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First shop smith
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:19 am
by mustangpalmer1911
Picked up my first Mark V yesterday for 400. Came with jointer, band saw, and planer and a bunch of other small odds and ends. From what I can tell it is 1980 I believe SN is 52318. Plan on doing my first project on it today a set of 1911 grips.
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:28 am
by dusty
mustangpalmer1911 wrote:Picked up my first Mark V yesterday for 400. Came with jointer, band saw, and planer and a bunch of other small odds and ends. From what I can tell it is 1980 I believe SN is 52318. Plan on doing my first project on it today a set of 1911 grips.
Welcome to the forum and the world of sawdust.
Yes, it looks like you might have the first unit built in February 1980. The attached
chart is my basis for saying this.
It doesn't seem like there is a lot of Shopsmith work to do on a set of 1911 grips though. What materials are you going to use for the grips? Are you doing any sort of inset?
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:30 am
by camerio
Welcome to the forum !
Hope you are already familiarized with the Mark V.
Important, never turn or adjust the speed before you start the machine.
Otherwise ask questions here, it is the best place on earth to be for information on your machine.
Happy woodworking.
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:56 pm
by billmayo
mustangpalmer1911 wrote:Picked up my first Mark V yesterday for 400. Came with jointer, band saw, and planer and a bunch of other small odds and ends. From what I can tell it is 1980 I believe SN is 52318. Plan on doing my first project on it today a set of 1911 grips.
I find it really pays to blow all the sawdust/crud/dirt from the headstock that you can do after removing the belt cover. I find dropping the motor pan (5 screws) after disconnecting the switch and unbolting the motor (4 1/4" screws) to blow out the motor has saved a few motors but takes more time and effort. I always test the operation of the motor before reassembing the motor to the motor pan as all wires will be connected to the switch at that point. Next always do a extra bit of lubrication to the control sheave (FAST position) and the motor floating sheave. I even drop a few drops of Zoom Spout Turbine Oil on the motor shaft key. Cycle throught a few FAST to SLOW speed changes taking your time. I even go back and lubricate the sheaves again with a few more drops of oil. I find spraying a belt conditiioner on both belts can do wonders in preventing frayed edges, breaks, cracks and chunking of the belts if these conditions has not already occured. I have operated a few headstocks for years without any additional problems after doing the above procedures.
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:58 pm
by JPG
mustangpalmer1911 wrote:Picked up my first Mark V yesterday for 400. Came with jointer, band saw, and planer and a bunch of other small odds and ends. From what I can tell it is 1980 I believe SN is 52318. Plan on doing my first project on it today a set of 1911 grips.
Check the first post on the Maintenance and repair forum.

Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 3:22 pm
by heathicus
Welcome to the forum! When you can, fill out your profile so we'll know where you're at. Someone may be nearby that can help you out if needed.
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:33 pm
by mustangpalmer1911
Thanks gor the warm welcomes and tips. I got fairly familar with the shopsmith before i purchrsed by watching aton of youtube vids, reading about it on forums, and talking to several people I know with their own shops/business.
Dusty, Go Air Force! I have 11 years in this year. Started in as a Vehicle mechanic now I am a crew chief on C130s
Welcome
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 4:12 pm
by cabotcat
Welcome and thank you for your service to our country.
Excellent advice in this thread already. My one piece to add is be careful. I am referring to safety AND your wallet. This tool is an amazing example of engineering and can work to close tolerances when setup properly. By the same token it is not a respecter of skin, blood, body parts etc. Always use the guards and guides.
Concerning the wallet. There are so many useful additions to this machine that you will soon find yourself looking for part time work to support your habit. Keep an eye on your local paper, Craigslist and Ebay for the occasional bargain. You will add on. Trust me on this.
Again welcome. Great camaraderie on this forum.
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 8:22 pm
by rkh2
Welcome to the forum and thanks for your service to our great country. I am a vet from the 60's, doing my 3 years in the Army. We like pictures so when you get those grips finished proudly display them for us.
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 8:28 pm
by mustangpalmer1911
I have been watching even more vids about the SS since I picked it up WOW is there anything it wont do?