Shopsmith Forums

Where is the serial number on newer machines? I did not find a serial number on the 510 I bought. supposed to be about 15 years old.

I now have 2 SS machines, a Model 500 and a Model 510. One is 230 and one is 115. I plan to use the 510 primarily for table saw and probably jointer work. And I am guessing the other SS will be used where table system is not a big deal, drill press, driving SPTs, lathe, etc. Second question: should 220 headstock be mated with the 510 setup? Seems right to me, but want other views on this.

(Yes, this means I am keeping both machines and giving up on making man cave with pool table in main room of basement. The shop will be moving).

TIA

It may have a date code rather than a serial number. The date codes are on a stick on label and can be on the front side of the belt cover or on the belt cover under the vent plate. Date codes are printed as 051291 which translates as May 12 1991. If the sticker is missing there is no absolute way to determine the build date.
Bill V

wa2crk wrote:It may have a date code rather than a serial number. The date codes are on a stick on label and can be on the front side of the belt cover or on the belt cover under the vent plate. Date codes are printed as 051291 which translates as May 12 1991. If the sticker is missing there is no absolute way to determine the build date.
Bill V

The down side of that being that the date code sticker is attached with an adhesive. It can be peeled off and lost forever.

Wouldn't it be neat if Shopsmith would manufacture replacement serial number tags. The new tags could be controlled by a turn one in to get one process OR with a proof of purchase document.

saminmn wrote:Where is the serial number on newer machines? I did not find a serial number on the 510 I bought. supposed to be about 15 years old.

I now have 2 SS machines, a Model 500 and a Model 510. One is 230 and one is 115. I plan to use the 510 primarily for table saw and probably jointer work. And I am guessing the other SS will be used where table system is not a big deal, drill press, driving SPTs, lathe, etc. Second question: should 220 headstock be mated with the 510 setup? Seems right to me, but want other views on this.

(Yes, this means I am keeping both machines and giving up on making man cave with pool table in main room of basement. The shop will be moving).

TIA

Voltage shouldn't matter what setup you use it on. You might want the higher voltage on the machine you'll use the most so you are unlikely to pop any fuses.

If it is only 15 years old it should have a C headstock casting with the removable safety power switch. The switch to the safety switch sometime during 1991. I think they move to the stickers at that time. I have a 1991 headstock with the safety switch and IIRC it has a sticker.

Thanks for replies. There is a patch of goo residue under the vent plate so exact date is lost. May email the seller for verification of age.

Think I will swap the 220 headstock to the 510 table system as I normally stop saw to clear material between cuts without resetting speed until end of session. I am pretty sure that if I went down to check right now, it would be set on general hardwood speed (R?), as I cut some maple yesterday.

Assuming the 230v motor has the same horsepower, I agree re putting in on the 'saw' machine. The underload current will be lower(less line drop to complicate matters) and less surge on startup(same reason).

If it is not a "C" headstock, the switch location with the larger 510 table will be an issue.