Older Bandsaw Question(s)

[rdbjr57]

Greetings to the group!

I bought a SS Mark V 520 used 2-3 years ago and am just now getting into it seriously. Along with the 520 came a bandsaw. The label on the saw calls it a "Shop Smith 11-inch band saw. Model 505641, SN 6670.)

Using the SS website I tried to get information on this band saw but the SN did not match up with on their "date of manufacture" type page. A search for the model number returns nothing. I called Shopsmith this morning and the lady told me that that model has been discontinued. This one is called "Older model Bandsaw with Cast Iron." (I think because the table on the saw is cast iron rather than the currently available aluminum.)

I had already downloaded the manual/parts list for the currently available model. I asked the SS lady if that would suffice for my bandsaw. She said a manual is available for my model and costs $11.99.

My question... if it were you, would you buy the older one or just use the download of the currently available saw? Do you see a need to buy the older manual?

Thanks for any insight you can provide!

[JPG]

In my opinion, no!

However you must realize there will be differences. The obvious one is the table and trunion, and less obvious are the blade bearings and even less obvious the cover.

The bearing difference is upgradable, as are the table/trunion and cover.

I am NOT touting upgrading, merely providing information.

IF/when you need early model specific info, I dare say an appeal here will cause that to rise to the surface.