Shopsmith Purchase Large Collection

[nhelsinger]

I recently have had the opportunity to purchase a collection of shopsmith tools which include:

1986 Shopsmith with the upgraded 520 table
Stip Sander
Band Saw with its own Power Station
Scroll Saw with its own Power Station
Belt Sander with its own Power Station

So I would have a total of 3 power stations plus a shop smith.

This collection also has all the small pieces, guards, blades, covers, lathe chisels.

What is the opinion of the group is a fair price to pay for all of this. I am struggling because I am not sure what value the power stations bring into the equation. They look to be an older model, not the most current model that shopsmith sells, and I don't think they have variable speed on them. Does anyone know if this is correct? Also finding an older shop smith with the new 520 table is kind of rare and not sure how much value that brings.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nathan

[algale]

It may be that those stand alone tools are on "power stands" http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... stands.htm and not "power stations." http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... tation.htm

If you are going to be using the Shopsmith as a table saw that 520 upgrade will come in very handy.

What the going rate is for these things depends somewhat on your area and a lot on how motivated your seller is. And of course condition.

In my area DC/Maryland I've seen complete 520s going for as low as $300 (with a band saw!) to over $2000. I'd say $700-$1000 is the norm around here.

Likewise In my area each of those individual tools would bring between $150 to $250 without a stand. I haven't seen many stand mounted tools so I don't know what that does to the equation.

Al

[nhelsinger]

Yes, it is the power stand! My bad for not realizing the differences. I would say the main unit with the 520 table is worth 750-1000, but I have seen them for sale to 2000 as well. I don't think anyone ever actually sells them for that much. I my gut says each power stand is worth ~150-200 plus the accessory.

So I am thinking

900 main unit
450 power stands
200 band saw
200 scroll saw
200 belt sander
150 strip sander

to the total is - 2100 in my mind. The seller wants $2,500.

Not sure if I'm being greedy or not, I want to be fair but not over spend either.

Not sure that I like that they power stands are not stations, and I am kind of locked on using it on a single tool.

But since each accessory has its own stand I am not so sure it is a big deal....

[algale]

In my opinion, both your number and his are in the realistic range.

[JPG]

Offer him 2200, let him reply 2400, then agree at 2300.

Your numbers seem reasonable, but condition is a factor to be considered.

A 1986 is not an 'old' model. A quarter century older could be considered almost old.

It will have the larger 1 1/8 hp motor.

Additional factors are what else comes with it?

Good to excellent condition of everything is worth his asking price IMHO.

Usually it is a buyers market. Buyers are scarcer than sellers.

Bottom line, what is it worth to you?


P.S. A 500 to 520 upgrade costs over a grand from the mother ship.(IIRC)

[nhelsinger]

I would say the condition of these, are hardly used and excellent. I found zero rust, which surprised me a little, so it must have been at least maintenanced over the years.

So my current shop smith is from the mid 90s I believe with the red safety switch. It will have a smaller motor than the 1986 version of the mark V?

Doing a little more research of the power stands, it seems like once you have them set up for a specific tool, that is the only tool/accessory that can be used on it. Is this correct? Anyone have any experience with the power stands? I guess I can always buy the package and sell the stands if their is not enough space...

I like the term of calling it a "mother ship"

Thanks again for all the advice!

Nathan

[JPG]

A mid 90s also has a 1 1/8 hp motor. Larger than the older model's 3/4 hp motor.

Once 'configured', a power stand operates one spt. That is their purpose. Pulleys and belts can be changed to accommodate a different spt.

Good Luck!











Hmmmm, a second SS. ;>}}

[nhelsinger]

Thank you JPG! Yes, I am thinking a second SS in in my future! I love the current one I have, but I do think the functionality of having two set ups going at once would be beneficial, and I think my shop can accommodate two without it being to much of a problem.

[BuckeyeDennis]

I have a Power Stand that came with my old-style jigsaw, and it works very well.

They can be changed over to use a different SPT pretty easily, but it's not something that you'd want to do for every setup. You generally need to change the pulley set to use a different SPT. Here is an instruction sheet that covers the changes: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/prod ... 505892.pdf

[JPG]

Thank you JPG! Yes, I am thinking a second SS in in my future! I love the current one I have, but I do think the functionality of having two set ups going at once would be beneficial, and I think my shop can accommodate two without it being to much of a problem.

I did not catch which model the current mid 90's is. I assume a 510. If so there will be a few incompatibilities(some items will only work with a specific model). Not a problem, I mention it just so you are aware - has to due mainly with the tables and fence.

Two SS + three stands. Nice shop setup!!