Shopsmith Forums

Ok.. Since I've pestered some of you already for your opinions of my new machine, I thought I'd post some pics of what I brought home last Friday afternoon.. You may notice that the jointer's bed is in pretty bad shape -- the rust is pretty deep on that one.. I bought some naval jelly to try out on it to and will get to that at some point.. All in all, below is a summary (I think I've got most of it listed below) of what my $1200 got me:

SS Model 510
Biscuit machine
Jointer
Band Saw
large disc sander
lathe (not sure if its complete or not)
Various pipe & other assorted clamps
SS tool cart (seen in one of the photos)
extra band saw blades/sanding pads
various push blocks/tools
safety glasses
lathe chisels (5 or 6?)
extra stands & support legs

The one thing I know I'm missing is the drill press chuck.. I guess I'll have to order a new one but will probably hold off to see what else I might be missing..

The machine looks pretty clean. You got a good deal. Was the manual included? If not, that should be first on the list. Also, you can probably assume that the sheaves have not been oiled recently. You should do this before running the headstock very much.

I did not see any saw blades or arbors. The three blade pkg (556037) will take care of all your needs. The guard was missing on the jointer so you might also want to pick up featherguard kit (555480). I've seen jointers more rusty than that, it should clean up nicely. Then put paste wax on the jointer and bandsaw tables.

You have joined a band of happy woodworkers on this forum. Welcome.

Let's see.. I did forget to put down a few items such as a featherboard (not sure if its the same one you mention -- I'll have to check), cover, manual (needs a few page hole reinforcers), a few saw blades (for the table saw).. I do have a few odds-n-ends that I'm not completely sure what they are or where they go.. When I get some time I'll take a few pics and post away here for some ID's..

As for the machine itself, it does run fine, but seems like it probably needs some lubing as it doesn't appear to be as smooth as I'd imagine it would/could be when running. With the manuals help, I'm planning (when time permits) to do the full PM (preventive maint) on it including rust removal/waxing, greasing/oiling as needed (and graphite for those respective places)..

-- Rick

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the family. I am sure that you'll be very happy with this machine. It really looks to be in pretty good shape. As has already been stated - the jointer is really not all that bad (if the table is not pitted). After you do that navel jelly treatment you'll know.

At the risk of repeating what has already been said - before you run that puppy very much (including the bandsaw) you need to do a real good clean, lub and wax job. Put emphasis on lub and wax on the tables. Especially the sheaves and the speed control.

Make yourself familiar with what's available here in the forum and on the Shopsmith site. I've highlighted a few that will be particularly helpful getting that baby to where you can have total confidence. It's a fabulous machine and witl a little tlc she'll be like brand new (and I do mean that).

What's the serial number??? That'll tell you how old it is.

http://www.shopsmith.com/

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... enance.htm

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... _Belts.htm

Again, welcome and Work Safe. If you don't know - ASK!!!

Yesterday while it was still somewhat loaded in my truck I spent some time removing some of the rust off the main table (for the saw table).. The paint between each groove in the table is still in good shape but the top had some minor surface rust.. I've cleaned it up pretty good but still need to work on the additional tables -- some are worse than others. I applied a little car wax (the only thing I had on hand) just to ensure the rust stays away until I can get something better.. I might have to visit the local Rockler store to see what they've got for protecting the metal..

osx-addict wrote:Yesterday while it was still somewhat loaded in my truck I spent some time removing some of the rust off the main table (for the saw table).. The paint between each groove in the table is still in good shape but the top had some minor surface rust.. I've cleaned it up pretty good but still need to work on the additional tables -- some are worse than others. I applied a little car wax (the only thing I had on hand) just to ensure the rust stays away until I can get something better.. I might have to visit the local Rockler store to see what they've got for protecting the metal..

Use paste wax, like Johnson's. IMHO you got a good deal. Keep your plan of cleaning and lubing. Then go make sawdust!

Hi osx-addict,

Check doitbest.com to see if they have a location near you. They carry a good in-store collection, and you can order from a very large inventory on their website and have it shipped to their stores for free! The website carries all three of the most popular waxes - Johnson's, Butcher's, and Trewax - and my local store had Butcher's on the shelf. But, I ordered Johnson's and Trewax to have both on hand - why not, it's free to order from the site!

- Chris

When you finally get around to alignment, check out Shopsmith's "Hands on Line" #13. Nick gives some valuable tips and proceedures.

I started out with an '83 model 500. I upgraded it to 510 and then later to 520. In the early days, the extension table was attached to it's base with four 3/8 x 16 cap screws. You had to align the extension table in relationship to the main table by inserting spacers on each cap screw - a trial and error method that alsmost never resulted in a good alignment. Sometime in the near past Shopsmith replaced this akward method by replacing the four cap screws with longer 3/8 x 16 studs. This system uses washers and jam nuts which are easy to adjust to a fine level of accurate alignment. If your machine does not have these studs you can replace the old four cap screws with longer screws or cut four sections about 2 1/2 inches long from threaded rod in order to duplicate this system. I'll add that the dial set-up gauge will do wonders in helping you to get an accurate alignment.

chrispitude wrote:Hi osx-addict,

Check doitbest.com to see if they have a location near you....

Chris --

I've got a local ACE hardware store that I frequent ALL the time (unfortunately for me, fortunately for them ).. Their website claims that they've got it -- next time I'm over there I'll see if that holds true or not.. If not and Lowes doesn't have it (or any other place), I'll take you up on your offer above and check them out -- it appears that their closest store is in El Segundo -- about a 10 minute drive from my work location in Manhattan Beach)


8iowa --

Thanks for the tip.. I did notice that at least one of the extension tables does not line up with the other tables when they are next to each other -- its perhaps <1/16" off.. I'll have to take a look once I start aligning things and watch a few videos as well..