Restoring All My Shopsmith Tools

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stephen_a._draper
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Restoring All My Shopsmith Tools

Post by stephen_a._draper »

I bought all my Shopsmith Mark V 500 tools new over the years starting in 1981. This month I decided to go through all my tools and replace any questionable parts. Over the years I added each upgrade as it was offered for the 500 unit along with upgrades for the support tools; however, I did keep the original table on the bandsaw. I watched all of the Sawdust sessions on maintenance and started with the Mark V unit first.

I replaced the pork chop, castor wheels, and upper saw guard plastic on the Mark V. I also did all recommended lubrication, waxing, and adjustments. Works just like brand new again. I ordered the rear extension table which was on sale and it arrived two days ago. I will put it together this week. I also ordered the lathe duplicator which was on sale at $100 off.

On the bandsaw, I put on the new urethane tires, and replaced the guide and back up bearings. I also removed both wheels and greased the cup in the upper one. All recommended lubrication and adjustments were made. Also, ordered some new blades. Boy is my bandsaw quite now! It just hums.

Next item will be the jointer followed by the planer and belt sander.
Shopsmith Mark 4, Mark 7, Mark 5 shorty, planer, bandsaw, jointer, belt sander. Grizzly central dust collection 4" PVC trunk. Shopsmith Routing System stand-alone overhead pin router.

Stephen A. Draper
Author of Mark 4/7/520™ Self-Study Course ©2025
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a1gutterman
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Post by a1gutterman »

[quote="stephen_a._draper"]I bought all my Shopsmith Mark V 500 tools new over the years starting in 1981. This month I decided to go through all my tools and replace any questionable parts. Over the years I added each upgrade as it was offered for the 500 unit along with upgrades for the support tools]Keep up the good work, Stephen!
Tim

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wlhayesmfs
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Post by wlhayesmfs »

Stephen, isn't it a good feeling and relaxing to be able to get into the shop and work on the SS and see and hear the difference when you are done. I took yesterday and took my original MKV I purchase in 94 and tore it down and went through the head and cleaned and serviced all of the parts. I had a bad headstock locking rod that had been dealing me fits for sometime. So tore it apart and replace it and the wedges. When I got it all back together. I was amazed as to how smooth it went through the speedchanges and how much quieter it was. Also now that 1/2 turn locks my head in place just like a new machine. About two hours and a $2.00 ebay part and it was up and going like new. Now to do the same to an old 500 I got last week.
Bill :)
Broken Arrow OK
MKV, 510, MKVll, 50th Anniversary 520 with Jointech saw train, Bandsaw, scroll saw, joiner, 6" Sander,Stand Alone Pin Router and Router Table, Strip Sander, Jigsaw & (4) ER's plus Jigsaw for ER. DC SS RAS
mountaingriller
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Post by mountaingriller »

[quote="stephen_a._draper"]I bought all my Shopsmith Mark V 500 tools new over the years starting in 1981. This month I decided to go through all my tools and replace any questionable parts. Over the years I added each upgrade as it was offered for the 500 unit along with upgrades for the support tools]
Stephen,
I just ordered the "pork Chop" and Control Sheave Assembly - Do you have any tips on installing these new parts - I'm a bit concerned that I will have trouble with the install.
Tom
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stephen_a._draper
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Replacing the Speed Control Assembly

Post by stephen_a._draper »

Shopsmith Mark 4, Mark 7, Mark 5 shorty, planer, bandsaw, jointer, belt sander. Grizzly central dust collection 4" PVC trunk. Shopsmith Routing System stand-alone overhead pin router.

Stephen A. Draper
Author of Mark 4/7/520™ Self-Study Course ©2025
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stephen_a._draper
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Post by stephen_a._draper »

Last week I cleaned and adjusted the jointer. Today I replaced my planer knives and did all the recommended maintenance. Works just like brand new even though it is over 20 years old. I also installed the Carter bearing upgrade and Magnafence II on my bandsaw.
Shopsmith Mark 4, Mark 7, Mark 5 shorty, planer, bandsaw, jointer, belt sander. Grizzly central dust collection 4" PVC trunk. Shopsmith Routing System stand-alone overhead pin router.

Stephen A. Draper
Author of Mark 4/7/520™ Self-Study Course ©2025
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