Shopsmith Forums

I bought a Mark V new in 1983 and have used it many times over the years. Started a new project recently and it prompted me to explore the ShopSmith in greater detail. Never went through the self study course in the past, just used the machine on projects as the spirit moved and put it away when finished. This time I got to thinking, it sure would be nice to have a decent fence system. So I went to the website and was inundated with a plethora of available upgrades. So my question is: Where do I start? The 500 to 520 upgrade? Dual tilt? Power Pro? All at once or a piece at a time? I have the SS jointer, the bandsaw and the belt sander. Would like to get a planer but that seems to be unavailable at this time. I think I finally got bit by the woodworking bug

I would start with the 520 upgrade. I started with a 510 and really love the 520 upgrade. While I have both the Power Pro and Dual tilt upgrades, the 520 is the one I would not want to do without. Unless you use the under table router or shaper feature you do not need the Dual tilt upgrade. The Power Pro upgrade is nice as far as the increased RPM range but there again unless you are using the router, shaper and lathe it is not necessary. I upgraded when I found a need for the others and the money for them but even still I rarely use the dual tilt feature and on occasion I miss the mechanical dial feature.

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I got mine in 1976 and piece parted it every time a new feature came along until they got to the 510 system. I did I believe all the other things that could be done. The basic system works pretty well after you make all those jigs and sleds and extensions but I decided to go to the 520 for the bigger table and hefty fence. Loved it!

I've also upgraded to the powerpro and love it too.

I'm a do it yourself sort of person but people here have mentioned that by the time you do all the upgrades and have to do all the work you end up only saving a small amount. I saw the math and it sure looks that way but I never wanted to go that way. So you might want to take a look at the numbers and see how you feel about it.

If you can find a demo near you take a look at what the new system looks like and if you can afford the whole deal or have do it in steps. They have special prices at the demos and that can save you at least 10% off the site prices.

Not long ago I attended one of these at a Woodcraft, the 500 to 520 is listed as 1471.93 for the upgrade and shipping, tax would add to that. The Powerpro do it yourself is 1658.33 with shipping and without tax. If the dual tilt is of interest then that is another 402.60.

They had the mark 7 for 4279.13 and a free accessory of you choice.... and you could either sell or if you are like me keep your existing machine.

The events that are coming up are listed here:

http://www.shopsmith.com/mark7site/event_schedule.htm

Ed

Another perspective: If you are considering buying the 520 upgrade from Shopsmith, consider checking out Craigslist. In my area, entire used 520s in excellent condition show up with some regularity for less than the price of buying just the 520 table/fence upgrade from Shopsmith. And these used 520 machines on CL usually include at least one major accessory. You could sell off what you don't want or make your old machine into a shorty.

If you are anticipating taking a 500 up to a 520 and a Power Pro headstock I would take a long look at a new Mark 7. Piecemealing
might cost more than new. Very attractive if they offer a new SPT of your choice. I would strongly recommend the lift assist with the PP headstock. It is 20 lbs. heavier than the conventional.
Bill V

I will you Bill,

I did mine Piecemeal and If i had to do it over again. I would have bought new, it is starting to cost about the same as new. but since i have started down this road i can only continue.

Thanks so much for all the input. Decided to go piecemeal, dropped the hammer today and ordered the 520 upgrade with some new saw arbors. I enjoy tinkering as well; I'm sure I'll enjoy the upgrading as much as using the new setup.

You all are a fabulous asset. Kudos to you for investing your time and knowledge to these forums. There is so much for a newbie to gain by perusing it all.

I am looking forward to gaining more insight from reading, asking questions and generally picking the brains of like minded hobbyists across the fruited plain!

Kevin

Let ma add my WELCOME to the comments.

There are NO dumb questions!

wa2crk wrote:If you are anticipating taking a 500 up to a 520 and a Power Pro headstock I would take a long look at a new Mark 7. Piecemealing
might cost more than new. Very attractive if they offer a new SPT of your choice. I would strongly recommend the lift assist with the PP headstock. It is 20 lbs. heavier than the conventional.
Bill V

Agree with everything Bill says here... except the PowerPro headstock is in fact 35 pounds, not 20. The lift assist is a nice addition.