New User with Mark V

vander_hp · Post by **vander_hp** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:13 pm

I was fortunate to receive a Shopsmith Mark V when an old family friend passed away. This unit is probably twice my age both seems to run great. I am learning each configuration as I go but I have two questions. First, this may be obvious but can I use any 10" or 9" saw blade? I am planning on buying a 5/8 arbor to make this easier. Second, is there any maintenance, like oiling the gear unit, that I should do since the unit sat for many years. Thanks for your help in advance. I look forward to learning this cool tool and helping other people in the future in this forum.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 1:33 pm

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vander_hp wrote:I was fortunate to receive a Shopsmith Mark V when an old family friend passed away. This unit is probably twice my age both seems to run great. I am learning each configuration as I go but I have two questions. First, this may be obvious but can I use any 10" or 9" saw blade? I am planning on buying a 5/8 arbor to make this easier. Second, is there any maintenance, like oiling the gear unit, that I should do since the unit sat for many years. Thanks for your help in advance. I look forward to learning this cool tool and helping other people in the future in this forum.

How old are you? More to the reason for asking, how old is the SS. What color is it? Who made it(Magna Engineering/Yuba Tool/Magna American/Shopsmith, Inc.)?)

The answer to those questions determines the answer to yours.

I am guessing it is NOT Magna Engineering which would require an 8" or smaller blade.

If it is Shopsmith, Inc. then 10" or smaller.

If either of the other 2 (Mark 5's) then 9" or smaller. Actually a 10" can be used, but lowering the table too far can be bad!

See # 11 first, then 21 through 24 and the rest whenever! http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

Welcome to the simple answer farm!:D

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 3:04 pm

First business first. Welcome to the forum. Coming to this group with questions will certainly get you response. That response may not always answer your questions but you can trust that you will not be ignored.

Yes - by all means lubricate. Lack of lubrication is undoubtedly the greatest enemy of this wonderful machine. Keep it clean and lubricated and your kids can passit on to their children.

The Sawdust Sessions that JPG pointed you at are excellent and should teach you most of what you may need to learn.

To answer your questions accurately it would be best if we knew what model machine you have. If you don't know for sure, tell us the serial number or post a photograph. You referred to it as a Mark V therefore it is not likely a 10E or 10er. That leaves a Mark 5 Model 500, Mark V Model 505, Mark V Model 510 or Mark V Model 520.

Assuming you are at least 20 years old and the machine is twice your age (or more), I would bet you have a Mark 5 Model 500.

What color is it?

vander_hp · Post by **vander_hp** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 4:00 pm

Thanks for the answers JPG and Dusty. The link to the ShopSmith Academy will defiantly help. The unit was made by Magna Power Tool corp in 1956 according to the serial number(323231). Close to my age(32) like I thought. I believe it is a Mark 5 Model 500. The powerhead is gray and the rest of the unit is a light pastel looking green.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 4:46 pm

vander_hp wrote:Thanks for the answers JPG and Dusty. The link to the ShopSmith Academy will defiantly help. The unit was made by Magna Power Tool corp in 1956 according to the serial number(323231). Close to my age(32) like I thought. I believe it is a Mark 5 Model 500. The powerhead is gray and the rest of the unit is a light pastel looking green.

Where did you find the information on date of manufacture? The chart that I usually refer to shows no detail for either that serial number or your estimated date of manufacture.

Your color description makes me believe you may have a headstock from one time period and the rest from another (gray combined with green was not a standard color scheme).

vander_hp · Post by **vander_hp** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 6:21 pm

I used this web site to look up the serial number -
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

Upon further inspecting it looks like the headstock was green at one time just very faded/worn off. I figure I can buy a 5/8 arbor and just buy saw blades from local store to save some money. Thanks again

mbcabinetmaker · Post by **mbcabinetmaker** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 6:21 pm

Welcome to the forum. I do believe dusty is correct. You probably have an upgraded or later power head which is a good thing. You will enjoy this place!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:42 pm

A pix of the headstock will help nail down just what it is you have. The previous posts are somewhat self contradictory.

I assume the 'Magna power tool' and sn came off the shiney vent plate surrounding the lower aux shaft. A gray headstock may indicate either it was painted, or replaced but the original sn plate(belt cover) was retained.

Does it have a small aluminum plate near the quill lock that says 'Mark 5'?

Other than the gray color, I believe you have a Greenie/Gilmer/3/4 hp model.

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:55 pm

Welcome to the forum. I too have a 500 from 1954. Plenty of parts available.