Older Gray Scroll Saw, is it servicable still?

P89DC · Post by **P89DC** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 12:05 pm

I'm looking at a older gray scroll saw (without power stand) and wonder if it's a dead end parts-wise. I don't mind upgrading but if there's parts that fail and no replacement perhaps I should pass.

I search the archives, it seems that if nothing is broken or worn out it's not a problem to get the older version.

Any advice about the gray vs turquoise version of the scroll saw?

Any tips about what should I look for when I check it out? He can connect it to a Mark 5 and show it working.

Thanks,
Eric

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 12:21 pm

I strongly suggest that you voice your concern to Shopsmith. The scroll saw has gone through a couple design iterations that involved parts changes.

There may be some parts available while still others are not.

ChrisNeilan · Post by **ChrisNeilan** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 1:36 pm

Most parts are available, but not all. I recently fixed up an older gray model that had a broken upper arm cover. Sold that. Bought a Teal one in great shape with the blade holder upgrades which I am about to put up for sale as I bought a Seyco scroll saw last week. The Shopsmith saw is not bad, actually pretty good, but the Seyco is an upgrade for me. I will be using it in another area of the house...

P89DC · Post by **P89DC** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 2:01 pm

ChrisNeilan wrote:Most parts are available, but not all....

Thanks, I think I'll take a chance on it if there's nothing glaring. He can run it for me so that and a good inspection will be enough for me. It's Shopsmith, almost everything can be fixed!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 3:30 pm

I believe parts 'not available' can be accommodated with 'upgrade' parts. You may need to get the entire 'upgrade'.

P89DC · Post by **P89DC** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 6:56 pm

It's clean as can be, plastic gears are virgin. Ran smoothly without excessive vibration. Basically mint condition so I bought it.

The serial number appears to be NOV 16 and some smudged out character(s) after that. The manual is marked "PL-5156 Rev 4/88. Any idea about the date of manufacture?

I'm going to order a set of extra plastic gears for it (#98 on the diagram, SS PN 515089) and the upgraded blade change kit. And some premium casters for my Mark V just 'cause

Is the pinion gear metal? (#96 on the diagram, SS PN 515329)

Any other parts I should get while I can?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 7:01 pm

I would not be concerned with the nylon gears.

IIRC the drive pinion is steel.

Yep looks like steel to me!

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P89DC · Post by **P89DC** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 7:07 pm

They're only $3.03 each, cheap insurance.

reible · Post by **reible** » Fri Jan 12, 2018 7:28 pm

When I went to rebuild mine the only wear item that needed replacing were the bushings, something that shopsmith no longer sells. However JPG had already worked around this with some close bushings that are easy to modify and get to work. If the upper arm can be pushed side to side then those are the bearing areas responsible.

I did the upgrade for the blade system as well, well worth it to me.

As far as gears, no noticeable wear on them, if you want to replace them fine but I don't think they will ever be an issue for as long as we live.

Ed

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Older Gray Scroll Saw, is it servicable still?

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