What model do I have

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:30 am

jpg40504 wrote:.......

Dusty: Just noticed you added the MArk 5 manual while I was 'typing'. Looks like a 1960's version . . . . Point?

The title is "Owner's Manual, Shopsmith Mark 5". I had never noticed this subtle distinction before.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 11:57 am

dusty wrote:The title is "Owner's Manual, Shopsmith Mark 5". I had never noticed this subtle distinction before.

AHA! I had hoped THAT WAS the reason! Minor detail, but one that has all but disappeared OR never been apparent to many who have (maybe) never seen a "Mark 5".

Part of the confusion is (if I remember that far back correctly) that Magna American started using Roman Numerals with the Mark VII!:(

toolcollector · Post by **toolcollector** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 2:39 pm

Hello All,

I have had Shopsmith Equipment since Oct '95 (most purchased used) but I am new to this forum. I have a Mark V, Model 500, I converted to a 520, SN: 151456, The SS chart shows it was produced in May - June 1983.

Questions:
1. My understanding is it has the Poly-V drive, 1 1/8 HP motor and I think, a single bearing quill????? I think the dual bearing quills started in 1984?

2. According to the SS history charts, it should be a smooth gray? Sure looks like, feels like, a textured gray. Of, course I don't have a comparsion, but the paint definitely has a texture to it. The charts show that the textured paint started in 1984, so my machine appears to not fit the history line?

3. I think the dual bearing spindles started in 1984?

4. According to the SS charts, in 1991 the "C" headstock was introduced. What is the 'C" headstock?

I also have a Mark 5, Model 500, Greenie, SN: 272576. The SS charts shows it was built in June - July 1954. I just bought this machine off of Craigslist because it seemed to be in good condition and was only $200. (It came with a model 610 jigsaw too.) It runs great, has a stripped speed handle - so one on order, but other than that seems to be in good working condition.

Questions:
1. It's my understanding this one has a 3/4 HP motor, gilmer drive and single bearing quill - that can't be upgraded to a dual bearing squill due to the different drive system?????

2. If the motor goes out, can it be replaced with the 1 1/8 HP?

Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge, I have been reading a lot of the threads since I joined, so I suspect these questions will be easy for most of the guru's here.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 3:06 pm

Welcome toolcollector.

Some of your questions require some touch and feel to answer but not all. I'll attempt those that I can answer. Rest assured, the others will be answered here on this forum. These guys are great.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/toolhistory.htm

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

You should check out the Sawdust Sessions that have been archived. There are several that deal directly with your questions. The following link will give you access to all of them. Browse through and pick out the ones that feel applicable. I guess you'll end up viewing about 24 of them.

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:08 pm

I Believe the two bearing quill machines began in OCT 1984 and the SN at that point began with 19xxxx. Your sn 151456 would indicate mid 1983 with a single bearing quill. It would have the poly-v belt and so IS upgradable to the 2 bearing quill. However IF you are NOT experiencing run out problems with the existing quill, there would be no URGENT need to 'upgrade'.

The 'C' headstock change was primarily a relocation and redesign of the power switch. I am not sure but I think the increased size of the 505 - 520 table contributed to the NEED to relocate it. The redesign was done with safety issues in mind.

I believe there is no difference between the motor mounts on a Greenie (3/4 Hp) motor and the later 1 1/8 Hp version. BM BM BM

I also think the gilmer shafts etc CAN be replaced with poly-v versions, but that IS an expensive proposition with probably short return. If you are replacing either the idler shaft or the output shaft an upgrade to poly-v would be more indicated. BM BM BM

The [BM BM BM] above indicate an answer better referred to Bill Mayo who has considerable experience rebuilding all shopsmith versions. I think he WILL respond if I have mis-spoke in ANY way here or omitted something relevant.

Good Luck with your 'bargain'.

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:45 pm

Welcome to the Forum, Toolcollector!

Your first question 1. - - I won't direct this answer to what should be there, but if you remove the belt cover (held by two screws) you can see both belts. A poly V belt will have grooves running parallel to the edges of the belt. Like the serpentine belts on automobiles Same answer to your second No. 1 question. A gilmer belt has cross cogs.

Other questions: At least some of them - The Sawdust session # 24 shows you how to find out if you have a one or two bearing quill.

Yes, both the Gilmer belt drive and the smaller motor can be easily replaced with the newer replacements. Like said above, you will have to weigh the costs vs. the benefits.
I'll leave history and colors to more dedicated collectors and preservers of Mark V's There are several such guys here and they are pretty knowledgeable.

By the Way - another excellent source of building a library and learning about MarkVs is to buy the new DVDs. I was listening to one of them while typing this reply. I could switch to video when it came to an apropriate part.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... _index.htm

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 5:00 pm

Welcome to the Forum, Toolcollector!

Your first question 1. - - I won't direct this answer to what should be there, but if you remove the belt cover (held by two screws) you can see both belts. A poly V belt will have grooves running parallel to the edges of the belt. Like the serpentine belts on automobiles Same answer to your second No. 1 question. A gilmer belt has cross cogs.

Other questions: At least some of them - The Sawdust session # 24 shows you how to find out if you have a one or two bearing quill.

Yes, both the Gilmer belt drive and the smaller motor can be easily replaced with the newer replacements. Like said above, you will have to weigh the costs vs. the benefits.
I'll leave history and colors to more dedicated collectors and preservers of Mark V's There are several such guys here and they are pretty knowledgeable.

By the Way - another excellent source of building a library and learning about MarkVs is to buy the new DVDs. I was listening to one of them while typing this reply. I could switch to video when it came to an apropriate part.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... _index.htm

Here's an explanation of what's on the DVDs (part 1) http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... ostcount=1
Here's part two - http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showpos ... ostcount=2

If you would rather see the whole 5 page discussion about them - https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=2806

toolcollector · Post by **toolcollector** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 1:09 am

Thanks for the above replies and links to information. Both of my quills seem to be in good shape, I was just wondering about the potential to upgrade them in the future, should I start having too much run out.

I would not upgrade the Greenie unless something gave out.

BTW, in my area, Nice machines are popping up on Craigslist for really low prices... so if anyone needs machines or accessories, there are a lot of good deals due to the downturn of the economy.

Thanks for the information on the C headstock. I saw that in the history and was just curious as to what the difference was. I have one other question, what is the difference between a 500 and a 505? I had never heard of a 505 until seeing some comments about it here. Prior to that I have only known of the 500, 510 and 520.

I'm looking forward to finally having some time to do some real woodworking versus home remodeling/construction. So I will probably have a lot of questions as I get started at some actual finish woodworking.

Look forward to learning from this forum and the Shopsmith Videos.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:24 am

toolcollector wrote:. . . I have one other question, what is the difference between a 500 and a 505? I had never heard of a 505 until seeing some comments about it here. Prior to that I have only known of the 500, 510 and 520. . . .

A 505 is the same as a 500 EXCEPT it has the same size main table with T slots as the later 510/520. It does NOT have the floating extension tables nor the connector tubes and support legs introduced with the 510. The 505 fence is similar(or identical I am not sure) to the 510 fence.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 4:47 am

jpg40504 wrote:A 505 is the same as a 500 EXCEPT it has the same size main table with T slots as the later 510/520. It does NOT have the floating extension tables nor the connector tubes and support legs introduced with the 510. The 505 fence is similar(or identical I am not sure) to the 510 fence.

I would have said, a 505 is the same as a basic 510 without the floating tables, tubes and legs.