1954 Mark V Restoration Project

[rjent]

What an outstanding restoration! A PowerPro greenie

[jpdalton]

Based on the recommendations I’d seen, I used the Rustoleum hammered verde green, which appears to be a little bluer than the original color, but interestingly matches the color on the 1954 brochure quite nicely!

I also used the “light green” touch up paint (unfortunately not hammered...) from Shopsmith with a gloss clear coat lacquer as the opposing color. This also matches the brochure color pretty well.

And I repainted items with their original color tone as opposed to what you see on the brochure, which apparently features a bizarre prototype color scheme with things like the carriage casting and rip fence “T” casting also appearing as “light green”.

My biggest quandary now is how to address the plastic cover of the bandsaw. Not sure whether to paint it, clear coat it, or just clean it off and do nothing... Any advice out there??

[edflorence]

I've had a lot of folks suggest I take the next step and upgrade to a 520 table system and/or the dual-tilt mechanism, but frankly, I like it just the way it is!

The 500 is still a very functional design. You could consider adding one of the new wide extension tables and a couple of the front extensions to increase the saw's capacity. That is how I have my 500 set up when I use the saw. The original extension table is on the left end, and the new wide table is on the right. When cross-cutting wide boards I put a front extension on the main table and another on the right hand table.

I recall that Bill Mayo once posted that he found this arrangement to be very useful.

[chapmanruss]

I recently bought a 1956 Magna Band Saw and it's cover was in pretty good shape. After cleaning off a few little paint splatters I used a plastic polish on it and it looks much better. Not real shinny but not dull either. At some point I may touch up the silver paint on the "M" logo. I did paint the Main Frame (back casting) and Table underside Verde Green which would match your Mark 5.

JPG,

I was referring to the Power Pro having a high speed lock since you have to press confirm but using the old high speed lock to cover the opening at the top of the speed control is a good idea too.

[jpdalton]

I recently bought a 1956 Magna Band Saw and it's cover was in pretty good shape. After cleaning off a few little paint splatters I used a plastic polish on it and it looks much better. Not real shinny but not dull either. At some point I may touch up the silver paint on the "M" logo.

Russ - thanks for the advice on how to treat the plastic cover. Mine is also in good shape in general, but I might look for some plastic polish as you used to clean up a few of the scuffs. I was also thinking of a coat or two of clear lacquer to get a more consistent shiny surface once it’s basically cleaned up.

[chapmanruss]

Using a plastic polish before using a clear lacquer finish may not be a good idea. The polish on the surface may react with the lacquer so some testing may be in order.

[jpdalton]

Using a plastic polish before using a clear lacquer finish may not be a good idea. The polish on the surface may react with the lacquer so some testing may be in order.

Good point! Thanks for the warning...

[JPG]

Lacquer and plastic are not mutually agreeable in the first place.