Shopsmith Forums

I am considering the purchase of a 520 and am hoping to get some opinions on pricing. The system includes a jointer, band saw, dust collector, power station, work light, and lots of other little extras. As far as I can tell, the machine has seen virtually no use. There was a very light trace of saw dust on the inside of the band saw, which was set up on the power station, but nothing to be seen on the main system (I looked carefully). The table saw fence system was never even completely installed. The other components listed are in the original boxes and were never set up. The system is from the year 2000. What is a fair price to offer?

I will greatly appreciate any advice.

Price is a interesting thing what is a good deal usually means the buyer and seller are happy. A great deal is when the buyer is really happy and the seller wants to get rid of something. So prices vary depending on location. Here in Texas we seem to get great deals all the time. I bought a very little used 520 with jointer and a good number of accessories for $500 bucks. Add your accessories and it could be worth $800 to $1000 maybe more. People ask $3,000 for what you have listed so it all depends. If you have checked it out and are happy make a good deal.

daigo wrote:I am considering the purchase of a 520 and am hoping to get some opinions on pricing. The system includes a jointer, band saw, dust collector, power station, work light, and lots of other little extras. As far as I can tell, the machine has seen virtually no use. There was a very light trace of saw dust on the inside of the band saw, which was set up on the power station, but nothing to be seen on the main system (I looked carefully). The table saw fence system was never even completely installed. The other components listed are in the original boxes and were never set up. The system is from the year 2000. What is a fair price to offer?

I will greatly appreciate any advice.

This is a very difficult question to answer because "the fair price" is an opinion in the minds of the individuals giving it.

What you describe is a set of machines that are "like new" and "hardly ever used". If this is a valid description, the new price would be a good starting point. I do not know that number but this catalog will give you the current price if you was to order from Shopsmith today.

If I was in the market, my initial offer would be no more than 50% of new. Depending on condition, I might go up from there. How much - decision time.

Ball park number - $2000.

If I was in the market for a SS, I would offer $1,500 for what you have listed.

Thank for the responses so far. The price of all components new would be in excess of $6,000. I'm in a "make an offer" situation competing with other interested parties. I was thinking $3,000, but, since this opportunity came up suddenly, I haven't had much time to research used Shopsmith prices. From the limited research I've done, I haven't come across other ten-year-old, unused systems to help determine pricing. This is difficult for me, since I usually like to perform lengthy research when making this type of purchase. I appreciate your patient assistance in this matter.

daigo wrote:Thank for the responses so far. The price of all components new would be in excess of $6,000. I'm in a "make an offer" situation competing with other interested parties. I was thinking $3,000, but, since this opportunity came up suddenly, I haven't had much time to research used Shopsmith prices. From the limited research I've done, I haven't come across other ten-year-old, unused systems to help determine pricing. This is difficult for me, since I usually like to perform lengthy research when making this type of purchase. I appreciate your patient assistance in this matter.

Others will likely disagree but it is my opinion that a new out of the box Mark V and/or its associated support equipment (band saw, jointer, etc) are as good 10 years after they were manufactured as they were the day they were new. The design has changed very little. A Mark V, Model 520 was the latest and greatest until Shopsmith released the Mark 7.

I just acquired a 2006 Mark 520, very clean, ran smoothly thru the speed range, tiny bit of rust in a couple spots on the way tubes. 4 saw blades, sanding disc, no SPT's. Originally asked $1500 on Craiglist, dropped to $1200 a month and 1/2 later. I was tickled to ask and get it for a $1000.

Just the upgrade table system from a 500 to 520 is $1400 from SS. Priced individual pieces on Ebay, would have been around $900.

If the one you're looking at is as advertised, with all the extra's, I think $1500 would be a steal. But $3000 is a bit much, you can come out much cheaper with some patience.

BTW, where do you live? If near a large metro area, more to choose from.
I had to drive to Florida from Atlanta to get my first MV500 with it's 4 SPT's and lots of accessories for $900. Always lots of retirees selling SS's down there if you're willing to drive. Now, my 520....I drove 5 miles!

Patience, patience, patience...

daigo wrote:Thank for the responses so far. The price of all components new would be in excess of $6,000. I'm in a "make an offer" situation competing with other interested parties. I was thinking $3,000, but, since this opportunity came up suddenly, I haven't had much time to research used Shopsmith prices. From the limited research I've done, I haven't come across other ten-year-old, unused systems to help determine pricing. This is difficult for me, since I usually like to perform lengthy research when making this type of purchase. I appreciate your patient assistance in this matter.

The beauty of a Shopsmith is that it is so well built that a 30 year old machine is just about as good as a new one if properly maintained. Therefore, you could pick up a 30 year old unit with all the attachments you listed for less than $1,000 that would provide you with the same service as a almost new one. There are several 520's listed on Craigslist for $1,500 or less almost any day if you are willing to drive a bit.

fredsheldon wrote:The beauty of a Shopsmith is that it is so well built that a 30 year old machine is just about as good as a new one if properly maintained. Therefore, you could pick up a 30 year old unit with all the attachments you listed for less than $1,000 that would provide you with the same service as a almost new one. There are several 520's listed on Craigslist for $1,500 or less almost any day if you are willing to drive a bit.

And at $3.40/gal for fuel, just how far are you willing to drive before you start counting that as part of the cost to own that steal you are going after. If I drive 250 miles (round trip) in something that will bring back that steal I will have upped the cost to me by about $60.

There was a day when I would just caulk that up to a "nice drive" but these days I have to count it.