Shopsmith Forums

mgdesigns wrote:If you find a suitable SS MK V base and need a headstock, I have a '55 Greenie that needs one part (the front sheave half on the motor - or maybe a matched pair - about $35 used), I can sell the headstock cheap, because I replaced with a 1989 (12-30-89, to be exact). Let me know.

BTW: I paid $250 for the whole setup including band saw, and I've got about $1000 including all of the accessories, and that's some pricey bowl gouges, and other woodworking tools, Ridgid ROSS, and PC router and a lot of bits. It adds up, but I can make some pretty handy things (guitars, cabinets, etc.). The SS has been on my mind since the old infommercials of the '80s. When my physical therapy for rotator cuff surgery is all done, I'll be turning and making sawdust a plenty.

Thanks will keep it in mind, got some feelers out after looking at craigslist. Not sure what kind of condition any of them are in until I get to go and see a few....Pictures are nice, but they really cannot tell you how they run until you get to turn them on and manipulate them a bit.

Thanks for the kind words that was originally my Papa's machine passed to my Dad to me. So I have sentimental attachment to it.

To be honest. If i were in the market for a used SS today, I would be looking for a good condition 510 or 520 with 2 bearing quill for under $750 (So Cal area pricing) These for the larger table size and better safety features in Table saw mode.

I find the year to be unimportant as it really depends on how the machine was treated and where it was stored. I have seen 1990's models I would not give a second look as they were stored outside near the coast and are rust buckets. Conversely, I've seen some really great 50s - 60s models well cared for and properly used.

Essentially the capabilities of the Mark 5 are the same across the decades Except for the newest Power Pro models and larger tables of the 510/520.

Welcome to the forum and good on you for doin' yer homework first.

Something not mentioned is that a Gilmer drive can be changed to a Poly-v drive. Replace the main drive shaft, the idler shaft and the quill, and the deed tis done!

Also the 510 and 520 'upgrades' are also possible.

Then there is the power-pro and mark 7 upgrades.


ALL possible to even a half century old model. Not the cheapest way to get there, but it is possible!

And I cannot get a drive shaft/gear for a 90's Ridgid chop saw!!!

tgamel wrote:I have watched all the sawdust sessions, very informative, especially the three part maintenance series that he did on what looks like a goldie. I do not have to have an older machine (Gilmer Drive), just curious that if i found one in good shape at a reasonable price would I later wish I had waited for one with a "Poly V" drive. My thinking was that if I found a Gilmer belt drive in good condition or better than any Poly V's around and price was comparable I would probably by the older machine.

I am not sure what my grandfather had, but I am thinking it was a Gilmer drive machine as he built his first home in the early 60's. My mother's house is full of beautiful furniture that he built with it so I know all versions of the Mark V can produce excellent pieces, it is only the skill of the woodworker that will limit it's potential.

If you are patient enough, a machine and accessories will come around for cheap. If you think you are going to cut sheet goods and it will be your only table saw, you may want to get a 510 with the larger table. 520s don't seem to come around very much, but you never know what may sprout up.

Of course, at a low enough price you might be able to sell and upgrade too without anything or very little out of pocket.

My last piece of advice, if you really want one, you can post a item wanted ad on Craigslist. I did one in Feb/March, which up here in Minnesota is not exactly garage shop weather. The number of people who came out of the woodwork that have never posted was surprising. I had at least 4-5 people who had a unit and workshop of Shopsmith equipment to sell. The plus, since they haven't posted, you don't have to compete with other Craigslisters.

JPG40504 wrote: And I cannot get a drive shaft/gear for a 90's Ridgid chop saw!!!

I can't get the safety key for my brand new Rigid table saw. And unlike the old days they don't give you two any more. With small kids I have to unplug the machine or heaven forbid I break or lose the key.

OP - As I think Terry said, the inside of the machine is pretty much the same since 1985 when the two bearing quill was added, except for the latest Powerpro and they aren't very likely to be showing up on Craigslist.

Get familiar with the serial number list too. It will tell you how old the machine is. Every machine I've looked at that "was bought about ten years ago" has been 20-25 years old. And it seems like those who are selling it for a relative, friend etc. always are missing the chuck because the machine is setup in the saw mode. Don't be afraid of having to buy new parts, but be familiar with some of the basic items like the chuck, sanding disks, arbors that might be necessary to purchase to get it up and running.

letterk wrote: My last piece of advice, if you really want one, you can post a item wanted ad on Craigslist. I did one in Feb/March, which up here in Minnesota is not exactly garage shop weather. The number of people who came out of the woodwork that have never posted was surprising. I had at least 4-5 people who had a unit and workshop of Shopsmith equipment to sell. The plus, since they haven't posted, you don't have to compete with other Craigslisters.

Now I did not really think of that! Quite the stellar idea, may just have to do just that. My goal would be to find a decent 510 or even better a 520. The price I would like to pay is of course determined by the quality of the machine, not necessarily the age. Cosmetics I can fix, not to sure that I want to buy a machine that I would have to tear down and do a lot of work on initially unless I got it for some insanely cheap price. While I would like to purchase a machine sooner than later, each month I wait means more money in the kitty for a nicer machine, however I would still like to find one before the summer is over.

Todd

letterk wrote:If you are patient enough, a machine and accessories will come around for cheap. If you think you are going to cut sheet goods and it will be your only table saw, you may want to get a 510 with the larger table. 520s don't seem to come around very much, but you never know what may sprout up. Of course, at a low enough price you might be able to sell and upgrade too without anything or very little out of pocket.

I have a large Craftsman contractor table saw, which I am actually going to loan to my father as it is in storage and I simply do not have the shop floor space to use it at this time. We can always throw it on the back of the 12ft trailer and bring it back here for big work, but a 520 would be nicer as it has a better table support system. Eventually we are going to build a new shop here on the property something in the range 24 x 30. A little space for me, and more storage for the wife because keeping momma happy also allows me to justify buying a SS Mark V and building a bigger shop! Kinda get to kill two birds with one stone.

tgamel wrote:I have a large Craftsman contractor table saw, which I am actually going to loan to my father as it is in storage and I simply do not have the shop floor space to use it at this time. We can always throw it on the back of the 12ft trailer and bring it back here for big work, but a 520 would be nicer as it has a better table support system. Eventually we are going to build a new shop here on the property something in the range 24 x 30. A little space for me, and more storage for the wife because keeping momma happy also allows me to justify buying a SS Mark V and building a bigger shop! Kinda get to kill two birds with one stone.

The main benefit of the 520 is the fence, everything else is the same.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... ofence.htm

I'm not sure what shipping is, but a 520 upgrade from the 510 is $475 + shipping. Just don't overpay too much for a 520 if a super cheap 510 comes around.

You'll probably see 10 510s listed for every 520.