How many shopsmiths have you had?

r_mack1969 · Post by **r_mack1969** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:32 pm

I've had six Mark V's but now I'm down to a 1981 Mark V, a 1992 Mark 510 and just picked up and rebuilt a really nice old Mark VII.

r_mack1969 · Post by **r_mack1969** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:38 pm

I've had six Mark V's I've resurrected and sold but now I'm down to a 1981 Mark V, a 1992 Mark 510 and just picked up and rebuilt a really nice old Mark VII.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 8:54 pm

and where are you from?

r_mack1969 · Post by **r_mack1969** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:29 pm

I live in Central Massachusetts. I picked up my first SS a few years ago and loved it. Since then, I've picked up a number of Mark V's that needed some attention and have rebuilt them. I probably could have made more money by parting them out as-is on Ebay but I'd rather fix them up and send off to new homes where they will hopefully get used.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:40 pm

r_mack1969 wrote:I live in Central Massachusetts. I picked up my first SS a few years ago and loved it. Since then, I've picked up a number of Mark V's that needed some attention and have rebuilt them. I probably could have made more money by parting them out as-is on Ebay but I'd rather fix them up and send off to new homes where they will hopefully get used.

Good Boy Brother!

P.S' Did you connect with Hdoilcan?

r_mack1969 · Post by **r_mack1969** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:47 pm

Thanks JPG. I've really only worked on the 1980's and up Mark V's but picked up a vintage Mark VII for $25. I was pretty reluctant at first considering the bad rap they've got. I brought it home and everything was in great shape, the speed control is like new and the plastic rack is all there. I've since tore down, painted it and cleaned it up put new bearings in it and it purrs like a kitten. I'm looking to find a metal speed cam for a back up and considering replacing the plastic rack with a steel one if I can find something that will work. I did email hdoilcan but haven't heard back from him yet...

Toymeister · Post by **Toymeister** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:48 pm

I am the original poster. I think that I will keep it up until I have zero dollars in and then keep with it to pay for my power pro. I do enjoy hearing from buyers. There are not too many shopsmith low ballers and I have always at least broke even. Best part is the stuff that gets thrown in deals like vises or fosner bit sets. I also get to meet some amazing sellers, some clueless as well...

r_mack1969 · Post by **r_mack1969** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:53 pm

Most of the sellers I've bought from had no idea what to do with the SS. Every one I've bought so far was left with the speed control turned to the max and was "bound" up. I got them home, hand turned them down and they've all worked great.

damagi · Post by **damagi** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 9:58 pm

I have had a dozen or two through my hands in various states. Some went to new homes after reconditioning, some combined into working units, a few met their appropriate demise at the scrap yard after their bones had been appropriately picked clean.

Currently have three - powerpro, dedicated ultra-mini drill press, and finishing up a mini (was going to be a shorty, then realized I didn't have a carriage or table for it anymore)

As other folks noted, it became clear very quick that obtaining SPTs was best done by buying complete setups and mixing/matching then reselling.

nuhobby · Post by **nuhobby** » Thu Jun 12, 2014 10:34 pm

I've had about 10-15 Shopsmiths and/or headstocks pass through my shop. I have kept a '07 510 upgraded to PowerPro, and a '59 Shorty. The rest I restored for joy and sold via eBay.