Shopsmith Forums

We still haven't gotten to the meat of this discussion. So far the discussion has been centered on the headstock and we know that it is likely the same configuration as any of the later models. The quill being unknown; is it one bearing or two. Another existing thread will resolve that question.

Monkeyvet - what does the table system look like and how many tables do you have? This information would define your baby as a 500, 505, 510 or 520.

A picture of these and we will be all done with this examination of your machine.

monkeyvet wrote:I just bought a Shopsmith. It's in pretty good condition and wasn't used very often by the previous owner. Just needs some new lubrication.

The number on the headstock is 516626 REV D. Can anyone tell me what this means. The instruction manuals that came with it all have early 1980's printing dates, however the headstock has a red detachable on/off switch, which I thought was from later models.

The people I got it from were selling their grandfather's machine, so they don't now a lot about it since the grandfather isn't around now.

Thanks.

The tidbit of information in this post was originally set aside, at least by me. In this game of "Clue", it should not have been. Part Number 516626 Rev D is for the warning label. The warning label on my machine (112291) carries the number 516626 Rev A.

One might conclude that this machine is newer than mine based on that data.

monkeyvet wrote:OK, that makes sense since the manuals all have early 1980's dates. So this would still be the 500 version? Are there any good or bad issues with this model and of production?

Thanks.

The only real difference between the 500/510/520 is the table system. the headstocks are essentially the same, so there really aren't any good/bad issues with regard to the headstock.

From the pictures, it is definitely a model 500, and although the serial number dates to 1981 it appears to have been modified. Unless there is a lighting issue, the paint on the belt and bottom covers appears to be different from the main headstock casting. Also, the scratches on each side of the warning label on the belt cover are indicative of removing the old label (looks exactly like mine!).

So the question is whether or not this is a 1991 model with a replacement belt cover from an older unit, or a 1981 model with a modified headstock. The best indicator would be whether or not you have the 2-bearing quill, as this was introduced in 1984.

In any case, clean it, lube it, and have fun making sawdust!!!

Michael

michaeltoc wrote:The only real difference between the 500/510/520 is the table system. the headstocks are essentially the same, so there really aren't any good/bad issues with regard to the headstock.

From the pictures, it is definitely a model 500, and although the serial number dates to 1981 it appears to have been modified. Unless there is a lighting issue, the paint on the belt and bottom covers appears to be different from the main headstock casting. Also, the scratches on each side of the warning label on the belt cover are indicative of removing the old label (looks exactly like mine!).

So the question is whether or not this is a 1991 model with a replacement belt cover from an older unit, or a 1981 model with a modified headstock. The best indicator would be whether or not you have the 2-bearing quill, as this was introduced in 1984.

In any case, clean it, lube it, and have fun making sawdust!!!

Michael

OKAY Michael, enlighten me please. What do you see in the images provided by monkeyvet, other than the carriage and vent plate, that definitely makes this a 500.

The table carriage for a 500 is different from the carriage for the 505/510/520. The 505/510/520 all accommodate the larger table that those systems use. The 500 carriage is smaller and the lift is from the left whereas the larger carriage lifts from the right side of the table, thus the teeth for the table are on the other side of the tubes.

One other 'detail': the end castings have the 'older' counter sink screws attaching them to the legs. My 86 vintage 510 does NOT have countersink screws. My older Goldie vintage have counter sink screws.

Anybody know when the castings were changed?

I agree the paint on the headstock casting appears different from the motor pan and belt cover.

Is it just me or have the lower legs been put on the wrong ends. The wheels are controlled from the back side.

mikelst wrote:Is it just me or have the lower legs been put on the wrong ends. The wheels are controlled from the back side.

Nope! It ain't just you! It is one more indication that this is a composite(frankensmith to Farmer) machine assembled from various sources/vintages.(not bad, just what it appears to be)

The legs go either way. It is the caster set that is backward.

mikelst wrote:Is it just me or have the lower legs been put on the wrong ends. The wheels are controlled from the back side.

I guess that I just must ask - "Why is that wrong"? It is different than some but I suspect it could be a matter of convenience. That is one of the advantages of this erector set we have come to call a Mark V. It is chucked full of user options.

Rear side control of the elevator casters is just one of them.

PS Safety Note: I just reread this thread and I agree with a comment made by JPG. You need to get the quill lock installed before you try to use this puppy.