Any shopsmith users out there?
I'm interested in purchasing one (used) and was wondering if there is
anything I should look out for?
Do they retain dimensional accuracy well?
Do they hold their accuracy over time?
How much of a pain in the butt is tool changeover?
Anything I should consider when looking to purchase one?
Any help would be appreciated.
My main reason for purchasing one is due to limited space for my shop.
Thanks,
-Derek

The Shopsmith is a fine tool that requires you to work a little differently
than you would with all stand alone tools. The tablesaw function is weak, but
improved in the model 510 or 520. The used market is rather weak if you are
willing to wait around for something semi-local as shipping can be costly. A
couple of years ago I was wanting to upgrade my model 500 to a 510 or 520. As
usual for Shopsmith, the company is quite proud of this upgrade and priced it
accordingly (i.e. abot $800 for the 500 to 510 upgrade). I found a 1994 model
510 with a jointer, bandsaw. strip sander, dust-collector and lots of blades,
bits, lathe tools saning disks and belts, etc. for $1,250. Just for good
measure the lady threw in a downdraft sanding table, a dewalt 5" ROS, some
other misc. tools and a bunch of wooden wheels and plugs for free. I sold my
1982 model 500 with its bandsaw and jointer and some blades, bits and lathe
tools for about the same amount. Thus gaining the upgrade for free plus a dust
collector, strip sander, the dewalt ROS, downdraft table, etc. for free. I got
a great deal. The guy I sold my older one to got a good deal. BTW there are
lots of these things from the 1950s still being used with virtually all parts
still available from Shopsmith.

Check out the ssusers group on yahoogroups.com. It is fairly active with about
1400 members currently.