Considering a ShopSmith Purchase

[mfcarpino]

I purchased mine used like others have. I did this back in 1988. My ShopSmith is still going strong. There are plenty of used machines and parts available at a lot less expensive cost. Look on eBay and Craiglist and there is plenty of machines to purchase.

[ecom1]

I think some great advice has been given so far. If it helps, I can share my experience.

I started to get "serious" about woodworking a couple of years ago. Over the years I have accumulated a bunch of tools (bench saws, drills, routers, drills, hand tools, and have been able to make stuff, but the big hole was that I was restricted to whatever sizes (thicknesses) I could buy - I had no really way of dimensioning lumber. The challenge was partly budget, but more so the limited space I can allocate for a shop. Then a couple years ago I remembered my dad talking about Shopsmith years ago...'

I started looking at ads, and found a base model 510. I started to really enjoy the flexibility of the machine, but was having trouble finding the SPT's (additional attachments) that are available (I live in Canada - buying new is very costly, I did not have success on eBay, and not a lot of local ads). Then a year ago, I found an ad for a newer 510, will ALL the accessories - I bought it.

So now I have 2 510 machines with all the accessories I can think of (except shaper), for significantly less than a new Mark VII. If I upgraded one of my units to a Mark VII (expensive to do), and added the all costs together, I would have a Mark V, a Mark V upgraded to Mark VII, and all the accessories for about the cost of a new Mark VII.

I hope that helps.

[JPG]

FWIW the current top of the line is a MARK 7 .

The Mark VII went out of production almost a half century ago.

Picky, yes, but necessary.

[ecom1]

I stand corrected - glad you know what I meant.

[videobear]

I love my Shopsmith! But a couple of cautions:
1. These things are addictive. I bought a used Model 500 in good condition, and it came with a bandsaw, belt sander, jointer, and a number of other accessories. Since then, I've upgraded it several times, and now it's equivalent to a new Mark 7. And I have added a scroll saw and a stand-alone Power Planer. If Shopsmith sells it, I've probably bought it, either directly from SS or on the used market.

2. The Shopsmith doesn't do everything, and sometimes you'd rather use a different tool even if the Shopsmith would do the job. For example, it's easier to cut a big sheet of plywood with a circular saw and a straightedge than trying to muscle it across the Shopsmith's tables.

3. You don't actually need a Shopsmith at all to get into woodworking. In fact, you don't even need ANY power tools. Lots of dedicated woodworkers use only, or mostly, hand tools...the old traditional planes, chisels, and hand saws.

4. Even if you want some power tools, and you probably will, you don't need the big, floor standing machines, at least not right away. You can get by for a long while and do a lot of projects with just a circular saw, a saber saw, and an electric hand drill, plus hand tools like chisels, hammers, and screwdrivers.

Whatever tools you choose, you're going to need a good workbench. In fact, that can be one of your first projects!

In addition to a workbench, you'll want a shop space (often a garage, a basement, or a large shed) with good lighting, a couple of dedicated power circuits, and good ventilation (and possibly climate control, at least to the extent of a space heater)

Your shop should have some form of dust control. This is a huge topic in itself. As a bare minimum, wear a good respirator while working with wood or with finishing materials.

You'll want storage...for your tools, wood, and finishing materials. More projects for you to build!

If you do buy a Shopsmith, either new or used, the people here in these forums are a terrific resource...a helpful community of folks who'll give you tons of support and advice. I have bought several products like Shopsmith that have such user communities, and have never been disappointed that I did so.

[kaynyne]

I started woodworking in high school and I got "C's" & "D's" in it. Then I joined the NAVY, and with their infinite wisdom made me a Patternmaker, an extreme woodworker. We made wooden patterns for metal castings. We worked within 1/64th of an inch. Can't even find a tape that goes that precise.
Sorry, got off the subject. After the NAVY (4 years) I got away from woodworking and became a carpenter for 45 years. NO a carpenter is NOT a woodworker. A big difference. Anyway now I'm 62 and getting back to woodworking again.
I bought a SS 500 for $1,200.00 and it came with the bandsaw, jointer, planer, jig saw, belt sander, and all kinds of extras. I have a Delta 10" table saw and 4-5 routers. I forgot how much I missed working with wood and turning it into something that some one says how did you do that or it is gorgeous.
Woodworking is expensive, but like others have stated only buy what you need to do the project you are working on. Then when you start another project, you'll have those tools, and maybe just need 1-2 more.
I've been collecting tools for 45 years, and I still could use something else. I have at least 10 different saws and my wife says " How many saws do you need?" and I reply "1 more."
The thing is, enjoy making a project, that's what woodworking is about. If you, rush through it, you missed the point of a hobby. Now it's a job, and we already have one of those.
WORK SAFELY, read and adhere to good safety practices. I've been working with power tools that can take a finger or a life, in a split second, and I still have all my fingers and I'm typing this letter. After 50 years of using power tools I feel lucky. Always be cautious, it can happen at any time.
What ever you decide to buy enjoy it and if you have any questions don't be afraid to come on here for help. THESE GUYS are the greatest in the world.

[jackpine]

Sound advice already posted. You can get a good used Mark 510 or 520 with all the additional add-ons included at a decent price. (Just found a planer myself... thanx guys!)

Then you can upgrade to a new "Power Pro" headstock or then make a decision on the Mark 7 and keep the add-ons to use on it and sell the base unit.

Then make sure you keep coming back here for (basically) unlimited information on learning both how to use it and help to complete projects.

[the torch]

Don`t forget the safety equipment.
1 safety glasses
2 ear muffs/plugs
3 push sticks and feather boards
4 shields and guards
NEVER WEAR GLOVES
NEVER WEAR LOOSE SLEEVES [long hair]
NEVER STAND STRAIT IN LINE OF A SPINNING BLADE
broken and wore out mufflers on farm mach. damaged my hearing over 70 years ago. Then it was const. jackhammers impact hammers and grinders.
If you would mention SAFETY - suck it up buttercup.
Times have changed - just think about it.