Shopsmith Forums

First, I own no SS. I am looking on CL because I have wanted one for years. I eventually want to make cabinets for my kitchen when I feel I have mastered the equipment and techniques enough to do so. I'd like advice as to which accessories are vital and which nice to have especially for cabinets or built-in projects. (My house is severely deficient in closet and storage space.)

Any references also would be appreciated. I have done some built-in projects with hand-held power tools, but they lacked the professional fit and finish I would need for kitchen cabinets. I consider myself between novice and intermediate in skills at this point.

Also, is a Mark V with band saw, jig saw, dado, router/shaper for $1200 a decent deal (and what I'd need)? Picture looks good, but it's 2 hours away.

Thanks, I'll stop rambling now

Twosheddz wrote:Also, is a Mark V with band saw, jig saw, dado, router/shaper for $1200 a decent deal (and what I'd need)? Picture looks good, but it's 2 hours away.

Thanks, I'll stop rambling now

Can ya post a link to that?

I also am a beginner. My quest to get started started in the 70's but I am just now fulfilling my goal of becoming a woodworker and I am having a blast. I could usually get things to fit with a circular saw, and a hand saw, but like you it lacked the "pro" "polished" look I always wanted. The fine Shopsmith folks (both the company and especially the forum) helped me get the equipment I need to get where I want to go. It amazes me at the precision I am getting with these machines, even the '51 model ....

I was told that the Shopsmith, plus a jointer, bandsaw, and beltsander will pretty much do what you want. It has been suggested that I aquire and learn the hand plane techniques and skills so I am in the backround learing that as well. I want to eventually get all of the SPT's. I bought a 10ER to get a jigsaw and have fallen in love with the old technology as well as the new with my Mark 7 and PowerPro. I now have three Shopsmiths and I am probably not done yet .....

I still struggle with wood movement calculations and techniques, but that is part of the challenge.

All things said, I am amazing myself at the stuff I am building right now.

A lot of experts will chime in here with a lot of good info, listen to these guys, they won't lead you wrong.

Have fun!

Dick

beeg wrote:Can ya post a link to that?

here you go

http://syracuse.craigslist.org/tls/4677052391.html

It appears to be in good condition(from the outside).

An interesting mix from different eras.(that is not bad!)

For cabinet work, a jointer would be desirable(not in the CL mix).

It has gone begging for almost a month.

Make an offer up to as much as YOU are willing pay.

At $1200 it is a high price.

2/3 that would be appropriate.

Others will say less since it is a '500'.

That's a model 500. It may be a bit steep even with the accessories and separate power tools. For kitchen cabinets you will probably be using and cutting plywood for the cabs and hardwood for the doors and drawer fronts. My view is that for a project like that you do not need either a bandsaw or a jigsaw but you would benefit from the larger main table and extension table and superior rip fence of the Model 510 or 520.

Thanks for the feedback. Is there a guide of some kind to distinguish between the model types by seeing pictures of them?

Twosheddz wrote:Thanks for the feedback. Is there a guide of some kind to distinguish between the model types by seeing pictures of them?

Here's a comparison.

http://www.shopsmith.com/markvsite/specifications_3.htm

The most current table system is the one shared by the 520/Mark 7. The 520/Mark 7 rails are roughly rectangular; the 510 rails are tubular (both systems use tubular connectors that slide inside the rails).

The 520/Mark 7 rip fence is a bit wider than the 510 and a different clamping system.

Some think the 520/Mark 7 offers advantages in terms of alignment. Others think the 510 is just as capable. To complicate things, there have been a couple of differences in the 510 rail system. You may have to search the forum or wait for another member to explain.


The advantages all three of these table systems have over the 500 table system are (1) a deeper, wider main table, (2) a deeper, wider auxilliary table, (3) two "floating" tables and (4) two telescopic support legs.

The advantages are most apparent when sawing. With the larger tables plus the extra floating tables you can make a pretty big platform to support your work. Depending on whether you are ripping or cross cutting you can put some in place to support infeed and outfeed or just all to support crosscutting.

Al

Thanks Al.

Found this page on Shopsmith when I googled images of different models.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/toolhistory.htm
Now I know what you guys are talking about when you say "Greenies" and "Goldies." What do you call the 63-64 Grays and the 72-84 Gray 500's? Crinkles and Splatters, Grayies?

Twosheddz wrote:First, I own no SS. I am looking on CL because I have wanted one for years. I eventually want to make cabinets for my kitchen when I feel I have mastered the equipment and techniques enough to do so. I'd like advice as to which accessories are vital and which nice to have especially for cabinets or built-in projects. (My house is severely deficient in closet and storage space.)

Any references also would be appreciated. I have done some built-in projects with hand-held power tools, but they lacked the professional fit and finish I would need for kitchen cabinets. I consider myself between novice and intermediate in skills at this point.

Also, is a Mark V with band saw, jig saw, dado, router/shaper for $1200 a decent deal (and what I'd need)? Picture looks good, but it's 2 hours away.

Thanks, I'll stop rambling now

Just for reference, I just got another SS yesterday. Mark V, a Goldie. Jointer, bandsaw, jigsaw and belt sander. Plus, Dado sets (2), mortise set, drum sanding stuff, and much more for $400. The other day I got a 510 for $175 with nothing extra. I have five SS's now. I buy whole lots just to get what I want. Point is at $1200, I'd pass.