Shopsmith Forums

I am looking for a used Shopsmith Bandsaw and a used Shopsmith Jointer to complement my 510. What are the differences between the versions? Thank you!

Big difference in band saw versions is cast iron table (older) vs. aluminum (newer). Newer also has dust port and window to see tension gauge.

Jointer differences is the metal guard (older) vs. plastic guard with built in feather board (newer). Newer also has dust chute.

I have the bandsaw (now upgraded from original version to pretty much all the goodies on the new one - i.e. larger aluminum table, Kreg fence, and new side cover with dust port and adjustment window) and I used to have the jointer (which I also upgraded with new dust port and the newest blade guard). So here are my thoughts and again this is only my opinion (just me getting ready to get dumped on!!) -

Bandsaw - I do like the bigger table and I definitely like the Kreg fence. If I did it over again, I would modify the original side cover for a dust port and cut my own window and save the $$. When I added the dust port I would angle it backwards just to keep the hose out of the way. The window is nice but it got all covered by sawdust and is hard to read the scale - I need to add a light and I have already yanked the window out and left it off. In any event, any version of the bandsaw is quite ok and it is easy to 'upconvert' to the latest and greatest. I do have a thirst to go to a 14" bandsaw with a nice tall opening but ... well, that will have to wait.

The SS jointer is also great in any version. It was nice to have the modified dust port and having a good guard on the blade is absolutely essential! The performance was good but I found the 4" width to be a bit of a limitation and I replaced my SS one with a nice Craftsman pro model 6" (which I really like, by the way). Plus it is setup on it's own without any need to lug over the SS and mount it.