Thoughts on Buying Used...

[willyslc]

Hi,

I've ventured into woodworking a few times, but I am a real beginner. There are a few used ShopSmith Mark V's for sale on our local on-line classifieds. Is this a good choice for a beginner? I also have limited space (just my garage). My first projects would be relatively simple, like a built in bookcase. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Bill

[chettrick]

I have bought new and used SS equipment. Look for a deal and look at it closely. Make sure that it is running smoothly in case you are not mechanically inclined or have some trouble shooting skills. Many sold online and ebay have lots of rust and have not been taken care of.

I picked up two SS, bandsaw, planer, jointer, sanding belt and a truck of accessories for less than 2k last year. Shrotly after buying a new one with dust collector for 3500. They run the same but it required a little polishing.

Good luck.

[robg]

I have a used scroll saw. It doesn't look all that pretty, but I didn't pay very much for it and everything that was not in the best of condition is easily replaceable. If the paint job is important to you, SS even sells touch up paint of the appropriate color.

The only problem is a lot of tools have been updated over the years for improved use or ease of use. Fortunately, most upgrades are available as a kit from SS as well. Definately buyer beware, but you can save a lot of money with used stuff and most of it seems to last a long, long time.

[berry]

Used is a great way to save money but because you are not familar with the equipment, I'd encourage carefully going over the machine and if possible bring a experienced SS user along. If that's out of the question at least bring a experienced woodworker.

If the equipment is 'unused', that is sitting in a corner of a basement or garage, and looks like the owner has been using it to store holiday decorations on it since 1976 - figure on putting some real effort into cleaning up, perhaps replacing a few parts, and almost certainly tuning.

Also, try get a list of major parts or picture, for the model your considering so you get all the parts. You don't want to get home and find out it's missing a lower guard or whatever.

Finally, there are several models and versions. I believe most SS owners like THEIR model. So while I'll recommend a Mark V 520, I'm sure many others will recommend the one they use.

I've had mine for over 20 years and I'm not sure if I'd recommend it for a beginner? I believe SS owners are sort of cult-like. I DO NOT mean that in any negative way. It's similar to people who owned Volkswagen Beetles in the 60's. It took a unique person, slightly off the beaten path, to drive a really small, underpowered, rear engined car, that needed the driver to use an ice scraper on the inside of the car. As a multi-purpose tool it saves space and money for the owner but if your not a careful planner it can be problematic.

Whatever you end up getting have fun and work safely.

[willyslc]

Looks like I wouldn't have any problems with on-line support if I did this. Looks like the Mark V includes the basics. What about routing? What do you folks use for Routing?

Thanks,

Bill

[Bruce]

I would not recommend the Shopsmith router package. The motor turns too slow for effective routing. The speed increaser would make it work better, but the extra expense doesn't seem wise to me. A router and/or router table would be a better way to go.

[scottss]

Router tables are simple to build or even buy a cheap one. If I didn't care how much I was spending I would definitely get the RBI hawk routershop. Hands down its by far the best router table in the business. I have a sears router table with there router (only 1/4 collet though) also I built a table and used an incra fence and since have purchased a shopsmith router table add on that I would sell for $150. What ever you do get a router that is easy to adjustable and a 2hp at least. I use a porter cable plunge router.

[chiroindixon]

Couldn't agree more. I researched every router table I could find and chose the Hawk RouterShop. I'm a dunce when it comes to setting a router table up. I need all the help I can get.

This system works great.....Very easy to learn especially if you have no other router table experience.

Tip....wait until they have a sale. You can save big if you are patient. Spend your savings on a better router.....