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hello from a new guy
Posted: Fri Oct 25, 2013 11:55 pm
by chris jay
Wow what an interesting tool. I stumbled upon SS while looking for a sander on CL. I'd like to buy a used one to save some $. However the new digital headstock looks pretty impressive. Anyway From what I've gathered the biggest difference from 500 to 520 is thew size of the table? Also any advise when looking into used SS
Thanks
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:03 am
by beeg
Welcome to the forum C J. Don't worry to much about the age of the SS, check more into the condition of it.
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:17 am
by chris jay
this was one I was looking at. Original owner
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:39 am
by dgale
Repost your link so we can see what you are looking at. Also, add your location to your profile so folks know what neck of the woods you are from and may be able to help with recommended machines from CraigsList etc. in your area.
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:46 am
by chris jay
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 12:58 am
by chris jay
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 1:38 am
by dgale
The Modesto machine is a 510 and includes a jointer (not as planer, as it lists) and a band saw - reasonable deal for $1000 if it's in good condition and all the various parts etc. are there, although I'd be talking them down a bit in price based on going rate of such a package elsewhere in Northern CA.
The Seaside machine is a 520 based on the pictures (and not a 510 as listed) and includes a DC-3300 (dust collector) and bandsaw - great deal at $700 if all the parts are there - I'm not as familiar with the 520, so others here should weigh in on if all the table parts etc. seem to be there (?) but if so I'd jump on it for $700 if it runs okay.
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 1:42 am
by chris jay
that really helps. The tools I'd use the most would be table saw, ban saw, plainer, drill press, disk sander. Even if I can't get all those in one sale, I think I could find them along the way
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 1:57 am
by dgale
chris jay wrote:that really helps. The tools I'd use the most would be table saw, ban saw, plainer, drill press, disk sander. Even if I can't get all those in one sale, I think I could find them along the way
All the basic machines will include the table saw, disk sander and drill press (as well as lathe, horizontal boring machine). Band saw can usually be found used for $100-$150 if it doesn't come with the package you buy. As for the table saw, you'll want to get a 510 or a 520 for the upgraded table system over the 500 models. As for the planer, they tend to hold their value - the best model is the free standing Pro Planer that runs on a power station. You can also get the regular planer that runs via the SS headstock - I own a DeWalt planer, so can't speak to the specifics of the SS planers but was always told to go with the Pro Planer if possible. They tend to sell for $300-$500 - occasionally you'll see someone get a screaming deal on one somewhere but for the most part they go for $300-$500 and usually via CraigsList, since they are heavy and hard to ship, so E-Bay not much of an option. A jointer is a good thing to have as well and IMO as necessary as the planer - they can usually be found used for $100-$125 but make sure you get one with the upgraded blade guard. Visit the SS website to read up on the various SPT's (specialty tools) that are available and the various upgrades that have been available over the years:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/product_index.htm
Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 7:12 am
by algale
If it were me, I'd get myself to Monterey and buy that 520 fast! That's identical to the package I got in New Jersey a few years back, but $100 less than I paid. It appears he also has the lathe steady rest.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... dyrest.htm
The only caveats (other than making sure the motor and speed changer work) is to be sure that the Monterey seller has (a) the two floating tables (which connect to the main table via the tubes shown in the far left of the second photo) and (b) the other adjustable support leg (one support leg is shown on the far right of the third photo, unnecessarily supporting the extension table which is installed in the headrest with the rip fence straddling the main tale and the extension table).
Get your jointer and planer later.
If you plan to work inside, as opposed to outside or in a garage with an open door, you may wish to upgrade the filter hood on the dust collector.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... dyrest.htm
Welcome to the forum/addiction.
Al