Just "inherited" a Shopsmith Mark V - 1950's model?

copperhill · Post by **copperhill** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 9:35 am

Hello. Let me start by saying how helpful it is to new woodworkers and forum members to be able to tap into everyone's knowledge base. I have been reading through the forums and trying to soak in as much info as possible.

I recently caught the woodworking bug after making my 2 year old a thomas the train table. That led to building a work bench. That led to buying more extensive set of tools - miter saw, router, jigsaw, sander, clamps, etc. My latest project was a sewing table for the wife (see pic) - I did this with my hand tools. My father in law has been woodworking for many years and took notice. He called me this week and offered me his old Shopsmith - originally owned by his father. He says it has a new motor and bearings as of 5-6 years ago. It has been moved into my garage. I have ordered a new set of legs and some casters before attempting to operate. I am excited about the possibilities. I do not currently have a table saw, drill press, lathe, band saw, etc. So this is looking good for me.

I appreciate any initial advice on set up and refurbishing. It appears to have most (if not all) of the attachments. I do think it needs a drill press chuck. It also looks like the power cord is a bit worn. Of course I will know much more (and have many more questions) after I get it up and running.

Can anyone tell me more info about the model and other info by looking at the photos? Any and all advice is welcomed.

Thanks!

Bill
Copper Hill, VA

farley · Post by **farley** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 11:26 am

congrats
you will enjoy it once you get it up and running.

I don't think it's as old as you think. I don't have the link for the picture history, as my main pc went down. It was just posted here a couple of days ago.

get the number off the end and go to SS home page and search it from there.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 11:45 am

Unfortunately the most accurate way of determining its age is missing. The vent plate containing the serial number is missing(the hole with the shaft sticking out - pix 4 - is where it is normally located. It is a perforated aluminum disc with a larger hole in the center for the shaft.

Missing that, it is indeed from the 1950's. It is a repainted 'Greenie". It appears to have a new dial for the speed control. Greenies had a 'Gilmer' drive, but it may have been 'updated' to a poly-v drive.

Most important caveat - Do NOT turn that speed control knob unless the pulleys are rotating(either powered on, or being rotated manually.

Do not pitch the leg(s), as you may need them as fodder for electrlytic rust removal(someday).

P.S. A second look at pix 4 reveals the upper(way) tubes are biased relative to the lower(bench) tubes. The tie bar should fit over a post in the center of the lower end casting(move it to the right in the pix). The post is connected to a clamp handle that appears to be broken in the pix. The post looks like a big screw head.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 11:59 am

Welcome to the forum copperhill! I believe that is the first peglegged Shopsmith I have seen.

No matter the appearance, given the time and the parts she will be as good as new. If you need a leg up, let me know. Have fun with it!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 12:02 pm

SDSSmith wrote:Welcome to the forum copperhill! I believe that is the first peglegged Shopsmith I have seen. No matter the appearance, given the time and the parts she will be as good as new. If you need a leg up, let me know. Have fun with it!

Considering the rust crumbs on the floor near the 'good' leg, he may indeed need a pair.

copperhill · Post by **copperhill** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 1:07 pm

Thank you, Gentlemen. I sincerely appreciate the welcome. I did order a set of legs and the caster set from shopsmith. So she should be stable soon. Trust me, I learned the hard way. When moving, I picked it up by the chrome upper tubes and the lower tubes and weight dropped right on my foot. Sometimes, I am a walking sit-com.

Thanks for the info on the year and model. I need to acquire a manual and this is a huge help. I am a fan of old (quality) tools and knowing this one has some history is actually appealing to me.

I noticed the misalignment as well. I am not sure if that is from handling during the move or if something is broken. Either way we'll get to the bottom of it. I also may post some pics of the attachments soon - to get advice on rehab or replacement. I don't want to wear out my welcome here with too man questions right off the bat.

Who knew you could feel like its Christmas morning by obtaining a 60 year old piece of equipment.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 1:27 pm

copperhill wrote:Thank you, Gentlemen. I sincerely appreciate the welcome. I did order a set of legs and the caster set from shopsmith. So she should be stable soon. Trust me, I learned the hard way. When moving, I picked it up by the chrome upper tubes and the lower tubes and weight dropped right on my foot. Sometimes, I am a walking sit-com.

Thanks for the info on the year and model. I need to acquire a manual and this is a huge help. I am a fan of old (quality) tools and knowing this one has some history is actually appealing to me.

I noticed the misalignment as well. I am not sure if that is from handling during the move or if something is broken. Either way we'll get to the bottom of it. I also may post some pics of the attachments soon - to get advice on rehab or replacement. I don't want to wear out my welcome here with too man questions right off the bat.

Who knew you could feel like its Christmas morning by obtaining a 60 year old piece of equipment.

The tube bias is probably caused(allowed) by the way(upper) tubes being loose. There is a set screw retaining the way(upper) tubes in the end casting(you will need to raise the waytubes and headstock to vertical to see/access). Loosen them before attempting to 'realign'. Loosen the hinged end, not the tie bar end(the end furthest away from the clamp).

Secure it when in vertical position. The missing leg may cause it to tip. The screw in the side of the lower end casting will clamp it and prevent from rotating back down.

Merry Christmas in JULY!:D

BTW is the clamp actually broken, or is the pix an 'end view' of it raised?

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 1:30 pm

Welcome to the forum Copperhill. I don't think we've had TOO MANY QUESTIONS from anybody, so ask all ya want. When ya replace the power cord, use a 12ga 3 wire and cut the old one off so ya know which wire goes where. Here's a PDF of some maintenance for ya.

[ATTACH]9726[/ATTACH]

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 1:58 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Missing that, it is indeed from the 1950's. It is a repainted 'Greenie". It appears to have a new dial for the speed control. Greenies had a 'Gilmer' drive, but it may have been 'updated' to a poly-v drive.

I assumed it was a "1963 to 1967 Gray-Smooth Texture" machine. Although it looks like the tailstock, headrest, and bench tubes had been painted black at one time. What clued you in that it was a Greenie?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jul 24, 2010 2:03 pm

heathicus wrote:I assumed it was a "1963 to 1967 Gray-Smooth Texture" machine. Although it looks like the tailstock, headrest, and bench tubes had been painted black at one time. What clued you in that it was a Greenie?

SPT clamps! Larger ribs. OH! And the number of screws holding the belt cover on. Oh Oh and the bench tubes being painted, while the way tubes look good.

My initial reaction was as yours - post Goldie, Pre SS inc.