Been wanting to set up a workshop for sometime, but haven't had the space (loft living downtown). We'll, moving this week to a suburban house with a very nice heated basement workshop - yeah! Only problem is it is a pretty small room. This has lead me to the search for small footprint solutions - and ultimately to a Shopsmith. I am now scanning eBay and Craigslist for used machines.
So this may be a typical newbie question, but I'll ask anyway....
What vintage/model do I choose?
I like the idea of choosing a much older machine and restoring it to better-than-new. Cheaper to buy, and pride of ownership from a job well done. But are there downsides? I would imagine there are some safety features on newer models that would be good to have. Are things like the tablesaw guard retrofit-able to the older machines? Are there capacity differences? Additional capabilities? Would cost of restoration and purchase of accessories for an older model offset the savings compared to purchasing a newer 510? Is there a summary somewhere of the different models, features, etc? I see 500, 510, 520... Help!
Newbie ?: What system to choose?
Moderator: admin
-
JPG
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 35430
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: Lexington, Ky (TAMECAT territory)
This may not help, but here goes.animal157 wrote:Been wanting to set up a workshop for sometime, but haven't had the space (loft living downtown). We'll, moving this week to a suburban house with a very nice heated basement workshop - yeah! Only problem is it is a pretty small room. This has lead me to the search for small footprint solutions - and ultimately to a Shopsmith. I am now scanning eBay and Craigslist for used machines.
So this may be a typical newbie question, but I'll ask anyway....
What vintage/model do I choose?
I like the idea of choosing a much older machine and restoring it to better-than-new. Cheaper to buy, and pride of ownership from a job well done. But are there downsides? I would imagine there are some safety features on newer models that would be good to have. Are things like the tablesaw guard retrofit-able to the older machines? Are there capacity differences? Additional capabilities? Would cost of restoration and purchase of accessories for an older model offset the savings compared to purchasing a newer 510? Is there a summary somewhere of the different models, features, etc? I see 500, 510, 520... Help!
What are you going to use it for?
Are you going to want to 'add on'(SPTs etc.).
The older model 10 is a better lathe and drill press and typically are much cheaper. Spare parts are essentially only available as used. They are built like a tank however. SS is still using them for production!!!!
The older Mark 5 and Mark V are all upgradable all the way to a Mark 7!!!!!
Question is what is available near by?;)
╔═══╗
╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝
Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝
Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
-
2centsworth
- Gold Member
- Posts: 268
- Joined: Wed Oct 16, 2013 4:35 pm
- Location: Georgetown, TX
What system to buy ?
Well that is a big question with an even bigger answer. What is your budget ? Things to consider 1) dust collection - you can simply buy a small shop vac and make do 2) as asked what are you going to use it for ? Lathe turning ? Building bird houses, etc. Accessories can be as much as the Shopsmith if you don't get them in you deal. My suggestion is find someone close to you from here on the site and go visit them and see their unit and setup. That would be priceless. The people here are by far the nicest and most willing to help I have ever encountered. There are several people with small shops. Fred Sheldon stores 5 Shopsmiths and more in half a garage. There are people in apartments, etc. all depends on you and your budget and more importantly just how crazy you want to be. What I mean is how much of a hobby and interests you want the Shopsmith to be. I owned one (brand new and fully loaded - I mean everything SS sold at the time and loved it) but ended up selling it for 1/3 what it was worth. Then bought everything in single units craftsman contractor tablesaw, floor model delta drill press, etc. sold it all last year in the downsize and went right back to the shopsmith 3 months ago and now own 4, and looking at my fifth. So once again a big question and a bigger answer. Good news is you found the right people to ask and even more important the right people to advise you along the way. Where are you located ? Now find people in your area and go visit them. Good Luck and hold on to your wallet. 
Jerry Penny
2centsworth
The Woodlands, Tx
SS 520 SN#518424 2000 (reversed motor), Shopsmith 10 E (shorty) fully restored by Skip with DC motor, Shopsmith 10 ER fully restored by Skip with DC motor, Shopsmith 10 ER (under going restoration), Greenie Shorty sanding station, Greenie Mini jointer station, SS Bandsaw power station, SS Planner, SS overhead pin router, SS Belt Sander, SS Strip Sander,, SS Jigsaw, SS Dust Collector, Ringmaster, and still having fun looking for more !
2centsworth
The Woodlands, Tx
SS 520 SN#518424 2000 (reversed motor), Shopsmith 10 E (shorty) fully restored by Skip with DC motor, Shopsmith 10 ER fully restored by Skip with DC motor, Shopsmith 10 ER (under going restoration), Greenie Shorty sanding station, Greenie Mini jointer station, SS Bandsaw power station, SS Planner, SS overhead pin router, SS Belt Sander, SS Strip Sander,, SS Jigsaw, SS Dust Collector, Ringmaster, and still having fun looking for more !
Wow, what a friendly forum! I post a vague newbie question on Turkey day and get three thoughtful responses the same day!
Here is some more info:
My first project will be to fit out my shop: workbenches, shelves, etc. if I were to go with separate tools, I'd need to build a mobile stand for each tool, store them in the unfinished portion of the basement, and wheel them into the shop one at a time to use them. I'm hoping with a Shopsmith I can save one corner for it, and use two walls for work benches. I'll likely have many shop design questions I'll share here once we take possession this week and I can get measurements for the room.
Projects after that? I've done many project with my compound miter saw: screen door, wine keg, etc. I'm really looking forward to having a table saw, drill press, and band saw. I will probably also need a router solution. Not sure I'll do much lathe work, but not sure I know enough be sure of that. Other projects on my list: Adirondack chairs (deck furniture) to start, maybe a farm table for the dining room, maybe some model boats after that.
So should a Mark V be considered the basic building block? Chris Jay: what does the power pro upgrade consist of? The 520? What is "SPT", 40504? Is a Mark 5 different from a Mark V? My thought is that I would want to make sure whatever system I buy would have as many Accessories included as possible, no?
Recent CL postings here in St Louis show Mark Vs ranging from 700 to 1300. Would prefer to spend less than a grand. What upgrades or accessories should I be looking for to be included?
Thanks again for the responses!
Here is some more info:
My first project will be to fit out my shop: workbenches, shelves, etc. if I were to go with separate tools, I'd need to build a mobile stand for each tool, store them in the unfinished portion of the basement, and wheel them into the shop one at a time to use them. I'm hoping with a Shopsmith I can save one corner for it, and use two walls for work benches. I'll likely have many shop design questions I'll share here once we take possession this week and I can get measurements for the room.
Projects after that? I've done many project with my compound miter saw: screen door, wine keg, etc. I'm really looking forward to having a table saw, drill press, and band saw. I will probably also need a router solution. Not sure I'll do much lathe work, but not sure I know enough be sure of that. Other projects on my list: Adirondack chairs (deck furniture) to start, maybe a farm table for the dining room, maybe some model boats after that.
So should a Mark V be considered the basic building block? Chris Jay: what does the power pro upgrade consist of? The 520? What is "SPT", 40504? Is a Mark 5 different from a Mark V? My thought is that I would want to make sure whatever system I buy would have as many Accessories included as possible, no?
Recent CL postings here in St Louis show Mark Vs ranging from 700 to 1300. Would prefer to spend less than a grand. What upgrades or accessories should I be looking for to be included?
Thanks again for the responses!
SPT = Special Purpose Tool. Such as a bandsaw, jointer, strip sander and scroll saw.
SS 500(09/1980), DC3300, jointer, bandsaw, belt sander, Strip Sander, drum sanders,molder, dado, biscuit joiner, universal lathe tool rest, Oneway talon chuck, router bits & chucks and a De Walt 735 planer,a #5,#6, block planes. ALL in a 100 square foot shop.
.
.
Bob
.
.
Bob
I pulled up CL for St. Louis and found what "I" thought were prices on the high end. Near me is a model 520 with newer band saw and scroll saw, each on a power station (that means they each have their own motor and stand) for $1500. It started higher, but has been at the price for many months.
How quickly are you looking to buy? Have you expanded you search area? Though I have no specifics, I presume if you were willing to expand your geographic search area, you could find at least a 510 which would include a newer bandsaw and jointer for less than $800. Recently a 510 with bandsaw, jointer, belt sander, jig saw (not a scroll saw), DC3300 (which is Shopsmith's dust collection system) and a multitude of extra blades, safety accessories and miscellaneous parts sold for $1100.
Region can and does make a difference regarding "previously owned" Shopsmiths. Many on this forum enjoy restoring older models. One question to ask yourself is if you would enjoy time restoring as compared to building projects. Some enjoy taking a classic car down to the frame and rebuilding it, some prefer the time that is spent driving. Where is your enjoyment?
SPT is the short hand for Special Purpose Tool. They are the fun goodies that are capable of using the Shopsmith motor (aka headstock). Such as the bandsaw, jointer.........
Do you have other power tools? Will they be used in conjunction with the Shopsmith or be replaced by SPTs?
And you thought buying a new car or furniture was demanding!
Me? I bought my first 500 thirty five years ago. Included a bandsaw, jointer, belt sander. I sold it 5 years later. Just since retirement did I get back to them. First was a 500 that needed some work, then another 500 that needed maintenance, but came with LOTS of extras. Then a 510 with more extras. Finally I decided I would treat myself to the latest and greatest, so this summer I bought a Mark 7. I thoroughly enjoy the PowerPro headstock and something about "new" gets me more excited to use it.
You will find members that have five or more Mark 5s. It's a fantastic addiction.
I'm not certain if I've been of any great help, but your have come to the right spot to find it.
Be well,
Ben
How quickly are you looking to buy? Have you expanded you search area? Though I have no specifics, I presume if you were willing to expand your geographic search area, you could find at least a 510 which would include a newer bandsaw and jointer for less than $800. Recently a 510 with bandsaw, jointer, belt sander, jig saw (not a scroll saw), DC3300 (which is Shopsmith's dust collection system) and a multitude of extra blades, safety accessories and miscellaneous parts sold for $1100.
Region can and does make a difference regarding "previously owned"
Shopsmiths. Many on this forum enjoy restoring older models. One question to ask yourself is if you would enjoy time restoring as compared to building projects. Some enjoy taking a classic car down to the frame and rebuilding it, some prefer the time that is spent driving. Where is your enjoyment?SPT is the short hand for Special Purpose Tool. They are the fun goodies that are capable of using the Shopsmith motor (aka headstock). Such as the bandsaw, jointer.........
Do you have other power tools? Will they be used in conjunction with the Shopsmith or be replaced by SPTs?
And you thought buying a new car or furniture was demanding!
Me? I bought my first 500 thirty five years ago. Included a bandsaw, jointer, belt sander. I sold it 5 years later. Just since retirement did I get back to them. First was a 500 that needed some work, then another 500 that needed maintenance, but came with LOTS of extras. Then a 510 with more extras. Finally I decided I would treat myself to the latest and greatest, so this summer I bought a Mark 7. I thoroughly enjoy the PowerPro headstock and something about "new" gets me more excited to use it.
You will find members that have five or more Mark 5s. It's a fantastic addiction.
I'm not certain if I've been of any great help, but your have come to the right spot to find it.
Be well,
Ben
-
joshh
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 723
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas
Since you indicate you will use it as a table saw, I would strongly suggest getting a 510 model or a 520 (with 520 being the better option).
Lots of good information in this thread: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5092
The 500, 510, 520 refers to the table system. See this link: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/Mast ... 8-08r2.pdf
The first page is a comparison chart of the table options. The 2nd page lists all the parts that come with a 520 upgrade. The 3rd page lists all the parts that come with a 510 upgrade. The 510 and the 520 are basically the same (larger main table, extension table, and include 2 "floating" tables that can be arranged in almost any way imaginable). The rails and the fence are different and the 520 is much easier to use and align.
The 5th page in the above link (labeled as page 7) shows the SPT's that shopsmith offers. Any SPT will work with any vintage mark V.
There are basically 3 versions of the headstock. If you find a headstock from 1985 (or around there) or newer, it will have a double bearing quill instead of a single bearing. This improves spindle runout but it is not a critical upgrade for most folks. If you find a headstock from 1993 or newer, it will have the latest version of the headstock. The access hole on the rear is larger and the switch is a little different. The idler bearing may also be a newer style (I don't know when they made this change though). Condition is MUCH more important than the headstock version though.
Power pro is the new motor (and necessary parts). Any Mark V headstock will accept a power pro upgrade. I would consider the upgrade after you have your shopsmith awhile (unless you are rolling in dough)
Lastly, where abouts in the country are you? If you are anywhere near me, I'll be happy to go with you to look at any shopsmith you are interested in. I'll bet others would extend the same offer.
Also, if you post a link to any shopsmith you are considering, we can offer opinions on if it's a good deal or not.
I consider the following prices to be average (location changes things, these prices also assume good running condition). Others may disagree about the prices, but this has been my experience where I live. Any shopsmith I have seen at a higher price sits for months and months and months and...
Mark V 500 - $300-500 (it would have to be loaded with goodies for me to pay more than $300
Mark V 510 - $500 - $750
Mark V 520 - $900 - $1300
Lots of good information in this thread: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5092
The 500, 510, 520 refers to the table system. See this link: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/Mast ... 8-08r2.pdf
The first page is a comparison chart of the table options. The 2nd page lists all the parts that come with a 520 upgrade. The 3rd page lists all the parts that come with a 510 upgrade. The 510 and the 520 are basically the same (larger main table, extension table, and include 2 "floating" tables that can be arranged in almost any way imaginable). The rails and the fence are different and the 520 is much easier to use and align.
The 5th page in the above link (labeled as page 7) shows the SPT's that shopsmith offers. Any SPT will work with any vintage mark V.
There are basically 3 versions of the headstock. If you find a headstock from 1985 (or around there) or newer, it will have a double bearing quill instead of a single bearing. This improves spindle runout but it is not a critical upgrade for most folks. If you find a headstock from 1993 or newer, it will have the latest version of the headstock. The access hole on the rear is larger and the switch is a little different. The idler bearing may also be a newer style (I don't know when they made this change though). Condition is MUCH more important than the headstock version though.
Power pro is the new motor (and necessary parts). Any Mark V headstock will accept a power pro upgrade. I would consider the upgrade after you have your shopsmith awhile (unless you are rolling in dough)
Lastly, where abouts in the country are you? If you are anywhere near me, I'll be happy to go with you to look at any shopsmith you are interested in. I'll bet others would extend the same offer.
Also, if you post a link to any shopsmith you are considering, we can offer opinions on if it's a good deal or not.
I consider the following prices to be average (location changes things, these prices also assume good running condition). Others may disagree about the prices, but this has been my experience where I live. Any shopsmith I have seen at a higher price sits for months and months and months and...
Mark V 500 - $300-500 (it would have to be loaded with goodies for me to pay more than $300
Mark V 510 - $500 - $750
Mark V 520 - $900 - $1300
- 1986 Mark V 500 Mini
- 1985 Mark V 510 with reversible motor, bandsaw, jointer, and double-tilt.
I offer quality motor reversal, rebuilding, and rewiring. Contact me at HarbourTools@live.com
- 1985 Mark V 510 with reversible motor, bandsaw, jointer, and double-tilt.
I offer quality motor reversal, rebuilding, and rewiring. Contact me at HarbourTools@live.com
-
joshh
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 723
- Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:53 pm
- Location: Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas
animal157 wrote:Ah, ok! Thanks! Yes, I think I'll need a band saw and jointer. Any recommendations on SPTs that are must haves? Is there a router SPT?
There are router options:
You can buy the speed increaser and associated parts:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... reaser.htm
You can buy an overarm pin router: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... router.htm
I know I'm forgetting other options...
That being said, I would go with a stand alone router setup if it were me (based on comments by folks here).
Happy thanksgiving by the way!!
- 1986 Mark V 500 Mini
- 1985 Mark V 510 with reversible motor, bandsaw, jointer, and double-tilt.
I offer quality motor reversal, rebuilding, and rewiring. Contact me at HarbourTools@live.com
- 1985 Mark V 510 with reversible motor, bandsaw, jointer, and double-tilt.
I offer quality motor reversal, rebuilding, and rewiring. Contact me at HarbourTools@live.com