Newbie ?: What system to choose?

[animal157]

Thanks so much for the replies! That info certainly helps me focus my search. I'll probably buy in the next few months, so that will give me time to expand my search and wait for a good deal.

I think now I'm looking for a 510 (or 520) with at least an 85 or newer headstock, and at least the bandsaw and jointer SPTs (preferably more), all associated safety accessories, and as many other blades and accessories as is possible - all in good working order. No need for Power Pro or Power Stations at this time.

I'll take you folks up on your offer and post any listings within a couple hundred miles of St Louis to see what faults you might be able to find - including asking price.

Thanks again! I hope this Black Friday finds you all in your workshop and not out among the masses!

[beeg]

You may want to view these sawdust sessions.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt1.htm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt2.htm

Found here. http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

[joshh]

You may want to view these sawdust sessions.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt1.htm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rn_Pt2.htm

Found here. http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

I couldn't agree more!!!!!

[animal157]

Yes, joshh, I agree. Looks like a great resource to start with. Thanks, beeg!

[Bill F.]

I just a bought a used 510 in the last three months. It is a great machine. Although if I had to do it over again, I would have waited and found a unit for sale with more accessories. The intial purchase would have cost more, but in the end I may have saved on the total investment.

[2centsworth]

I just a bought a used 510 in the last three months. It is a great machine. Although if I had to do it over again, I would have waited and found a unit for sale with more accessories. The intial purchase would have cost more, but in the end I may have saved on the total investment.

No No No sir you are not thinking clearly, now you have every reason to own two SS ! Buy the next great deal and join the club with multiple units !!!

[dusty]

For someone located in one part of the country who stumbles upon a "one-time good deal" in another part of the country - would it not be neat to have a "put it on hold" provision.

For example: Bill may become interested in a second Mark V; this time a Shopsmith Mark V Model 520 being offered for sale here in Tucson but he lives in Allentown, PA. Often these sales are "for local pickup only" and Bill might not be able to make the trip in time to secure the Mark V for himself. What if someone who lives nearby the offer was available to "pick it up" for Bill and he could then make arrangements to come and get it. I would certainly be willing to do that - for Bill or for any other member of the forum who would ask. Now let's be clear - I am not offering to buy it for that member - just to be his/her pick-up agent.

What I really think would be neat would be for the forum membership to create a thread where persons that are willing to offer that "on-hold storage facility" would make themselves known.

Hmmm - maybe I have just done that.:)

Let it be known that if the offer is for a PowerPro Headstock or a Mark 7, I reserve the first option to buy.

[billmayo]

Sorry. wrong location.

[bobgroh]

A bit late to the party but thought I would chip in a few thoughts. All of these are, of course, my own opinions for what it is worth.

#1: a good workbench is not essential but is soooooo nice to have. Doesn't need to be big (in fact, depth of about 22" is a nice number) or very long (6 ft or thereabouts ). Height - depends a bit - but 32" is a nice number. It should be heavy and stable - no movement when you push or haul on it. Top a couple of inches thick, legs 4 x 4, etc, etc. Couple good books out there on subject and lots of examples.

#2: Don't forget to place your machines so you have room to feed your wood in and out! e.g. provide 8 ft or so in front and behind of your power saw so you can rip 8' long boards. In my shop(most of a 2 car garage), the 'saw' Shopsmith sits in the middle so I can angle it a bit and, with the door open, feed an 8 ft piece through.

#3: I distinctly prefer using a separate router for router work. Some very capable small trim routers out there. Buy good brand.

#4: A power miter saw is very handy and pretty inexpensive. Also a good power circular saw is very handy.

#5: Having a bandsaw - very, very handy. I have a SS bandsaw on my #2 SS - this SS is also (mostly) my lathe. I would probably put the SS Bandsaw as the #1 accessory.

#6: If you are going to build furniture (other than plywood), having a jointer is almost essential - the SS 4" jointer is a good machine but a good standalone 6" (used) doesn't cost much more and that extra 2" is nice. Going to an 8" is a big jump in price and, more importantly, usually requires 220 VAC (more HP).

I could rattle on but running out of space. Have fun!!

#6: Good hand tools - nice (and fun).