New SS owner here
Moderator: admin
- wannabewoodworker
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 626
- Joined: Mon Feb 15, 2010 11:36 am
- Location: Milford, CT
Welcome CLJ,
I too am a relatively new member but have already acquired 2 Shopsmiths so the others are right it is somewhat addictive once you are in and you are definitely IN! I am a bit different than most here in that when I bought my Mark VII I knew before i even got it home that it was going to get a fresh rebuild. I don't like using stuff I am not sure of and with my mechanical/electrical background resbuilding/restoring these machines was no big deal.
Yours looks to be in fine shape but it is still an almost 50 year old machine with unknown maintenance history. So if it were me she would be getting all new bearings and anything else inside that she needed while I had her apart. That way you know everything is new and good to go and you can start with a clean slate. But if you are not really mechanically inclined than doing what I suggest is not really advised. You will have to do some of the normal maintenance things either way. If when you do finally run it and it sounds like there are rocks inside then you can bet she needs some new bearings.
But I am jumping ahead clean her up and start her up and then see where you are. Watching the sawdust Sessions will be a big help and is definitely a big plus given free of charge by the great folks at Shopsmith. Have fun and enjoy the new hobby I know I am. And make sure to fill out your profile completely and even show where you live on the Shopsmith Google map.
I too am a relatively new member but have already acquired 2 Shopsmiths so the others are right it is somewhat addictive once you are in and you are definitely IN! I am a bit different than most here in that when I bought my Mark VII I knew before i even got it home that it was going to get a fresh rebuild. I don't like using stuff I am not sure of and with my mechanical/electrical background resbuilding/restoring these machines was no big deal.
Yours looks to be in fine shape but it is still an almost 50 year old machine with unknown maintenance history. So if it were me she would be getting all new bearings and anything else inside that she needed while I had her apart. That way you know everything is new and good to go and you can start with a clean slate. But if you are not really mechanically inclined than doing what I suggest is not really advised. You will have to do some of the normal maintenance things either way. If when you do finally run it and it sounds like there are rocks inside then you can bet she needs some new bearings.
But I am jumping ahead clean her up and start her up and then see where you are. Watching the sawdust Sessions will be a big help and is definitely a big plus given free of charge by the great folks at Shopsmith. Have fun and enjoy the new hobby I know I am. And make sure to fill out your profile completely and even show where you live on the Shopsmith Google map.
Michael Mayo
Senior IT Support Engineer
Soft Designs Inc.
albiemanmike@gmail.com
1960's SS Mark VII, 1954 Greenie, 1983 Mark V, Jointer, Bandsaw, Jigsaw, Dewalt Slider, Delta Super 10, Delta 8" Grinder, Craftsman compressor, Drill Doctor, Kreg PH Jig, Bosch Jigsaw, Craftsman Router and Table...........and adding more all the time....
Senior IT Support Engineer
Soft Designs Inc.
albiemanmike@gmail.com
1960's SS Mark VII, 1954 Greenie, 1983 Mark V, Jointer, Bandsaw, Jigsaw, Dewalt Slider, Delta Super 10, Delta 8" Grinder, Craftsman compressor, Drill Doctor, Kreg PH Jig, Bosch Jigsaw, Craftsman Router and Table...........and adding more all the time....
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swampgator
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 1256
- Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2009 9:32 pm
- Location: Pensacola, FL
Congratulations and welcome to the forums. Some really great stuff here. My first unit was given to me and I purchased the second gray for $500 with only the band saw. But, I am very happy. Much to learn about these machines and what they can do. 
Steve, the old Florida gator
I just love it when she says I can go make sawdust.

I just love it when she says I can go make sawdust.
Welcome to the forum and the 'SHOPSMITH' life:D.
As many have told you it looks like you did well. Most of the stuff you need is available very reasonably if you keep your eyes open. And you couldn't have found a better bunch of guys to help you figure everything out. These guys are a great bunch and have a world of experience in figuring these great tools out.
Good luck and watch the advice, its all good.
As many have told you it looks like you did well. Most of the stuff you need is available very reasonably if you keep your eyes open. And you couldn't have found a better bunch of guys to help you figure everything out. These guys are a great bunch and have a world of experience in figuring these great tools out.
Good luck and watch the advice, its all good.
Mike......... Rowlett, Texas, near Dallas
86 MK V 500/520. 59 MK 5 Greenie Shorty. SS Jointer, SS Planer,
SS Bandsaw, SS Lathe duplicator, SS Belt Sander,SS Molder & Shaper,
SS Tenon master jig, SS Mortising kit, SS 2 1/4' Drum Sanders, Ringmaster, DC3300....
86 MK V 500/520. 59 MK 5 Greenie Shorty. SS Jointer, SS Planer,
SS Bandsaw, SS Lathe duplicator, SS Belt Sander,SS Molder & Shaper,
SS Tenon master jig, SS Mortising kit, SS 2 1/4' Drum Sanders, Ringmaster, DC3300....