What to look for in a used Mark V?

[osx-addict]

hi all.. I'm a newbie here.. I've currently got a full-sized table saw (Delta), Jet 6" Jointer and was in the market for a band-saw.. My big issue is space of course (in the garage), so the interest in the SS was sparked when I saw someone selling one with a bandsaw feature (in the hopes that I can ditch the Jet/Delta to regain some space). I'm in the Los Angeles area and I've got quite a few machines to choose from that are being sold locally -- some close to new prices, some only a few hundred $$.. At this point, I'm discounting the 10ER's, the Mark VII's and trying to shoot for a Mark V, model 510 if possible.. However, most being sold appear to be model 500's in varying conditions with varying add-ons (only a few seem to have the bandsaw feature).. Is there some set of things I should look out for when buying one of these machines? I gather I should try running it to make sure the headstock works, no odd vibrations or squeals,etc.. Anything else? Most systems being sold are going for about $500.. Not sure if that's a reasonable price -- but it appears to be I guess.. I'd like to get one for a bit cheaper (funds are tight currently).. Anyway, if you've got some suggestions, I'd love to hear it..

Also -- I read on another site that in some cases the table top can sag a bit (causing cuts to be a little off) when heavy items are being worked on -- is this normal? I only read it from a single person -- perhaps it was just something with that persons setup..?

Thx!

[paulmcohen]

Also -- I read on another site that in some cases the table top can sag a bit (causing cuts to be a little off) when heavy items are being worked on -- is this normal? I only read it from a single person -- perhaps it was just something with that persons setup..?

Thx!

Most negative comments about Shopsmith tables go back to the 500, I will not comment on if the operator error was to blame. The 510/520 have larger tables and more supports that can be optionally used. People (including me) have cut 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood successfully, though Nick and others (including me) don't recommend doing it. Unless you have a support system as large as Norm's you will need help in any case with whatever saw you use.

People have successfully used the 500 for 50+ years but I don't know anyone with a 520 who is unhappy they got it or upgraded to it. This is one reason you rarely see a 520 for sale and when you do it is very expensive relative to a 500. My 520 was a new 500 upgraded.

P.S. Some people here have been frustrated trying to get their MAC to support all the features Shopsmith Website has to offer and others have been very successful and no one has figured out the differences. While I loved my MAC I am using Windows to access the Shopsmith site.

[osx-addict]

Thanks Paul..

I'll admit that the vast majority of what I've read is very positive.. I also realize that it's nothing more than a piece of machinery and that nothing's perfect.. However, if it can greatly reduce the floorspace I need for a bunch of tools and it works equally well compared to these other standalone tools, then I'm fine with that! Anyway, I'd still like to jump on a 510 model if I can find one, but it's a money issue at this point...

-- Rick

[qtndas01]

I have had my Shopsmith for over twenty years and have upgraded to the 510 which is worth the extra money. I have been satisfied with mine SS but I also have another table saw if needed. IMHO, if you are making large projects or furniture you are better off with the 6" jointer and the Delta table saw you already have in case you were thinking of selling them. For larger furnitue you are better off with a 14" Bandsaw. The 11" Shopsmith size can be limiting. If you are making normal size projects the SS is great. When jointing long boards for tabletops there are times I wish I had a larger jointer table size.

[8iowa]

Rick:

There are a lot of model 500's still being used successfully. This is the original small space workshop and in that capacity it still excells. I cannot understand the logic of those who knock the Shopsmith, and then clutter up their small space with heavy tools that they have to shove around. It seems to me that changing the modes in a Shopsmith is much easier.

When you shop for a used Shopsmith also look to see if you can pick up a couple of special project tools as well, such as a bandsaw and jointer. You will also want the manual and original accessories; chuck, lathe equipment, disk sander, upper and lower saw guards, coupler for SPT's, brad point drills. When you find a machine that is still complete with all the accessories it is a sign that the owner kept the machine in good order.

Whatever model Shopsmith you purchase you will find that you have a unique level of factory support and educational opportunities.

[pinkiewerewolf]

Hi OSX, & welcome to the forum.
I recently bought a 1950's model Mark V and there are things to look for when buying a used SS.
Run the speed dial through all the speeds, but also extend the quill. I missed that one and after taking out the quill and the spring that puts tension on it, I have found that I need to replace the spring. Minor, still something to check and it only takes a couple of seconds.
Have fun looking!

[a1gutterman]

hi all.. I'm a newbie here.. I've currently got a full-sized table saw (Delta), Jet 6" Jointer and was in the market for a band-saw.. My big issue is space of course (in the garage), so the interest in the SS was sparked when I saw someone selling one with a bandsaw feature (in the hopes that I can ditch the Jet/Delta to regain some space). I'm in the Los Angeles area and I've got quite a few machines to choose from that are being sold locally -- some close to new prices, some only a few hundred $$.. At this point, I'm discounting the 10ER's, the Mark VII's and trying to shoot for a Mark V, model 510 if possible.. However, most being sold appear to be model 500's in varying conditions with varying add-ons (only a few seem to have the bandsaw feature).. Is there some set of things I should look out for when buying one of these machines? I gather I should try running it to make sure the headstock works, no odd vibrations or squeals,etc.. Anything else? Most systems being sold are going for about $500.. Not sure if that's a reasonable price -- but it appears to be I guess.. I'd like to get one for a bit cheaper (funds are tight currently).. Anyway, if you've got some suggestions, I'd love to hear it..

Also -- I read on another site that in some cases the table top can sag a bit (causing cuts to be a little off) when heavy items are being worked on -- is this normal? I only read it from a single person -- perhaps it was just something with that persons setup..?

Thx!

Welcome osx-addict,

I thought that you might entertain another opinion, so I will address your concerns one at a time:

If what you really need is more machine in less space, by all means, replace what you have with a SS Mark V and any needed SPT's (Special Purpose Tools, such as a jointer or band saw). It will do a great job for most any project that you will want to make. I used mine to remodel my house. Cutting full sheets of ply, etc., can be a challenge, but definitely is doable. The SS will do some things that stand-alones just can not do. Spend some time looking through this forum and watch the Sawdust Session video's!

I think that you are wise in the decision to stick with a Mark V. If you were buying new, I would suggest the model 520, but the 510 is just as good, and easier to find used. Both the 500 and 510 are upgradeable.

The bandsaw is not a "feature" as you make it sound; it is an SPT that you add to the Mark V. Even if the one that you buy does not include a BS, you can add one any time you want. If you can get a model 500 for a good price, and buy an upgrade kit for it, that would be okay. If you can buy a 510 for less $ then a 500 plus upgrade kit, that is even better.

If you turn it on and it seems to run normal (go ahead and give it a spin, so to speak, and do run it through it's speed cycles), there is nothing wrong with it that you could not fix economically. If there is no rust on it, it probably was well taken care of.

I have heard of units going for less then $100, and many buyers are thrilled with paying $300, but IMHO $500 is a good price, especially if it comes with one or more SPT's.

As for the sagging table; If you have the proper set-up (and all pieces required for a proper set-up can be acquired if yours is missing something), there will be no sag. If you take short-cuts, you can create a sag.

[osx-addict]

Thanks everyone for the great comments & suggestions! I've found someone locally that is selling what appears to be a full-up model 510 (with very light use) with all the bell's-n-whistles for $1500.. It's got the jointer, bandsaw, large table support, 6" lathe face plate (and associated lathe items), 2 saw arbors, finger clamping mitre, upper/lower guards, disc sander, biscuit joiner, tool chest,etc... It seems like a good price for that setup, but the timing is poor for me in terms of having funds to get a setup that large.. Anyway, it gives me an idea of what to look for in the future for a machine that well equipped for the cost..

-- Rick

[pinkiewerewolf]

OSX, that is alot of machine even if $1500 seems steep now, it won't soon after you make the purchase. I will be piecing my Mark V together and it will come to well above that mark to get all those features.
I'd jump on it and sell the other units to make up some of the $.
Like always, just my opinion, but I got excited just reading about it.

[a1gutterman]

Hi Rick,
Pinkie is quite right! If you can, you should.......BUY IT! But, if you can't, save your money, maybe sell off what you have got now, and keep your eyes open. Another one will come along, maybe a better deal, maybe not.