Shopsmith Forums

Glad I found this forum!

I'm new to serious wood working and looking at getting a SS.

I've found one that is a Mark V with joiner, band saw, sander, jigsaw, disc sander, extra blades, lathe tools...

Price is $1000.

But, its about 25 years old.

Is the age a problem?

Any bells and whistles not on one that old?

Any advice would be helpful.

Thanks,

ks

1989 is a youngster!

My teenager is from 1962.

Others have them 10 yrs older.


Come on in, join the fun!

P.S. It is most likely a Mark V 510. Yes there are later models, but not at that price! Regardless the 510 is upgradable all the way up to the new Mark 7, but IMHO age/model is not really a factor at this point.

One bell, double tilt
One whistle, Power Pro upgrade

As you're just getting started, neither is essential.

There're also a number of wind chimes — dust collector, mortiser, chisels and so forth — that you can pick up along the way.
However, beyond the SS itself, your greatest accessory is the braintrust embodied by this forum.

Welcome! Enjoy!

Sometimes the brain trust has senior moments, but those times are quickly remedied. Usually by others.

Lesson - always ask questions - (dumb questions fully allowed). Always wait for several answers!!! If not enough answers (in your opinion) - ask for more.

Thanks guys. I did pick it up today!

I appreciate the info on the age issue. I can see now that isn't so much of a concern. This one is very clean. No rust and well cared for.

I got lots of gadgets I have no idea what they are yet...it will take some time. Got some learnin' to do.

First question:

The previous owner said to wax the bars with car wax.

I was wondering about using a oil like Ballistol.
Was thinking about using it over the metal parts in generally.

Any thought?

Thanks,

ks

ksks wrote:Thanks guys. I did pick it up today!

I appreciate the info on the age issue. I can see now that isn't so much of a concern. This one is very clean. No rust and well cared for.

I got lots of gadgets I have no idea what they are yet...it will take some time. Got some learnin' to do.

First question:

The previous owner said to wax the bars with car wax.

I was wondering about using a oil like Ballistol.
Was thinking about using it over the metal parts in generally.

Any thought?

Thanks,

ks

Use Johnson's 'original' Paste Wax. Yellow can, red stripe. You can find it in the 'cleaning' aisle of Home Depot. It is a paste floor wax.

Welcome! Keep us up to date on your adventure. Let us know when your addictive therapy starts. I'm personally a recovering non-shopsmith owner for 4 years now.

My oldest was built in the 1940's. Purrs like a kitten that one. The middle one gives me a little growl now and then but the youngest is a work horse.

Is the paste wax to be used just on the bars, or over the whole machine parts, stand, case?

Thanks

ksks wrote:Is the paste wax to be used just on the bars, or over the whole machine parts, stand, case?

Thanks

Don't use oil. It attracts dust and wood and gels up. Wax your bars, quill, table, etc. Anything that moves or something moves on it. It protects the metal, keeps things sliding well, and keeps rust from forming. Wax often.

BTW, I am a newbie also

ksks wrote:Is the paste wax to be used just on the bars, or over the whole machine parts, stand, case?

Thanks

The way tubes followed by the mounting tubes are prime territory. Any thing that slides(quill, miter bar . . .), table tops, and any thing else that has a tendency to rust or crud up including black oxide arbors etc..

Apply, let it dry a bit(like shining shoes?) and buff. It will create a slick surface.

Oil(#10 light machine oil aka 3in one, turbine oil, sewing machine oil) is used prolifically on the movable sheaves/shaft. Very sparingly anywhere else.

Powdered graphite in a few places(personal choice).