What to look for

retrobalmer46 · Post by **retrobalmer46** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 9:05 pm

Sometime in the near future, I hope to be able to purchase a used shopsmith to supplement my workshop. Fortunately, used ones do come available, and since I'm a newbie, I would appreciate any suggestions on what models to look for and how to gauge the condition of the critical parts. Thank you so very much!:)

rlkeeney · Post by **rlkeeney** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:18 pm

If cost is a big consideration I would suggest a 500. One from the mid eighties with the larger motor. They are much more plentiful and easier to find.

If money is not so big a consideration and you are patient, a 520 is much better. Larger table and a way better fence.

keakap · Post by **keakap** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:29 pm

One very basic check is Extension table orientation (perhaps referred to as "alignment"). If the Extension base tubes when mounted are plumb at one end but not at the other you will have some nasty (even dangerous) alignment problems with some setups.

lv2wdwrk · Post by **lv2wdwrk** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 7:33 pm

retrobalmer46 wrote:Sometime in the near future, I hope to be able to purchase a used shopsmith to supplement my workshop. Fortunately, used ones do come available, and since I'm a newbie, I would appreciate any suggestions on what models to look for and how to gauge the condition of the critical parts. Thank you so very much!:)

Here is a link that might be of some help to you.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... rk%20V.pdf

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Fri Oct 15, 2010 8:35 pm

Some good advice here:
http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.c ... uying.html