Shopsmith Forums

I have received a planer pro from my son a few weeks ago but no power station to drive it. It was a great gift , but i'm torn between getting a full size mark V or a powerstation. I know SS sells a specific powerstation for the planer and I have heard it works better on a Mark V. I am just getting into woodworking and am trying to start of right by getting the right equipment before I start butchering wood. The planer has been my inspiration in working with wood because I can get major pallets for free and I want to make something useful and recycle these eyesores.

has the planer "pro" definition changed over time like the table system did?

the planer pro that I have came with stand and motor. this is the definition currently being use on the SS website:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/planers.htm

if you got a used pro version that someone sold without the stand, you may need additional parts to mount it on a Mark V.

the stand option is definitely easier on your back. this is not a light weight SPT.

iclark wrote:has the planer "pro" definition changed over time like the table system did?

the planer pro that I have came with stand and motor. this is the definition currently being use on the SS website:
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/planers.htm

if you got a used pro version that someone sold without the stand, you may need additional parts to mount it on a Mark V.

the stand option is definitely easier on your back. this is not a light weight SPT.

It is quite possible I am using the wrong verbage. I have a friend with a Mark V and his planer looks to be smaller than what I have. He said it probably was because I had the planer pro. I am quite new to the SS arena. I have thought about parting out the planer and getting a lunchbox version. The reason I haven't yet is I have always wanted a SS since I was a kid. Unfortunately I had to raise my family on a shoestring budget and haven't had the opportunity to purchase a SS yet. Looking at what the separate pieces go for , I'm sure I could get a complete lunchbox planer. I have been trying to do research on the SS planer and people have a high respect for it. So i'll see if I can find a Powerstation for it.

It is quite possible I am using the wrong verbage. I have a friend with a Mark V and his planer looks to be smaller than what I have. He said it probably was because I had the planer pro. I am quite new to the SS arena. I have thought about parting out the planer and getting a lunchbox version. The reason I haven't yet is I have always wanted a SS since I was a kid. Unfortunately I had to raise my family on a shoestring budget and haven't had the opportunity to purchase a SS yet. Looking at what the separate pieces go for , I'm sure I could get a complete lunchbox planer. I have been trying to do research on the SS planer and people have a high respect for it. So i'll see if I can find a Powerstation for it.

Why not post a picture of the planer you have? That way, someone can better suggest some options for you.

The planer meant for mounting of the Shopsmith has an aluminum table clad in stainless steel sheetmetal. The pro version has a cast iron table, and may be a bit heavy to mount on the Shopsmith, not to mention the additional parts that would be needed.

I've got one with the aluminum table that I mounted on a home-made stand. All you need there is a couple of pulleys, a belt and a motor.

You'll find that the three-blade cutterhead of the Shopsmith planes well, and the variable speed feeding mechanism can't be beat by those lunchbox models.

Thankyou for your suggestion, I wasn't sure that was an option. After checking the SS website , I was able to find the pullies that I will need. The planer doesn't have a castiron table so i appreciate the info. I did notice however that if I mounted it on a Mark V that I would need an adapter from the Mark V to the planer shaft. I'm sure I could get one from SS. It just now the kiddos are leaving home I can route some of the funds to doing something that I can create possible and hopefully heirlooms to future generations. I will keep my eyes out for a previously loved Mark V in my area. Thanks Again.

Welcome to the forum.

Apparently you have the MK V mounted version of the planer with the stainless steel surfaced aluminum table. You should also have the clamps that go under the way tubes on the MK V to hold it down tight. This version of the planer attaches to the PTO on the headstock with the standard plastic coupler (503574).

I purchased one of these planers in 1985, shortly after it's introduction. For many years I used it successfully on my Shopsmith. My original manual had plans for a rolling stand to hold the planer when not being used. I could roll the planer to my Shopsmith, and keeping my back straight, lift it off the stand onto the Shopsmith's way tubes.

Only recently did I purchase Shopsmith's power stand (509977) and mount the planer on it. This planer is still a "workhorse" in my shop in the Upper Peninsula, where almost all of my wood is rough sawn, and requires planing. The only maintenance it has required is sharpening the blades, and infrequent oiling of the jack screws and chain. I'm still impressed with the ability of this planer to produce a "sanding free" fine finish. It is also almost snipe free except on long heavy boards.

By all means, obtain a used Shopsmith 510 or 520. (510's are more abundant) There is a lot of factory support as well as a lot of advice and support here on this forum.

I'll take heat here, but the universal motor powered benchtop planers are not the best choice. They operate at 10,000 to 20,000 rpm, have noise levels well above 90 dBA, have "disposable" blades at $50 - $60 a pop, and cannot compete with the Shopsmith's finish.

Thank you all for the information. I have been sweating this since my son brought it home. Now I have good suggestions. While I was at lunch I searched craigslist and I found 1 for $100.00 it is a Mark V. No attachments but I don't care. I also found out that mine is set for a Mark V and not a powerstation because it has an aluminum base. It has a feed motor and an extra manual feed. It came with the manual also. Now I can take the 200 bf of black walnut that my son brought home with the planer and get busy. It all came together in 1 day. Thanks SS for the wealth of information that you have available to your folks. If only other companies would show the same type of support. You guys rock..

bigeddy wrote:Thank you all for the information. I have been sweating this since my son brought it home. Now I have good suggestions. While I was at lunch I searched craigslist and I found 1 for $100.00 it is a Mark V. No attachments but I don't care. I also found out that mine is set for a Mark V and not a powerstation because it has an aluminum base. It has a feed motor and an extra manual feed. It came with the manual also. Now I can take the 200 bf of black walnut that my son brought home with the planer and get busy. It all came together in 1 day. Thanks SS for the wealth of information that you have available to your folks. If only other companies would show the same type of support. You guys rock..

The previous suggestion re a 510 or 520 is good, because there are some older models(Mark 5) that have smaller(3/4hp) motors. If it is green, it has the smaller motor. If it is gold.brown, it MAY have the smaller motor. Check the vent plate on the belt housing for motor size. That is on the left end of the headstock as you face the speed dial and has the idler shaft protruding from its center. If it is gray, it should have the larger motor.

However since you are looking at a used item, be cautious of the motor not being the 'original' nor any thing else that comes with it(especially in the $100 price range). ASK! The seller may not know!

FWIW, the planer also came in a manual feed version.

BTW the 'extra' crank may actually be the height adjustment crank.

P.S. If ye be considering planing pallets, make absolutely sure there are no non-wood 'parts' in the pieces. One nail will clobber the blades and they ain't cheaply replaced nor quickly resharpened. Non-wood includes sand, dirt etc.

P.P.S. Welcome!