Shopsmith Forums

I trust that I will be corrected if I misspeak but isn't the existence of the red safety switch the strongest indicator in this mystery. Unless someone made a square hole in the headstock for a switch, this is a "C" headstock (first released in 1991).

Off topic side note: I have spoken with Shopsmith about the serial number label. I was hoping to get new ones made for my machines. Those old pressure sensitive aluminum labels have held up well but they are about to give up the battle. Shopsmith saw reason not to do that for me and I understand. They did not want to be party to the possible fraudulent remarking of an old machine.
How is the serial number attached to the newer machines? Picture please.

iclark wrote:could someone have inadvertently switched the belt covers between an '81 and a '91 headstock?

would there be a give away like unused holes in the cover or the casting?

The belt cover, being so easily removed, doesn't seem like the logical place for the serial number does it? But then 'sticky labels' doesn't seem likely either or vent plates for that matter.

Here are some pictures of the Shopsmith and the head stock. I suppose it is possible the previous owner upgraded the headstock and kept using the older vent plate with serial number.

Is it possible that only the switch was changed to the new red removable switch, or is the headstock unique to fit the newer switch?

Thanks.

I can't answer your question exactly. It is rough gray and therefore post 1984. The SS-77415 number is confusing to me (no help). However, it is definitely a "C" headstock and if built according to the label it has the 1 1/8hp motor and therefore post 1991.

It appears to have a hole (covered by a plug) right above the warning label in image #3 that I cannot explain.

The little wings on either side of the safety switch are unique to the "C" headstock.

If I had to put down money on this, I would say that it is an authentic post 1991 headstock and it looks great. The rest of the machine appears to be in good shape as well.

Be kind to it. Wax it and oil well and it will treat you the same for many, many years.

You might want to remove the 50 cent price tag. It is certainly worth more than that.

Thanks Dusty. Yes the 50 cent sticker was slapped on there by the little 5 yr old girl from where I got it. She evidently thinks that 50 cents is a lot.

I ran it through some varying RPMs today and it seems to run nice. It does sound like it could use some oil and the movement along the rails is hard, but that will be fixed with some wax.

Thanks for your help.

dusty wrote:It appears to have a hole (covered by a plug) right above the warning label in image #3 that I cannot explain.

I've had a few units with a plug mounted in the same location. Doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. Frankly, never paid it much attention, but I'll keep an eye out if there is a pattern in years.

FWIW, my serial number 09-29-95 Mark V model 510, bought new by me, does knot have a hole in that spot, or the warning sticker under it.

Question: When did ShopSmith discontinue stamping the serial number into the vent plateand start printing the sticky label with it? My 1995 unit has the sticky label, but monkeyvet's "C" headstock still has the serial number stamped on the vent plate. The answer to that question may deepen the mystery. I wonder if at some point after 1991, this (possibly a 1981) headstock went back to the factory for refurbishment and got updated with the 522382 headstock housing? Anything is possible!

dusty wrote:I can't answer your question exactly. It is rough gray and therefore post 1984. The SS-77415 number is confusing to me (no help). However, it is definitely a "C" headstock and if built according to the label it has the 1 1/8hp motor and therefore post 1991...

The 1 1/8hp motor wasintroduced in 1962. I thought all Mark V's had the 1 1/8hp motor after that???

a1gutterman wrote:FWIW, my serial number 09-29-95 Mark V model 510, bought new by me, does knot have a hole in that spot.

Question: When did ShopSmith discontinue stamping the serial number into the vent plateand start printing the sticky label with it? My 1995 unit has the sticky label, but monkeyvet's "C" headstock still has the serial number stamped on the vent plate. The answer to that question may deepen the mystery. I wonder if at some point after 1991, this (possibly a 1981) headstock went back to the factory for refurbishment and got updated with the 522382 headstock housing? Anything is possible!

I am the proud and very satisfied owner of 112291 and it is labeled with an aluminum sticky label.

What bothers me is that monkeyvet's "serial number" (SS-77145) does not look like a serial number and the number doesn't fit into the data base in the right location and it does not look like a date code. Added Note: This is not a true statement]

:eek:Aaaaw, maybe we just don't know what a really modern date code looks like I have not laid eyes on but one machine that is newer than mine (other than at the TA sessions maybe) and I didn'y pay attention to the serial number.

Someone with a 2000 or later vintage Shopsmith - please tell us what your serial number is and when it was purchased.

a1gutterman wrote:The 1 1/8hp motor wasintroduced in 1962. I thought all Mark V's had the 1 1/8hp motor after that???

Yes, you are correct about that, Tim. The larger motor has been with us for many years; much longer than since 1991. In 1991 they introduced the "C" headstock and the safety switch. I didn't write that so as to say exactly what I was meaning to say.

However - I urge you to not over use the word "all". Doing so can get you in a pickle.