Opinions

joe_cool · Post by **joe_cool** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:13 pm

I currently have a 500 with a Jointer and a Bandsaw. I have been contemplating the idea of upgrading the 500 to a 520.

The Headstock is in bad need of a tune up I live in Virginia, in Hampton roads area.

I have thought about buying the table upgrade to the 520 and having the headstock rebuild by Jacob's Repair Shop in Virgina Beach.

Should I go this route or should I just buy a 520 that in near buy that the seller is asking $1100 this 520 doesn't have any spt

Or there is a 510 with a BandSaw and Jointer for $800

any thoughts?

algale · Post by **algale** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:20 pm

joe_cool wrote:I currently have a 500 with a Jointer and a Bandsaw. I have been contemplating the idea of upgrading the 500 to a 520.

The Headstock is in bad need of a tune up I live in Virginia, in Hampton roads area.

I have thought about buying the table upgrade to the 520 and having the headstock rebuild by Jacob's Repair Shop in Virgina Beach.

Should I go this route or should I just buy a 520 that in near buy that the seller is asking $1100 this 520 doesn't have any spt

Or there is a 510 with a BandSaw and Jointer for $800

any thoughts?

The upgrade for a 500 to a 520 costs more than that near-by 520. If the headstock on that one is good, assuming all is in reasonably good shape, that's the route I'd go.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:43 pm

I'd check out that nearby 520 and see what kind of shape it is in, how complete it is (missing chucks, lathe items, sanding discs etc.) and what kind of shape the headstock is in (not only run it throughout the speed range but also ask seller about what maintenance has occurred (if any) and how often). Based on all of that, I'd haggle the asking price accordingly. This would be my preference over buying the 500>520 upgrade. I'd then take your existing 500, fix it up as needed and then use it as a dedicated drill press, sanding station, spt station etc. based on your needs. Don't underestimate how convenient a second machine dedicated to a specific, regularly-used task will be. As for Jacob's Repair shop servicing either of these headstocks, I wholehearedly give him my thumbs up - he rebuilt by 500 headstock and did an A+ job. It sounds like you live close enough to hand deliver it to him, which will save quite a bit on shipping.

algale · Post by **algale** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 6:03 pm

Btw, based on the power switch on the headstock, that 520 did not start life as a 520. I don't consider that a show stopper, but you should just keep that in the back of your mind.

joe_cool · Post by **joe_cool** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 6:15 pm

algale wrote:Btw, based on the power switch on the headstock, that 520 did not start life as a 520. I don't consider that a show stopper, but you should just keep that in the back of your mind.

your right i hadn't zoomed in until you mention it.. the 520 for me is about and hour and 1/2 away but the 510 is only about 20 minutes from my work.

I like the idea of dedicate station for sander and bandsaw but I only have so much space.

My 500 i have had for over 20 years i bought used in the 80's i think it was built in 83 and i haven't done anything to it.. it set for several years in the garage. I love the shopsmith just don't love the 500 table saw..

so i bought a ridgd table saw and it is nice but i miss using the shopsmith..

I would love to have a new shopsmith but can't bring myself to abandon my original 500

If i could find just the table upgrade to a 510 or 520 for about $500 or less that would be the way i would love to go..

$800 for a 510 and a bandsaw and jointer i don't need.

I know i could sell them on ebay, but that can be a hassle.

dgale · Post by **dgale** » Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:48 pm

I'd go for the 520 over the 510, sell the Ridgid table saw on Craigslist and fix up your old 500 as a work station. If space is limited, consider turning it into a shorty - lots of threads and example photos of these on this site. If you already have a bandsaw and jointer, consider cutting the tubes down enough so it will fit both of these mounted as a work station…then you don't have to store them elsewhere and they are always ready to go - just hook up the coupler depending on which SPT you want to use. You could also use this as a sanding station as needed by removing the band saw.

If the 520 has an older headstock and the seller can't detail regular maintenance and otherwise verify it is in good, solid running condition, I'd factor that into asking price and drop accordingly. Just remember, used SS is a buyers market, so haggle away.

joe_cool · Post by **joe_cool** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 6:12 am

Well I was a little late for the 520 He has sold it..

if he got the $1100 I think i would rather spend the $1300 for the new table upgrade. Anyway I think I will keep looking to see if i can find a great deal and i think I"ll get Jacob to redo my headstock he is only about an hour drive from me

I might just turn my 500 in to a shorty and use it for dedicated band saw and disc sander.