Considering a Shopsmith, want to know which model to get

copete · Post by **copete** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 5:59 am

There are several used Mark Vs available in Colorado Springs (or Denver) where I live, and I'm trying to winnow down which one is best for me. After doing a considerable amount of research, I believe the expanded table size of a 510 or 520 is important to me. However, I'd like to hear what other folks have to say as I'm only basing that on a perception that I'll have trouble ripping larger pieces of wood (like, say 4' x 8' sheets of 3/4" plywood) on the smaller table of the 500. Please help me. I'm very excited to join the Shopsmith family, but I need some help.

curtis george · Post by **curtis george** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 6:13 am

Hello
Yes, I would go with the large table size of the 510/520 If I were you.
Besides the table size, the new units have a more powerfull motor as well as a better drive belt, than the older units that can be found.
Good luck on your quest.

I never regreat my buying of my SS. and Ive owned it for many years now. Its a great machine.

C.A.G.

copete · Post by **copete** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 6:26 am

Curtis,

Thanks for the help. Part of the reason why I'm struggling with the decision is that I'm pretty amped up to get working. Most of what is available right now are older 500 models. I guess I have to tell myself that patience is a virtue.

Thanks,
Pete

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 6:56 am

Do you have a tablesaw currently? If you do (like a contractor or cabinet saw not a benchtop) then the table size matters less and a 500 would work well for everything else. If this would be your main tablesaw then a 510+ would be a good buy.
I swear by my 500 but I use a separate tablesaw.

copete · Post by **copete** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 7:03 am

No, this would be my primary table saw. That's why I'm leaning toward the 510. This is actually where this all started. My Dad has a ton of great tools that he hardly uses anymore, but he lives in VT, so shipping most of them (like his table saw) was going to be cost prohibitive. He actually has offered to buy me a SS as my uncle swears by his.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 9:08 am

Pete;
By all means get at least a 510. Be sure to get one with the sliding tables. Try not to get the 505 which has the same size main table but no sliding tables. I have my machine since 1983 and have upgraded twice (no 3 times) since then. I believe that the 520 is the way to go but the 510 is still very good. My third upgrade was to the Power Pro headstock which is really awesome!!!! Good luck on your search.
Bill V

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 10:18 am

Pete, you will find that ripping a full sheet of 4' x 8' plywood on any model Shopsmith will be troublesome unless you use multiple support fixtures. Even then it's not exactly an easy process. Your best bet with plywood is to use a circular saw and straightedge to trim the panels into slightly oversize pieces and then cut them to finish size on the Shopsmith. Even with that being the case, the better choice would be the 510 over he 500 and the best choice would be the 520.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 2:53 pm

I agree with pennview that cutting into a full sheet of plywood is a troublesome and somewhat risky operation on my 510. I love my 510 - don't take me wrong!! However when working with plywood, I usually have the store or lumber yard cut the full sheets into smaller pieces that are larger than I need for a project.

When sawing those pieces into project size, I use more table than just the 510 saw table.
In other words, the 510/520 saw table is, by itself, usually not enough to handle larger pieces of sheet goods all by its self.

I use the extension table and usually one or two floating tables. Also, use support legs. Also, you will probably need outfeed support from a table or roller stand.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 3:29 pm

charlese wrote:I agree with pennview that cutting into a full sheet of plywood is a troublesome and somewhat risky operation on my 510. I love my 510 - don't take me wrong!! However when working with plywood, I usually have the store or lumber yard cut the full sheets into smaller pieces that are larger than I need for a project.

When sawing those pieces into project size, I use more table than just the 510 saw table.
In other words, the 510/520 saw table is, by itself, usually not enough to handle larger pieces of sheet goods all by its self.

I use the extension table and usually one or two floating tables. Also, use support legs. Also, you will probably need outfeed support from a table or roller stand.

A willing assistant to help guide large pieces is also a huge plus. Make sure they have appropriate safety gear and you show them where to stand and how to help without hurting them self or anybody else. This is how I was taught and how I taught both of boys shop safety. They weren't always willing assistants but it got the job done.

Be safe and do good work. I have a 500 BTW see my sig below

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Jan 21, 2011 4:27 pm

Realize there are different 'older' models. If factory paint, the color will identify them(almost). Any of the older models can be upgraded to the 510/520, but that be $$$$$$$!

A green(& silver?) will have a smaller 3/4hp motor and a gilmer drive(less desirable).

A Gold or brown(& reddish copper) MAY have the smaller 3/4hp motor and a Gilmer drive(same minimum desirability)

Or it MAY have the larger 1 1/8hp motor and the newer poly-v drive.(ok desirability)

A gray colored one will have the same 'features as the 'ok' one.

A quick look at the shiney vent plate at the 'back' of the headstock if original will state the motor size. All 1 1/8hp have the newer drive. All 3/4hp have the older drive, but they can and therefore could have the newer drive(or a newer motor).

There have been different manufacturers over the years, and you can be assured of newer motor and drive if it was built by Magna American, or Shopsmith Inc. Again the plate would need to be the 'original'.

Looking at the Denver Craigslist, you can see the goldie and greenie colors. I would not recommend the goldie(too many missing/strange parts) nor the greenie for the reasons above(older style).

The sw denver is ok!

The sw littleton MAY be all there but cannot tell for sure in that heap! It is a 510 with all the 'extra' tables(least expensive 520 upgrade cost).

The Conifer Pine Junction is 'WOW'. That is a lot of SPT's included!!! It is also a 510 with all the extra tables.

That is a lot of $$$$, but it is also a lot of stuff!!! Dust Collector, jointer,bandsaw, scrollsaw,lathe duplicator,router table and a lot of smaller things.

If yer pocketbook is that well, that is the one!!!! And he will 'deliver'!!!