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Upgrading 1960s Mark VII?

Darkehorse1

Just acquired a 1960s Mark VII a few weeks ago, and having been getting use to the machine. After cleaning and waxing the Mark VII, I built a dog gate for my house using the SS to cut T/G board for the gate using the dado blade and jointer. Turned out ok for never using a dado or jointer before. lol

As I move forward with this unit, I wanted to reach out and see what upgrades I can do to it.

Can I upgrade to a 510 or 520 table?

Will that allow me to update the lower and upper saw guards?

I’m just starting to play with it, but already love how it works! Thanks in advance for the help!

Damon

chapmanruss

Damon,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

A little history. The Mark VII was produced from the 1963-1964 fiscal year to the 1968-1969 fiscal year. 10,671 units were sold with sales decreasing each year of production. The Mark VII was a 7 in 1 Tool adding Under Table functions like the current Mark 7. Unlike the current Mark 7 the 1960's Mark VII is very different form the Mark V. It can use many of the same accessories as the Mark V.

As for changing to the Mark V 510 or 520 Table/Fence System it may be possible. As I understand it the Way Tube spacing of the Mark VII is the same as the Mark V. Changing to the Mark V 510 or 520 Table/Fence system would require some changes to the Mark VII. The rack attached to the Way Tube would have to be removed for the Carriage the Mark V 510/520 uses. The old Mark VII is the only Mark that had the Rack for adjusting the position on the Way Tubes.

The mounting of the 510/520 Saw Guard system is the same as mounting the Mark VII lower Saw Guard clamped to the Quill. The 510/520 Saw Guard system does not work with the Mark VII original Table system.

There are others who are more familiar with the Mark VII that will hopefully post too.

Darkehorse1

Thanks for the response! I figured out the upper and lower saw guard not fitting with the old table the hard way! Typical me. Jump into something before getting educated. I’m thankful I found this forum, and look forward to learning all I can!

chapmanruss

There is another option to consider for getting a Shopsmith with either the 510 or 520 Table System. You could buy a used Mark V Model 510 or 520 which may be near the price of buying just a used table upgrade if you have room for both the Mark V and the Mark VII. The reason I suggest this is the Mark VII no longer has parts made for it so replacements must be found on the used market. Generally, the Mark V 510 sells for less than the Mark V 520 and the same is true for just the Table System upgrades. If you are looking to get a new Table System upgrade from Shopsmith they only sell the 520 which is listed as an upgrade to the Mark 7 Pro Fence & Table upgrade. The current Mark 7 and the Mark V 520S use the same Table System.

If you are looking for the actual Saw Blade Guard set for the Mark VII it is the one shown below. The Upper Guard is the same as the one for the Mark 5 or Mark V 500 but the Lower Guard different.

505705 Lower and 505627 Upper Saw Blade Guard.jpg