Shopsmith Forums

Picked up a free-standing scroll saw, date code 060992. That should be among the last units made before the Teal Blue version.


So what are the differences between the old and new versions? Some physical differences are obvious. The stroke length was apparently reduced. Is there any other significant mechanical difference? How well do the parts for the new version still listed by Shopsmith work for the old ones? What's going on with the Shopsmith scroll saw in the future, is it officially discontinued?

The hold down and puffer hose assembly has changed and the blade backer no longer used. A YouTube video shows this being replaced entirely with the parts shown in the service diagram for the new version. Is this worth changing? Should I take out the blade backer anyway?


This thread, Grey SS scroll saw stroke/vibration reduction discusses changing the drive shaft/counterweight assemblies to those found on the blue version to reduce vibration and limit the stroke length. These aren't listed in the service parts, although I believe they are part 97 shown on the diagram. Anyone know if these parts will be available from Shopsmith or where to get some? Does anyone have the dimensions of these parts so I could consider modifying them?

Scott Markwood discusses the new version being about 30 lbs. heavier than the old one to damp vibration. Has anyone tried adding weight to the saw for that purpose?

I see there was once some kind of blade change upgrade, did that make the cam lock blade holder available for the old versions? Doesn't seem necessary for me and the occasional use I'm expecting. Was this ever available for the old saws?

Any other advice? There is some lateral play in the upper arm that I detected so far, probably more that can be tightened up, the hold down assembly needed a little straightening, but otherwise it's not the worst vibrating scroll/jig saw I've seen and I'm sure it could be improved.

You are fortunate to have the blade table insert.

Side play indicates bearing wear.(bronze bushings)

Take good care of the drive belt!

I'm also fortunate to have your great Refurbing a Scroll Saw thread for reference.

Another thread by paulrussell has more info on the cams that control stroke length. Reducing the stroke length appears to be significant in reducing vibration. I'll note that reducing stroke length effectively reduces the inches per second the blade is traveling for the same motor speed, thus some of the reduction in vibration is equivalent to lowering motor speed, although this is probably only a percent or two difference. Other cutting characteristics would change also, everything would go together to find the ideal stroke length.

The two Scroll Saws I have owned were both made in 1990 (March and June) and are Mark Mount ones. The Blade Mounting Block upgrade is for these older Scroll Saws. I upgraded the one I kept. I have not owned a Teal Scroll Saw to compare the differences. As always Ed I am happy to answer any questions I can.

Thanks Russ. I saw this product page for the Blade Block Upgrade that specifies it's for the 555715 and 555685 models only, is that the version you the upgrade you have? https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cat ... blocks.htm

555715 is the Mark Mounted version of the saw, I assume the blade blocks would be the same on the free standing version. 555685 just points to the Scroll Saw Owners manual page. I'm thinking this upgrade should work. I plan to order 877087 that will include the owner's manual, and I'm hoping other useful technical info.

It is interesting that the catalog says that the Blade Block Upgrade Kit is for the 555715 and 555685 models since they are the current models and should come with these Blade Blocks. The Models 555220 (Mark Mount) and 555272 (Stand Model) had the older Blade Blocks and for mine the upgrade fits them. Both the one I still have and the one I sold are Model 555220 and have the same table yours does. The Manual I have is from April 1988 and covers both the Mark Mount 555220 and the Stand 555272 Models. With it I have a December 1989 update for the later table. There was an earlier different version of the table for both the stand and Mark Mount Scroll Saws and the April 1988 Manual shows it. The instructions I have for the Scroll Saw Upgrade Kits dated February 1994 start with the following paragraph

With the Scroll Saw Upgrade Kits, you can upgrade
your old Shopsmith Scroll Saw to the new 1994
model Shopsmith Scroll Saw.

This refers to the pre teal Scroll Saws not the teal models 555715 and 555685, so I do not understand why the current catalog listing has them for the newer teal models.

If you can find them the manuals I referenced above would be better to have than the manuals for the current teal Scroll Saw models.

JPG said

You are fortunate to have the blade table insert.

I am not sure what he meant by that, but it is always nice to get a complete unit. If he was referring to the gray Scroll Saw being different than the current teal Scroll Saw which does not use a separate table insert and parts for the gray one no longer available that is mostly correct. The Table Insert P/N 516061 is no longer available as that part number but when checking that part you are directed to P/N 516173 the Bandsaw table insert for the aluminum table which is the same insert.

I just inherited the same model scroll saw (555272) along with a green painted Mark V from my father-in-law. The scroll saw is missing one of the Blade Clamps and the Mounting Block Assembly. The latter is no longer available from the Shop Smith. So I was glad to find this post. Ed from Rhode Island, did you order the upgrade kit and did it fit you 555272?

With the upgrade kit, is the Mounting Block Assembly still required?

Alan

AlanHiggins wrote: Mon May 02, 2022 9:36 pm
With the upgrade kit, is the Mounting Block Assembly still required?

Sorry, I did not order the upgrade kit yet. I think I have all the parts here so I ordered the reference literature which has come in, but I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Several other problems have kept me tied up for several weeks but I want to confirm this for myself and I'll try to check this out tomorrow and update the thread.

I'm may have to call and see if I can clear up the question of which models can use the upgrade kit if the reference literature doesn't clear that up.

Alan & Ed,

To my understanding of the gray Scroll Saws, the change was the table only adding the Blade Mounting Fixture to the edges of the table and no longer a fixture attached separately as per the new Table instructions (515815 TL-7019) dated 12/89. The Model Number stayed the same after the change to the table. As in my previous post the Blade Block Upgrade Kit fits the gray Scroll Saw models and I can confirm this for the Mark Mount Model 555220 which I have with the later table. Alan since you are missing part of the original Blade Blocks, I would recommend the upgrade kit. As a plus it makes blade changes quicker and easier than the original blocks. The stand Model 555272 Scroll Saw uses most of the same parts as the Mark Mount Model 555220 Scroll Saw and most important to this topic is the upper and lower arm assemblies are the same. If you have the early table and separate Blade Mounting Fixture, it is no longer required as the upgrade blocks stay attached to the upper and lower arms and you simply insert the blade and tighten the screws.

Thanks for the replies Ed and Russ.

Ed, what reference literature did you order?

Russ, thanks for the information. The upgrade kits sounds like a much better route to go than trying to find the original parts. I like idea of the quick change. I think I'll go ahead and order it and get use to the idea of ordering upgrades from Shopsmith as I also inherited my father-in-laws ancient Mark V that needs some TLC.

If I read the serial number correctly, I think my scroll saw is a 1992 model, but looks the same as Ed's.