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Looking to purchase a used SS.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:35 am
by rrisius
Hi all, I new to the forum and am looking for advice on purchasing a used SS. There are a few in my area that range fro $250 - $1250 and they range in age from a greenie to a 1991 model 510 with a band saw. I have always loved the SS but never could afford to buy one new. The boss has finally given my the go ahead to spend $1000
Should I buy a greenie for $250 and then spend the extra money to bring it up to date?
Should I buy a 1980's model that has been very used for $600 and bring it up to date?
Should I buy the 1991 model 510 w/band saw that is missing the miter guide but has been used very little (lathe tools never used, drill bits still in org. pkg.) for $900 (he wanted $1250 but I offered him $800 and am waiting to hear back).
I will be using the SS for making my own picture frames, quilt racks for my wife, and light construction/remodel around the house.
Any advice or direction you can give would be most appreciated. I have spent many hour combing the archives and blogs trying to help me make the best purchase.
Thanks for all the help!!
Rich
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:52 am
by beeg
See if this sawdust session helps ya. What do ya mean by "bring it up to date"? I'd say buy the 1991 one, cause ya could spend the difference in parts on the 1980 model.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 12:52 am
by beeg
See if this sawdust session helps ya.
http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Archives/SS121/SS121_Index.htm
What do ya mean by "bring it up to date"? I'd say buy the 1991 one, cause ya could spend the difference in parts on the 1980 model.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 1:09 am
by JPG
Used Mitre gauges are plentiful, and even a Greenie vintage varies very little from a 'newer' vintage.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:11 am
by rrisius
Thank you both for the quick reply. That is what I have been thinking (buy the 1991). Bring it up to date, means to me, two bearing quill, 510/520 table system, dust/safety guards.
Love the SS Academy videos! I'm the process of watching them all. I'm sure I will have many more questions.
Thanks again,
Rich
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:44 am
by 8iowa
Welcome:
Whatever your choice, we're glad to have you aboard. There's a lot of Shopsmith expertise here, so keep coming back.
Fill out your profile and let us know where you reside.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:55 am
by heathicus
Both of the two newer models should already have a 2 bearing quill. So the only difference will be the table system and accessories.
Used Shopsmith
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:40 pm
by truxton
IMHO, for what it's worth, a older SS it is not necessarly wore out. Rather than spend the extra to up date it to the 510, or buy a newer unit I would opt to get an older SS and spend the difference on a jointer and planer. Remember, all wood working starts on the jointer. With the planer, jointer and the table saw you can dimention and straighten stock to what ever size you need for your project.
Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2010 2:41 pm
by wa2crk
I would buy the 1991 model 510. It will already have the two bearing quill as well as the larger table. The 510 is a real good system but if you have the 510 it will cost a lot less to upgrade to the 520 system if you choose to do so. If you get it check it out completely and make sure it is properly lubricated and waxed.
Bill V
Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2010 6:55 am
by Ron309753
wa2crk wrote:I would buy the 1991 model 510. It will already have the two bearing quill as well as the larger table. The 510 is a real good system but if you have the 510 it will cost a lot less to upgrade to the 520 system if you choose to do so. If you get it check it out completely and make sure it is properly lubricated and waxed.
Bill V
I agree with Bill. Go for the 510.
Sincerely,
Ron309753