Shopsmith Forums

I have a 10ER with a speed changer and the lathe parts. Locally there is a 1954 Mark V for sale pretty cheap and in fair conditions, but it is missing the lathe tool rest. Does one machine have any advantages over the other when it comes to turning? Thanks for your input.

The 10ER is a lot heavier. Weight is good in a lathe!!
Bill V

It's my understanding that the 10ER is a heaver setup and will not vibrate as bad when turning hard wood like the VS 500-520. Other than having a PowerPro motor available which has a speed range from 250 thru 10,000 rpm's, I don't know any advantage the VS has over the 10ER except I believe that you can turn a larger diameter bowl on the VS 500-520.

cougarboy wrote:I have a 10ER with a speed changer and the lathe parts. Locally there is a 1954 Mark V for sale pretty cheap and in fair conditions, but it is missing the lathe tool rest. Does one machine have any advantages over the other when it comes to turning? Thanks for your input.

I would choose the 10ER with a speed changer as it is heavier and the speed changer offers a lower speed and a wider speed range.

I believe the ER also has a 2 bearing quill where the 54 Mark V only has the single bearing quill.

If you already have the 10ER with the speed changer, it is the better lathe.

I concur! Heavier, with speed changer greater range. Not sure, but swing about the same.

JPG40504 wrote:I concur! Heavier, with speed changer greater range. Not sure, but swing about the same.

10ER swing is 15" and the VS is 16 1/2".

fredsheldon wrote:10ER swing is 15" and the VS is 16 1/2".

Gee I learned something today! TNX!!!:)

fredsheldon wrote:10ER swing is 15" and the VS is 16 1/2".

10ER swing, over the ways, is 15 inches.

Pull the tiebar off, slide the headstock off, put the headstock on backwards, make a tool rest stand (instructions in PTWFE for the ER) and swing can be as much as 36 inches.

Theoretically!

Seriously, with all the cast iron, and the thick way tubes, as well as the speed range, the ER is a better lathe. If you want to make it a better lathe, plug and fill the way tubes with lead shot, and get a DC motor conversion. My DC motor runs from about 50 RPM to 10,000 RPM.

The issues with ANY Shopsmith as a lathe, are the 5/8ths inch spindle, and the short ways.

steve

Cougar, I was going to say, get the Mk5 for a stand-alone drill-press, but the ER makes a better drill-press.

The Mk5 is a MUCH better table saw, though!

Chances are, your 54 Mk5 was built using ERs as tools.

steve