Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

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zachnoll
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Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by zachnoll »

I just got an old shopsmith shipped to me. The serial number is 29925 so from that chart I think itw as built in 1955. So one of my questions is does that make this just a mark 5? If I read correctly it doesnt have a model number?

The thing I want to repair first (well the power cord but I can do that) is the speed dail. What replacement parts if needed would I go for? It doesn't turn smoothly and wont let me slow the speed down low enough for me to use the Bandsaw I also got for it (says its for mark 500 and 510. so it should work?)
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JPG
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by JPG »

If from 1955, it is a Mark 5 'greenie'. Mark 5 IS the model designation.

The bandsaw should work with it.

First order of business is to inspect/restore the speed control. We can help you do that IF thee posts pictures of what you have.
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╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝

Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
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chapmanruss
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by chapmanruss »

zachnoll,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

Serial Number 29925 being 5 digits would be from January 1979. It should have the prefix SS for the serial number. Serial numbers for Mark 5 tools made in the 1950's and 1960's had 6 digits. The Vent/Serial Number Plate on the Belt Cover on your Mark 5 should look like the one below other than the actual serial number.

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SS34215 Mark 5 April 79 Gresham OR.jpg
SS34215 Mark 5 April 79 Gresham OR.jpg (53.45 KiB) Viewed 10744 times
That Plate gives a number of information pieces about that Shopsmith. First the Serial Number identifies that specific Shopsmith tool. It gives the Model as Mark 5, includes the motor HP, that it was made by Shopsmith Inc. and the company location. Mark 5 was the model name for the Shopsmith tool beginning with its introduction in 1954. During the 1970's Mark 5 and the use of the Roman Numeral V (as Mark V) were both used in printed materials while the tool itself had Mark 5 on it until early 1980 when it changed to Mark V. Same tool, different label. New models began in 1985 with the introduction of the Mark V 510 and 505. The original Mark V became the Mark V 500. It is the Table/Fence System that determines the model and older Mark 5/V's can be upgraded to the newer Table/Fence Systems. I have a Mark 5 Greenie from 1957 that was upgraded to the 510 Table/Fence System. That make it more of a Mark V 510 than it originally being just a Mark 5.

All the SPTs (Special Purpose Tool) made since 1954 to current like the Bandsaw can be used on any Mark series tool. I will be able to use my newest (2006) Bandsaw on my 1957 Mark 5 once it is restored. I can use, and have, my oldest (1956) Bandsaw on my Mark 7.

As for the Speed Dial not going through the entire speed range it may not be just the Speed Control assembly's fault. Part of the problem may be a lack of proper lubrication of the motor shaft and Idler Shaft Sliding Sheaves that move to change the speeds. Inspecting the Speed Control assembly for wear is a good idea too. A common wear point for the Speed Control is shown in the picture below. Note the damage to the teeth of the part commonly called the "Pork Chop" from the back of the Speed Control Assembly. This kind of damage will make turning the Speed Control difficult.

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Porkchop Damage.jpg
Porkchop Damage.jpg (89.96 KiB) Viewed 10744 times
.
Hopefully you received an Owner's Manual with your Mark 5. That will guide you through the needed maintenance. If not post again and we can help guide you. As JPG said include pictures as they help a lot.
Russ

Mark V completely upgraded to Mark 7
Mark V 520
All SPT's & 2 Power Stations
Model 10ER S/N R64000 first one I restored on bench w/ metal ends & retractable casters.
Has Speed Changer, 4E Jointer, Jig Saw with lamp, a complete set of original accessories & much more.
Model 10E's S/N's 1076 & 1077 oldest ones I have restored. Mark 2 S/N 85959 restored. Others to be restored.
zachnoll
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by zachnoll »

Okay thank you for your help in identifing the year. you are right it does have SS in front of the numbers and the plate does look exactly as pictured.
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I kept hearing people refearing to some as "greenies" and I knew mine wasn't green which had me hesitant on the year. I see where I made the mistake looking at the serial numbers on the website

My speed shaft looks like it isn't sitting straight. Ill take it apart tomorrow to see what it looks like inside. I gave it a spurts of some oil and gonna let that sit for a day first. But let me know of any spots I should take care of oiling or spots I should make sure I oil.
Ill include a few more pictures. Terrible lighting. Just moved into this garage and havent figured out heating or lighting yet.
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JPG
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by JPG »

FWIW The tailstock is usually mounted on the other end and the lathe spur drive is usually mounted on the quill shaft.

Evaporust will cleaN UP THAT SPUR DRIVE, BUT IT will ALSO REMOVE THE BLACK OXIDE. Judicious use will clean it up.
╔═══╗
╟JPG ╢
╚═══╝

Goldie(Bought New SN 377425)/4" jointer/6" beltsander/12" planer/stripsander/bandsaw/powerstation /Scroll saw/Jig saw /Craftsman 10" ras/Craftsman 6" thicknessplaner/ Dayton10"tablesaw(restoredfromneighborstrashpile)/ Mark VII restoration in 'progress'/ 10
E[/size](SN E3779) restoration in progress, a 510 on the back burner and a growing pile of items to be eventually returned to useful life. - aka Red Grange
zachnoll
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Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2025 4:12 pm

Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by zachnoll »

Okay so I'm totally new to this shopsmith. The quill shaft is that bit that can move in and out when I push on the lever thingy. On this one I notice that the blade for the table saw is mounted on that. Is it possible to switch those around? If so this machine is even cooler than I thought

Oh yeah. No Manuel was provided. I've been searching online and not sure which one was most relevant. Some it's wants me to pay 30 for a physical copy which I might just have to get
br549
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by br549 »

Check your Private Messages. And, explore the "sticky" posts at the top of this Maintenance and Repair Forum for more than you ever thought possible to learn about Shopsmiths.
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chapmanruss
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Re: Just got a Mark 5 shipped to me and it needs repair

Post by chapmanruss »

As br549 said,
explore the "sticky" posts at the top of this Maintenance and Repair Forum
In the topic Shopsmith Large Format Drawings, Illustrations and more on the first post you will find a link to Everett's My Google Drive. On his google drive is the section 1954+ Mark 5. In that are restored PDF copies of the first three Owner's Guides. Copy the 1955 Guide to help get you started with your Mark 5. Do understand that there will be a lot of difference in the Headstock and parts, but the operations will be nearly the same. Even with this older Owner's Guide to help you get started I would recommend getting a newer manual.

A little history. When introduced in 1954 the Mark 5 was painted green and silver. In 1960 the color was changed to gold and copper. By 1964 it changed again to the gray color that it is still painted today.
Russ

Mark V completely upgraded to Mark 7
Mark V 520
All SPT's & 2 Power Stations
Model 10ER S/N R64000 first one I restored on bench w/ metal ends & retractable casters.
Has Speed Changer, 4E Jointer, Jig Saw with lamp, a complete set of original accessories & much more.
Model 10E's S/N's 1076 & 1077 oldest ones I have restored. Mark 2 S/N 85959 restored. Others to be restored.
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