Shopsmith Forums

patrick_demets wrote:Just by looking at the front part of the headstock (where the speed control is), can one tell from a picture what model it is?

Yes you can. It's a 500 headstock. But the TABLES may be from a 505,510 or a 520.

I'm pleased to report that I am now the proud owner of a new (to me, anyway) Shopsmith Mark V 520, with bandsaw and jointer. Picking it up Friday ... just two more sleeps! Now, need to juggle stuff in the garage to make it look like a woodshop.

Congratulations, post a pick of your 520. And details on what price and condition.

I have been 'away' while this thread was created. There be much cornfusion within it. I add the following as an attempt to correct that.


There have been three different headstocks with sub variations of the "B" headstock.

The "A" headstock was the original Mark 5 and was a sand casting. It is rougher and heavier than the later "B" headstock. The "A" headstock has the plate under the power switch that one must push to increase the speed above 'saw-joint'. It uses a Gilmer belt drive and the quill splines shaft is different from later versions. All "A" headstock started life as a 'Greenie' and had 3/4hp motors.

The "B" headstock casting is a die-cast version of the original sand cast design. It has a smoother finish etc. and is thinner(lighter). It has the anti-rattle spring that replaces the push plate. Speed can be adjusted above 'saw-joint', but extra resistance is felt(the anti-rattle spring tension is increased).

The first version of a "B" headstock was the later 'Greenie'. Only the plate/spring changed. A minor change was a bearing retaining clip that was eliminated from the later version(A screw/washer took its place).

The second version of a "B" headstock was the early Goldies. They essentially differed in color only.

The third version of a "B" headstock was also a 'Goldie', but the power train was changed to the Poly-V belt and the motor increased to 1 1/8hp from the 3/4hp of the earlier versions.

I believe there was a later (smooth)gray version that was identical to the later Goldie.

When Shopsmith Inc. was created in the seventies a (rough)gray version was made.

All the above versions were referred to as Mark 5.

Shopsmith Inc. later referred to them as Mark V.

With the introduction of the improved table and fence system, a model distinction was needed. At that time the original Mark V became a Mark V Model 500, and the improved(larger) table system version became a Mark V Model 510. A Mark V model 505 was also introduced that included the larger tables, but not the floating tables and tubes.

If I have the timing correct, the "C" headstock was created shortly thereafter. The larger table created a need to to move the power switch. Thus the red handled switch "C" version of the headstock was born.

Later the further 'improved' table/fence system was what became a Mark V Model 520.

An upgrade to a two bearing quill was introduced, but model designations did not change. The single and two bearing quills are interchangeable and either may be used in a "B"(Poly-V) or "C" headstock.

So the tables are what distinguishes a 500/505/510/520.

As a side note: All versions of the headstock ("A" included) can be upgraded to a 'Power-Pro'.

One other 'detail'. At some time(???) the speed dial was changed from "JIG SAW" to "SCROLL SAW".

Last week I purchased a sweet 520 SS 50th Anniversary Edition for $1000. Purchase included the upgraded Bandsaw, Jointer with some bed surface rust (now shining), DC 3300 Dust Collector, Oneway Stronghold Chuck, SS lathe tools, and the usual accessories, along with all manuals. Only had a sheared screw on the retractable wheels that is now at Accu-Tool LLC in Apex, NC for repairs. Found this deal on Craigslist as part of an estate sale. I feel like I struck gold.

Last week I purchased a sweet 520 SS 50th Anniversary Edition for $1000. Purchase included the upgraded Bandsaw, Jointer with some bed surface rust (now shining), DC 3300 Dust Collector, Oneway Stronghold Chuck, SS lathe tools, and the usual accessories, along with all manuals. Only had a sheared screw on the retractable wheels that is now at Accu-Tool LLC in Apex, NC for repairs. Found this deal on Craigslist as part of an estate sale. I feel like I struck gold.

oldcary wrote:Last week I purchased a sweet 520 SS 50th Anniversary Edition for $1000. Purchase included the upgraded Bandsaw, Jointer with some bed surface rust (now shining), DC 3300 Dust Collector, Oneway Stronghold Chuck, SS lathe tools, and the usual accessories, along with all manuals. Only had a sheared screw on the retractable wheels that is now at Accu-Tool LLC in Apex, NC for repairs. Found this deal on Craigslist as part of an estate sale. I feel like I struck gold.

You did quite well! If it had been cheaper, Mark would have beat you to it!:D

patrick_demets wrote:Hello, newbie here. I plan to read through the whole forum, but I have a pressing question first:

Roughly how much should I expect to pay for a used Mark V 520 in good condition, with the basic configuration (I expect higher price if other equipment/attachments are included)? I'm not considering those that "... need work..." or have not been well maintained.

FWIW, I'm in western Canada.

Thank you muchly,

Patrick

Actually this is a two sided question. Cost in money and cost from spouse is the other.

Cost in money can be almost any amount.
However cost of ownership from the spouse can get expensive.

I have owned my SS since the 80's and I still hear "you spend all of that money and I can't get "________" fixed."

Or I hear "you must love that SS and the garage more than me because you spend more time there than with me."

And then there is the never ending fight over junk piled on the SS because the junk was no longer wanted in the house and SS table was a good spot to put it.

What I have learned is while everyone is trying to quiet down their SS I like mine when it is loud. Then I can say, " What was that honey I can't hear you."


Just Kidding. None of this ever happens and the cost of SS is only in what you paid for it.

Ed in Tampa wrote:Actually this is a two sided question. Cost in money and cost from spouse is the other.

Cost in money can be almost any amount.
However cost of ownership from the spouse can get expensive.

I have owned my SS since the 80's and I still hear "you spend all of that money and I can't get "________" fixed."

Or I hear "you must love that SS and the garage more than me because you spend more time there than with me."

And then there is the never ending fight over junk piled on the SS because the junk was no longer wanted in the house and SS table was a good spot to put it.

What I have learned is while everyone is trying to quiet down their SS I like mine when it is loud. Then I can say, " What was that honey I can't hear you."


Just Kidding. None of this ever happens and the cost of SS is only in what you paid for it.

I encountered a fellow ss nut while perusing garage sales last month.

I noticed some rough sawn(band) oak planks that was being used to 'display' stuff on.

I inquired as to their source and one thing led to another.

He had a 520 under wraps and we got to talking.

I commented to his wife that I hoped she let him out often enough to make good use of it.



Her reply was:














I wish he would get out of the house more than he does!:eek:

Been there and done that and got that t-shirt also.

I can't win or at least I haven't figure out a way yet and I have been married 46 years