New to SS; Where do I begin?

[dusty]

The model number, 555540, is the same as mine which is a 510 unless it has been upgraded to a 520. Looking at the table and fence configuration is the only way that can be determined unless the owner has paperwork showing the upgrade was purchased (and installed).

[blkmax]

Lots of great advice. I agree about the priority of not bleeding. I have a very healthy respect for power tools. I will ask SS about manual/s right away, but am looking online too.

I opened up the headstock and pulled the quill today. Everything looked good, so I test ran it through the speed range. The speed dial got stiff down near the low end, and I know there are a couple lube points on the motor and intermediate shaft as well. Can I use an extremely thin, clear oil on these parts? Its probably like a hair clipper head oil, but it is sold as a pine-wood car axle lube.

I also "waxed" the ways, (with automotive Liquid Glass, not your typical paste wax) and noticed some longitudinal lines (scratches?) on the bars. The headstock and table frame base slide OK, but not an effortless glide. Should the bores/bearings be cleaned or lubed, and is a true paste wax required?

Again, thanks everyone for all the very helpful advice.

[dusty]

I highly recommend Johnson Floor Wax (Original Formula) for all waxing requirements. For oiling I use a Turbine oil (available in with an extendible spout) for the lub spouts on the shafts. The pork chop (speed control) also needs to be lubricated and I use a spray for that (mental block on the name, will get back).

All of these are available in my Ace Hardware so I assume Ace is the the Place.

[mbcabinetmaker]

She be almost 29 since she was born on the sixth day of August, 1991.]

No one ever accused JPG of being a mathematician. She be almost 19 instead of an old lady of 29 so you have a real youngster on you hands. A healthy one with the double bearing quill standard. Welcome to the forum.

[rkh2]

I think the spray Dusty couldn't remember is called Top-Cote, which is available from Shopsmith-item# 942204. Also Woodcraft and Amazon carry this and I suspect some hardware stores may have it as well.

[dusty]

I think the spray Dusty couldn't remember is called Top-Cote, which is available from Shopsmith-item# 942204. Also Woodcraft and Amazon carry this and I suspect some hardware stores may have it as well.

Thank you Ron. That is it!:)

[backhertz]

Keep it clean & you'll enjoy it for years. I've purchased many older Mark Vs and I swear the original owners never opened up the headstock to remove the saw dust that combines with the lube and becomes a term Nick Engler had a good word for- I can't recall it. The other word of advice I would add is to just simply use it. You can find a plethora of information on the web. There are other Shopsmith forums which have many tricks of the trade & helpful hints. The alignment is not critical, but it can make life easier for you in making repeatable cuts. (Others are welcome to chime in here) Even the way tubes might need to be rotated to a certain spot. I observed that on one of the Saw Dust Sessions. A sharp tool- i.e. blade, bit, or anything is a must to making chips. But by all means, be safe and you will enjoy this machine for many years to come.

[bearkat]

Hello, I just purchased my first shopsmith and I am trying to get information about it if it is a mark 500 or a 510 model? the sticker says model 55540, serial number 091493, can anyone help? thxs, jim

[dusty]

I believe that when you double check you will find that the model number is 555540. This would be a 510. The serial number is a "date code". Your machine was built on 9/14/1993.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/markv.htm