Shopsmith Forums

Hello, newbie here. I plan to read through the whole forum, but I have a pressing question first:

Roughly how much should I expect to pay for a used Mark V 520 in good condition, with the basic configuration (I expect higher price if other equipment/attachments are included)? I'm not considering those that "... need work..." or have not been well maintained.

FWIW, I'm in western Canada.

Thank you muchly,

Patrick

If I had an opportunity for a clean, well maintained 520 (with standard accessories) for $1000 I probably would have a real hard time walking away.

But, if you offer me $1000 for mine, I will run you off the property.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/t ... 25202.html

This was up yesterday in Vancouver. Seems reasonable, and in Canadian dollars... you know, the ones worth something:D

Derek

Patrick
I was able to find a 520, 2002 - 50th Anniversary Version & upgraded bandsaw (aluminum table) with some nice accessories for $1500 in 2009. After looking for a few weeks I located the 520 during a google search in my area and found it posted on a woodworking club website. Over time I have found other accessories from craigs list and list-alert. With time and patience I even acquired a Shopsmith Pro-Planer in near excellent condition for $130.

While I know you are not in Texas, recent listings in Dallas and Austin TX may give you some ideas as well.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/tls/2552755455.html

http://austin.craigslist.org/tls/2542954305.html

If you are looking for a used machine in good plus condition, don't settle.

Jerry

I picked up a lightly used 520 with all the standard parts, plus a bandsaw and dc3300 for $800 in January.

Thanks for the replies. Since I've started looking seriously, here in Calgary I found a few very decent looking ones (from pics, haven't gone in person) but quite costly. One 520 in particular, with planer and in very good condition, is going for $1900. Seems quite steep to me. Another, looks like a 500 upgraded, for $1800. Then there's the basket cases I can get for $150 to several hundreds.

As was mentioned in another post, I must be patient and one will come along. But man, whenever I see a decent one, I think "this is it, there'll never be one like that ever again!" ... must ... buy ... aargh!

Thanks again,

Patrick

patrick_demets wrote:Another, looks like a 500 upgraded, for $1800.

The only difference between the 500,505,510,520's are the carriages and table size.

beeg wrote:The only difference between the 500,505,510,520's are the carriages and table size.

That difference with a 500 involved is quite significant, in my opinion.

patrick_demets wrote:Thanks for the replies. Since I've started looking seriously, here in Calgary I found a few very decent looking ones (from pics, haven't gone in person) but quite costly. One 520 in particular, with planer and in very good condition, is going for $1900. Seems quite steep to me. Another, looks like a 500 upgraded, for $1800. Then there's the basket cases I can get for $150 to several hundreds.

As was mentioned in another post, I must be patient and one will come along. But man, whenever I see a decent one, I think "this is it, there'll never be one like that ever again!" ... must ... buy ... aargh!

Thanks again,

Patrick

Again my opinion: $1900 is not a bad deal for a good, clean, functional 520 with an operational planer. It would be a bit better of a deal if that 520 was built on 510 headstock with the larger motor and two bearing quill.

Clarification: Table upgrades can make a unit 'look like' a 510 or 520 even though it has a 500 headstock (3/4hp motor and two bearing quill and gilmer drive).

Thanks Dusty, I wasn't aware that the 520 has a smaller motor (smaller in size or HP?). Also, I was under the impression that since 1984 headstock have a two-bearing quill. Or did they revert to single bearing quill in 1991 with the new headstock? I'm going by the "Buying a Used Shopsmith Mark V" document.