Hello I am currently contemplating purchasing a used Shopsmith Mark V.
My question is whether to buy an older model (500) or a newer one.
From what I understand the added tables and pro fence system are very worthwhile additions and to upgrade a Shopsmith 500 would cost as much as getting a newer used one that already has these features.
Is there anyone out there who has tried the various shopsmiths?
What are reasonable prices for used ones?
JH
Didn't we all have a Shopsmith at one time. I have an old Mark V which I still use as a drill press, lathe (light duty admittedly), and 12" disc sander -can't beat having a disc on a quill for trueing miters, ect. Having said that, a Shopsmith cost more than buying the individual equivolent machines. What your paying for is small foot print, you know, roll it up against the wall when the 2 cars have to go back in the garage Sunday nite. And finally, if you don't believe it includes a table saw, you"ll probably be happy with it. So the added tables and pro fence system that go to support the table saw are not worth it.
Resale value on these machines is really low. Forget the advertised prices. If someone is trying to sell one its because they upgraded to stand-alone machines and its just taking up space or someone died and its just taking up space. IMHO, these people should feel lucky getting a few hundred bucks at best. And then with the money you saved buy a real table saw, doesn't have to be expensive, a little Grizzly or Woodtek contractor saw would be 10 times the saw you get with the Shopsmith. Good hunting.
Joseph, I have to disagree with the previous poster. I come from a family of Shopsmith owners, my 1954 model given to me in 1973 by my father in law still runs like a champ, and is versatile and accurate. I prefer to rip 4x8 sheets of plywood on the shopsmith than to use a portable circular saw. It's compact design is also worth a lot if you have limited room. That being said, I am quite aware of the main complaint about the unit, is that the table tilts rather than the blade. It's a valid complaint, but I guess it depends on the type of work you do. I have found many ways to get around that problem. As for prices and models, I don't know much other than there were some 'questionable' years when the company was going thru changes, including non-operation for a few. Hope this helps a little. Chas
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My sampling of 2 sales around the WashDC area contradicts your resale is really low supposition. Both folks got a decent amount for 'em, near (but not quite) a grand. Admittedly it was a few years ago in DC, but I can't imagine prices go down. Compared to the cost of a new ShopSmith, plus the variety of functions the person buying is getting (and presumably he's looking at 'em for particular reasons, and stand alone individual tools aren't in the cards at the moment), and assuming it includes a few of the accessories, if you find one in decent shape for a couple hundred, grab it.
Personally, I own a Mark V and it was my only larger tool for a while
- mostly til I figured out that I did kinda like WW'g and also managed to find a little $ here and there. The table saw is truly abhorent . I also use it mainly for a drill press (though looking at stand alones), disk sander and occassionally a lathe. Contemplate selling it periodically, but haven't yet. (Now the bandsaw, you'' ll be seeing for sale in the near future.)
Sorry - the reply about the DC Shopsmith sales was mine. Not only did I forget to "sign" it, but my user name was "shortened".
Renata
I just saw on craigslist-new jersey-tools a Mark V and the guy wants $800. Too much, IMHO, and I recall seeing it for sale a few months ago for about the same price, so maybe he's flexible, but to me its worth maybe $300 as I would only use it for drill press/lathe/sander.
Mutt
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