Mark VII front tube assembly

jim42503 · Post by **jim42503** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:15 pm

I understand that parts for the old Mark VII are tough to find but would like to know if anyone has a lead on parts, in particular the Front Way Tube Assembly (with the nylon gear track). Any help will be greatly appreciated.

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:11 pm

I have bought three Mark VII's and none of them have an intact plastic rack gear. While I have heard rumors of Mark VII's with good rack gears I have never seen one in person.

I have thought of making one out of brass or aluminum but just do not have the time right now and it is not a limitation for me right now.
If anyone has a stock of Mark VII parts available I am not aware of them. I do see a unit or parts pop up on Ebay now and then. I have never seen a good rack gear on ebay nor the plastic speed control cam.
At one point there was someone who was producing cast aluminum speed control cams to replace the often failing plastic one but I believe that I read that he quit doing it.
Good luck.

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:31 am

I have an opportunity to acquire a VII for $125 (http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/1278501463.html)
Why have you bought three of them? Are there peices and parts that make it a worthwhile purchase? Or do you actively use them and llike the features?

Sincerely,

Ron

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:08 am

Ron309753 wrote:I have an opportunity to acquire a VII for $125 (http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/1278501463.html)
Why have you bought three of them? Are there peices and parts that make it a worthwhile purchase? Or do you actively use them and llike the features?

Sincerely,

Ron

It tilts BOTH directions(allows spindle UNDER the table)! Also runs both forward and reverse.

Gotchas: power switch(no direct replacement)(workarounds do work).
................Speed control cam(plastic) they have a tendency to 'melt'. Make sure it hasn't.
................As farmer has said, plastic rack teeth usually missing/broken. CAN be used like mk v by just pushing, but crank will not work.

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:25 am

The reason I ask is that I'm considering using the base (legs and tubes) from one of my greenies as a mobile miter saw platform. I was wondering if the greenie headstock and carriage will ride on the VII tubes?

Thanks,

Ron

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 11:52 am

Ron309753 wrote:The reason I ask is that I'm considering using the base (legs and tubes) from one of my greenies as a mobile miter saw platform. I was wondering if the greenie headstock and carriage will ride on the VII tubes?

Thanks,

Ron

YES! Farmer has a vii with a greenie(i think, a mark 5/v for sure) headstock on it!:rolleyes:

P.S. Why not the vii as a platform? It IS more cumbersome, but can roll around. How mobile(around the shop, or to other locations?)?

Good Idea, the extension tables can be used for support of long workpieces.

Ron309753 · Post by **Ron309753** » Thu Jul 30, 2009 9:59 pm

JPG,

Yes, he calls it his "Frankensmith".

vii as a platform? That would work as well.

How mobile? Just around the garage.

the extension tables can be used for support of long workpieces. That's exactly what I was thinking.

I'm going to an auction on Saturday. I hope to pick up a belt sander and lathe duplicator. If I have any $ left over I'll look at the VII.

Thanks,

Ron