stupid new guy question

[kezar]

Here it goes... if I bought a Shopsmith that was manufactured in about 1986, would any shopsmith attachments fit the machine, or is there a range of years that will fit? Thanks in advance for the help and advice!

[Ed in Tampa]

Here it goes... if I bought a Shopsmith that was manufactured in about 1986, would any shopsmith attachments fit the machine, or is there a range of years that will fit? Thanks in advance for the help and advice!

My Shopsmith is about the same age. All current attachments work perfectly with it.
Ed

[dickg1]

Kezar,

If it's a Shopsmith 500 and the series following, you will have difficulty finding an accessory that will NOT fit. The Shopsmith 500 is THE most upgradeable woodworking machine concieved by man. The earliest model 500's can be upgraded to the latest 520 - and, the accessories built for the early ones will work with the latest version.

And, if you decide to buy, you will find this forum a great starting place to learn about the exceptional capabilities of the Shopsmith. Welcome!

Dickg1

[dusty]

Welcome to the family.

Be careful. What has been said is all correct but may be a bit misleading. If it is a Mark V 500, some 510 and 520 attachments may not work unless you upgrade the table system.

Once the 500 is upgraded then there is little if anything to hold you back. You could end up with a full blown Mark V 520.

Once again, welcome.

[Greenvilleguy]

I have a 1954 Mark V. I've upgraded through the years to a 520 and yes, all of the accessories coded 520 do fit.

[a1gutterman]

kezar,

Stupid questions are welcome here, or, put in a differant way, there are no stupid questions!

[paulmcohen]

Here it goes... if I bought a Shopsmith that was manufactured in about 1986, would any shopsmith attachments fit the machine, or is there a range of years that will fit? Thanks in advance for the help and advice!

That machine would be newer than what I originally purchased, today I have upgraded it to 520 with rip scale, have several special purpose tools and accessories and everything fits. In full disclosure there are some disadvantages to an older 500 compared to a newer 510/520. The Quill is most likely one bearing, (I upgraded to two). Sometimes when you upgrade you end up with extra parts, the switch is older and does not have an integrated lock but overall these are very minor compared to the joy of owning a Shopsmith.

[kezar]

Thanks for help, the machine is a MarkV, so I think based on what you guys say, I should be pretty well set for accessories. If all goes well, I will look at the machine tonight and pick it up tomorrow. My wife and I are just finishing a log home, and I have always wanted a shopsmith, and I figured that this will be a great reason to give one a shot. Im glad to have found this forum, and Im sure I will be back with more new guy questions....

[ryanbp01]

You can also check on the website to find out when your machine was built if you want to. All you need to do is put in the serial number.

BPR

[cincinnati]

In ShopSmith years 1986 would be considered a new unit. You will find ShopSmith goes out of it's way to make sure you can fit something new to an old unit. I know of no other company that does this.