This is how it starts...Isn't it?

[Steamdragon]

So I wanted a Shopsmith because of limited space. I knew I would need a bandsaw, a jointer, a jigsaw, a miter gauge, etc. I found bandsaws for $100-$200 but wait for $100 I can get a bandsaw, a newer miter gauge, and a bunch of arbors and other parts...with a Mark V for $75. Then there was the jigsaw and jointer for $100...with another Mark V. Don't forget the original Mark VII I got for $100. Now there is that other Mark V with 510 table upgrade, the power station, and the belt sander for $100. Don't get me started on the huge cache of Shopsmith stuff for free on the curb 1 1/2 hours away. So much for making room in the shop.

[Mike907]

You caught on quick. Good Luck.

Mike

[Ohgary]

I found my model 500 on Craig's List. Just for grins I went to other major cities but the cupboard was almost bare. Not much in Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Columbus, OH, Cleveland, Chicago, or Orlando. Didn't check the left coast. Where have all the bargains gone? Or are Shopsmith postings seasonal? I'm finding parts listed on eBay but shipping costs are fierce. Have to shop carefully.

[S Brian]

I bought my new Mark V 500 in 1980. Five years ago, I was looking for a 6 x 48 belt sander for my SS, so I went to the Swap-n-Sell section of Woodnet.net and posted a request. Within two days I received a PM from a man in Chicago. He had not used the sander and said I could have it for the shipping cost. I was concerned about his packing and shipping damage and suggested I would drive the 90 miles to bring it home. In subsequent e-mails, I learned that he had a 1985 Mark V 500, a bandsaw, the old jigsaw, a jointer, the SPT storage station and also the 520 upgrade still in boxes. I asked about buying the bandsaw, but he said he did not want to piece out all of the equipment. I waited another day to contact him again and at that time he told me he hated the infernal machine and that I could have it all for free, if I wanted to haul it home. Well it took less than an hour for me to call a friend to help and the next day we went to Chicago and drove home, with my F150 loaded to the gills. I didn't really want another SS, nor had room for it and I already had a SS jointer, so after cleaning, polishing and servicing all of the equipment, I was ready to sell what I could. It took over a year, but I sold everything except for the bandsaw, belt sander, storage station and several miscellaneous small items. I realized $825 in cash and added some needed item to my shop, all for the the $$ to fill my gas tank.