Serial # question

[godavid2]

I have a SS headstock that was produced in Jan 1984 and it has a texture surface. According to the SS website this texture surface was not produced until 10/84 along with the double bearing quill and beginning with serial # 190000. My ser. # is 161719. My question is how accurate are the listing of dates for changes to the MkV headstock? Could this headstock be a double bearing quill produced ten months before the official date change?

thanks

Roy

[wa2crk]

Hi
I looked at the SS serial number chart and the 161000 series numbers correlates to Sept of 1983 so your headstock may be earlier than you stated. I bought my machine in April of 1983 and if I recall correctly the two bearing quill came out very early in 1984 or very late 1983. I know that I was really upset that I did not get an upgrade to the new quill.
Bill V

[billmayo]

Many times, the quill have been replaced for various reasons. Yes, the double bearing quill became available starting with serial #190000. I did not found a double bearing quill in a 189000 series headstock I rebuilt. I have found the paint finishes do not always match what Shopsmith has posted. When assembling a machine, many times an inprovement or upgrade may be made to a part but not listed until a complete package of upgrades are available.

[godavid2]

Thanks Bill, I looked at the manual that came with Mark V and it shows a single bearing quill. I was just hoping that it might be a double bearing quill. It was produced in Jan 1984 I have the original order and ship dated.

[JPG]

Thanks Bill, I looked at the manual that came with Mark V and it shows a single bearing quill. I was just hoping that it might be a double bearing quill. It was produced in Jan 1984 I have the original order and ship dated.

An upgrade is available!:D