Which Upgrade? 520 or Power Pro?

wlhayesmfs · Post by **wlhayesmfs** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 7:10 pm

Well, now that MKVll I got a couple of weeks ago that is in very good condition and complete might see an upgrade to the pro in the future. So will just clean it up and wait. I think I might to a pro for the MKVll to be able to swing both ways with the head. Might be a neat router and shaper then.

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Mon Jun 28, 2010 9:00 pm

That is a good question. I used to think bigger/more powerful was better. But a sharp saw blade with enough teeth for the purpose intended when used at a speed which the motor is capable of properly cutting the material in a Shopsmith that is properly aligned might prove the 520 a better upgrade as you'll; but only you can answer that question. It seems like the more Shopsmith stuff I bought, the more I went back to time proven wood-working methods which can produce results barely equalled with an electrical power tool. Why? Just because I could. The hurdle is going back to basics, learning how to properly sharpen a plane iron, learning the characteristics of the material being used and, and, and....just doing it.

But none of that kept me from putting a deposit on a Power Pro. Keep your eyes open on Craig's List & Ebay as there are many deals to be had as owners/users pass away and their spouses or children simply want the space for something else for 30% or less of the original cost. I think I have most everything Shopsmith ever sold except for the paint sprayer/compressor, grinder, and...maybe that's it. I can't help it. Almost had a Mark VII and have all the Mark Vs except for a Brownie. I really never knew much about the 10E/ER until I took a tour of the Shopsmith building on Poe Ave. I figured if these-type machines could be used to machine parts for the Mark Vs, then they would be good for other things....they shine up good too!

mazz · Post by **mazz** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 7:48 pm

A good question. The answer lies in what kind of work you will be doing in your new home. If money is an issue, and your projects will be pretty straight forward, then a 520 will do fine for you. If you presently own a SS 510 or even 500, then either may work. But if you anticipate heavier use of wood supplies, hardwood, for example, then the power pro option would be the better way to go. I am looking into it now. If I trade my 520 headstock in and purchase the power pro I will have to pay out 1699. If this is still too steep, keep in mind that even a total new 520 machine is still going to run you over $3000. Hope this helps.

Mazz

Stitch · Post by **Stitch** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 8:23 pm

mazz wrote:A good question. The answer lies in what kind of work you will be doing in your new home. If money is an issue, and your projects will be pretty straight forward, then a 520 will do fine for you. If you presently own a SS 510 or even 500, then either may work. But if you anticipate heavier use of wood supplies, hardwood, for example, then the power pro option would be the better way to go. I am looking into it now. If I trade my 520 headstock in and purchase the power pro I will have to pay out 1699. If this is still too steep, keep in mind that even a total new 520 machine is still going to run you over $3000. Hope this helps.

Mazz

What is a 520 headstock?

I think I would just keep my headstock and pay the price for a new PowerPro...headstock that is!

Which brings up the question. Is there such a thing as a Mark V PowerPro and if there is what does it cost? I can't find one advertised anywhere.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 10:28 pm

The price is $1899.00.

http://www.shopsmith.com/shopsmithpowerpro/ways_to_upgrade.htm

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Jul 04, 2010 11:42 pm

Stitch wrote:What is a 520 headstock?

I think I would just keep my headstock and pay the price for a new PowerPro...headstock that is!

Which brings up the question. Is there such a thing as a Mark V PowerPro and if there is what does it cost? I can't find one advertised anywhere.

A 520 is a particular model which includes the latest tables/fence. All headstocks are the same(other than earlier models).

A Powerpro Mark V is not yet 'announced'. Only the upgrade options are currently 'offered'.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 12:48 am

So what is option #1?????????

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:58 am

I think it is a brand new Shopsmith complete with everything you might need except things like way tubes, legs, carriage trunnion, tables, fences, rails, etc.

I think it is a new PowerPro Headstock with NO used or reconditioned parts. I think it is what I will buy when/if I am able to do that. I already have all of the parts (other than a couple bearings) that I need to recondition my Mark V.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jul 05, 2010 12:51 pm

dusty wrote:I think it is a brand new Shopsmith complete with everything you might need except things like way tubes, legs, carriage trunnion, tables, fences, rails, etc.

I think it is a new PowerPro Headstock with NO used or reconditioned parts. I think it is what I will buy when/if I am able to do that. I already have all of the parts (other than a couple bearings) that I need to recondition my Mark V.

And you still have the option of a tradein(after receipt of new one for $$). Shipping can get real relevant if not close to Dayton??.

Referring to "option #1" almost the same as #2 except return of tradein is buyer discretion.