Shopsmith Forums

New to the forum. I bought my SS from Craigslist about a year ago. $300. I "think" it's a 500, good collection of accessories (safety tools, blades, arbors, bandsaw, 1 1/8hp motor (upgraded already?), left and right side tables). I've used the table and band saws for some home improvement projects. Getting ready to make something real - an inside kitty corner scratching post (hey - don't laugh - it was a good excuse to make a circle jig cutter!)

SS# 154989 - 1983
Did I get that right?

Darn speed control was way tight and trying to reduce the speed before I turned it off, something snapped. I took the speed control knob off and broke the casting where one of the screws goes. It's on the mend with a little JBWeld. Never too late to read why and how to maintain. Got that done too. I'm thinking that it'll be good as new. I'll let the team know.

Would you guys back off of the bidding on the ebay jointers and belt sanders for a minute - please?!?

wolfeie wrote:New to the forum. I bought my SS from Craigslist about a year ago. $300. I "think" it's a 500, good collection of accessories (safety tools, blades, arbors, bandsaw, 1 1/8hp motor (upgraded already?), left and right side tables). I've used the table and band saws for some home improvement projects. Getting ready to make something real - an inside kitty corner scratching post (hey - don't laugh - it was a good excuse to make a circle jig cutter!)

SS# 154989 - 1983
Did I get that right?

Darn speed control was way tight and trying to reduce the speed before I turned it off, something snapped. I took the speed control knob off and broke the casting where one of the screws goes. It's on the mend with a little JBWeld. Never too late to read why and how to maintain. Got that done too. I'm thinking that it'll be good as new. I'll let the team know.

Would you guys back off of the bidding on the ebay jointers and belt sanders for a minute - please?!?

Welcome to the group:) . I'd chat a little longer, but I gotta go check the jointer and belt sander action on ebay:D (I already have both);)

Welcome to Shopsmith and to the forum. Post some photos of your machine and we can better help verify the model and year. As for E-Bay - have patience and you'll get what you need for the right price. I've seen several jointers with the upgraded blade/feather guard sell for $100-$125...I've I've seen inpatient folks drive the price up well beyond this, so wait for the right deal. Belt sanders tend to sell for more in the $200+ range...

dgale wrote:Welcome to Shopsmith and to the forum. Post some photos of your machine and we can better help verify the model and year. As for E-Bay - have patience and you'll get what you need for the right price. I've seen several jointers with the upgraded blade/feather guard sell for $100-$125...I've I've seen inpatient folks drive the price up well beyond this, so wait for the right deal. Belt sanders tend to sell for more in the $200+ range...

The problem with jointers is, the shipping weight.

You read the sn chart correctly - but what does the vent plate say re model?

Thanks for the feedback - especially on the selling prices to be looking for. Funny, I got the serial number off of the vent plate but didn't notice the motor rating; it is marked 1 1/8 but no other indication of model other than Mark V.

Here's a pic of the unit:


Here's a pic of the vent plate - Flash bright doesn't help but it's snowing so hard here at 10,000' it's almost dark...


And here's a pic of the beaten speed control knob. I just sent it off to the gentleman from CA who "rebuilds" them with a steel gear set. Due to the cold, I'm going to let the JBWeld sit a few more days before I reassemble. I'm sure this is a common failure point due to the AL on FE gear mesh.


Any thoughts on the specific model? Need more pics? of what?
Thanks in advance!