessories. I personally wouldn't spend for a jigsaw, but I think the 2 essential accessories are the bandsaw & jointer.

As to price, while that will, no doubt, vary somewhat by location, the most I've ever paid for a SS was $400 (twice). Both were 510's with 2 bearing quills. One came with a bandsaw, ringmaster, belt sander, and a ton of small stuff, and the other came with a bandsaw and about $300 worth of top shelf lathe chisels.

I say this not to brag, but to let you know that there are deals to be had if you 're patient. Also, I've gotten really good deals from Craigslist by running my own "wanted, used Shopsmith...age/condition not as important as reasonable price" ad. This sometimes turns up people who aren't predisposed about price. they haven't given it much thought.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth. I'm gonna bet there will be lots of disagreement with me, but you wanted input & that's mine.

Plenty of deals to be found. Recently witnessed (and assisted ) a very nice score at an estate sale. A 510 with virtually the entire SS catalog for ummmm... $1,100. Yep. So take your time looking and good luck!

Some off this lot included...
Extension tables, chucks, chisels, disc of various sorts but now onto the good stuff.

Seperate power station
Bandsaw
4 in Jointer
Pro-planer
Strip sander
SS Vac
Scroll saw station
Lathe duplicator

I'm not used to spending a lot of money, but I think I'd have jumped at that deal, too. I've added to my shop a bit at a time, but if you want it all, that was the ticket.

I agree with both of trainguytom's last posts.

I agree with the statement on the greenies. I've had mine for years. Did woodworking and metal on it. I added a second bearing but as far as a woodworking tool it's just fine. I've built furniture on it that has gone to competitions and done just fine. To keep things in perspective much has been accomplished in woodworking with much less than a Shopsmith. The real fun begins once you understand the machine enough to start making your own parts for it. Now that's where the real fun begins.

A little more on that estate sale. Run by some estate selling company. Everything was way over valued and the only stuff fair market value priced was the SS and related.

BUT... it was funny how it all went down, beautifully played, given the moment and situation. I was encouraging a young gent to get it but understandably was glossy eyed as he didn't know anything about SS. I'll admit being fortunate to have my guilty stash of SS loved machines so it really wasn't high on my list to get this. But as I bundled everything, where at first all was sorted as seperate piece pricing, I prodded this guy telling him if he doesn't move on it, I will. Told him he would regret it if he didn't get it and of the excellent online support... etc. So I was very glad for a newbie like this to score. We exchanged info, told him of the forum and I hope to see him here online. Everything looked near new. Nooks and crannies of stuff. Seriously, just about every jig, gizmo there is in the catalogs.

On the downside, when I sometimes see these machines passed on or forgotten, I think of whoever might have owned and cherished it. It could be my stuff someday dumped away! Not trying to be sentimental but the Shopsmith user and community is quite unique and enjoyable. I'm always encouraging others about them. Cheers

I find that on forums most folks tell of good deals they find, and encourage us that we can too. Unfortunately, they seem to elude me. I am willing to pay a fair price though. I am one who found a Mark 5, 520 with 2 SPT's for $1000. I did not try to talk the man down, and felt it was a bit better than fair.

I am glad I have the 520 table and glad I turned away from a Mark 5 500 with 2 SPT's for I think $500. I follow this forum a lot, am a novice, and so many things guys here talk about apply to the 520 table. I think with your budget, I'd focus on that.

Thanks for response guys.

I called the guy and he said everything worked and it had the manuals and hand tools etc. that came with it. However, he did not sound very enthuiastic about selling the machine... like he inherited it and just wanted it out of his way or something. I may go look at it since it's local but doubtful if I'll do the deal.

Just have an uneasy feeling after talking to the guy. And it's not exactly what I had in mind as far as age of machine and so forth.