How did you get your Shopsmith

[roy_okc]

I bought a lightly used ~83 500 last summer for $300. Included were a jointer and bandsaw and I believe nearly all the standard accessories. Had a bit of light surface rust here and there that cleaned up easily. It runs great.

[dusty]

You got your monies worth in just the motors. The rest is all gravy, as my dad would say.

[dannos]

Greetings,
My dad had a greenish 1956? Model which was kept in the downstairs basement while I was growing up. All I was taught back then was how to hold the "dummy" end of the board/tape measure. In his defense though I probably had no interest at that time.
I had been "craving" a Shopsmith for the past couple years. A few months ago I purchased a 1993 510 Model in decent shape for $1500. This included a beltsander, bandsaw, and jointer. After many hours cleaning, removing rust, lubing, and replacing some hardware, I've been able to enjoy it and have completed a few little simple projects.
This forum has been very valuble to me.
Dan

[alaskanexile]

Greeting from another old 56 greenie. Also jointer and bandsaw. Recieved it from my wifes uncle when he became too old to use it, which was maybe some 15 yrs ago. Doesn't look like much and shows it's age but still works pretty well. Probably have spent much more on repairs and accessories that the unit cost new. Would be nice to have the larger motor but really haven't needed it. Would be nice to have a 510 or 520 but this seems to be able to turn out pretty good stuff in spite of me being relatively clueless as a woodworker.
Roger

[jimh]

I bought mine used in about 2003 from an ex-Shopsmith repair man.

[littlejohnnc]

Out of 5 kids in our family I was the only one that did any wood working . I Inherited my M-5 500 from my father . It we be handed down to one of my kids hope they take care of it as I have done ....John

[weehawl]

I bought mine new in 1985 and have no new upgrades. Was looking at table upgrade. Would like to hear thoughts on the newer models.

[charlese]

Welcome to the Forum, weehawl! I'm sure you will enjoy it. To answer your question; When you get a chance to review some of the posts you will find references to many up-grades. From a simple stop collar to sleds, a number of fences and probably the most favorite the Mark V 520. You may want to post a new "Thread" (the Forum's key word for a new subject) to ask a question about a specific up-grade. Fell free to do so! You'll get several answers.

You can feel at home here!

[scottss]

I upgraded my 500 to a 510. I did it slowly that is I found some parts on craigslist and ebay. I did save a little bit but if I was to upgrade again I would go for the 520 and by it from shopsmith during one of there sales. They always have the upgrade on sale in the fall and winter. As far as better the 510 or 520 is so much better than the 500. The table is much bigger and the table carrige is much nicer. The t-bar for the miter gauge is great and the guards upper and lower are very nice also.

[Greenvilleguy]

I have a 54 "greenie" that my Dad bought in 57. He owned a furniture store and took in trades. The trades often had broken spindles, etc. and he (and later I) used the SS to repair those items for resale.

I took shop in junior high (58, 59) and began using the SS some myself to build assorted things like soapbox derby racers, rubber band guns, bats, etc.

Dad built cabinets for various houses etc. When he retired, he began making crafts for craft fairs.

When he passed on in 1989, I laid claim to the SS. Now I make furniture (probable a couple of dozen major pieces) and turn bowls. Someone is always asking for something for a craft fair, another picture frame or a bookcase; which I never turn away -- but fine furniture is what I hope to be remembered for. I build each piece to last at least 100 years.

Anyway, it's all from a 1954 SS bought used in 1957. Sure, I've upgraded the quill, the table (520) and the motor; but it's the same green SS. Orginally, my Dad purchased the SS with lathe tools, jig saw and jointer. He added a SS band saw, sander and pin router. I sold the jig saw, but the rest of it is still in operation and going strong.

Besides being a fine woodworking tool, there is something very special to me that I'm working on the same tool my father loved and the same tool I used as I youth. I'm often asked why I don't go buy a professional cabinet saw. My response is "The Shopsmith does everything I need it to do and everytime I use it, I feel that Dad is there".