Shopsmith Forums

I saw an older model, that said mark v on it. had a saw table and not much else. the motor was there and controls, but no chuck or way to hold a saw blade. was marked $75. is that a steal?

michael Weston wrote:I saw an older model, that said mark v on it. had a saw table and not much else. the motor was there and controls, but no chuck or way to hold a saw blade. was marked $75. is that a steal?

Welcome to the forum. Looks like this is your first post.

This question or one like it comes up a lot.

If the motor is working and the speed dial turns (only with the machine on!) and all the bearings seem good and if all that is missing is the drill chuck (its key), and a saw arbor, then IMHO $75 is a good deal.

But you really need to do a complete inventory on your "find" to figure out what else is missing. To the uninitiated there's a lot of pieces to a Shopsmith that are easy to overlook. For the lathe function you need a tailstock, lathe tool arm and tool support, lathe centers, and lathe tools. For sawing in addition to a saw arbor and a blade that will work with it, you need a lower and upper saw guard, rip fence, miter gauge (proprietary bar size) and an auxilliary table (and more tables depending on model). Drilling/horizontal boring requires the chuck and key. Disc sanding obviously requires the sanding disc.

If any of these are missing they can be acquired on ebay or from Shopsmith -- but it can add up to more than you would have paid for another used but more complete machine.

I agree that you need to inventory what is there beyond the basic machine - buying all the needed extras on E-Bay can add up quickly, resulting in the "steal" not being such a good deal after all. I'd also check out the overall condition of what is there - is it rusty and do the aluminum parts show noticeable corrosion? These would be good indicators of a machine that has been left in a moist environment or otherwise neglected and may be indicative of needed repairs and maintenance on the headstock, as well as rust removal of the way tubes etc.

I'd advise checking for other available units on CraigsList within your acceptable driving range and keep an eye on what else is available out there to get a perspective. Also, realize that used Shopsmiths are definitely a buyers market, so even though you may see people ask a relatively high amount for a used machine, most sellers are very motivated to get a large, heavy item out of their garage and typically a used Mark V 500 can be found for $100-$500, depending on completeness and condition, as well as any included SPT's (specialty tools, such as jointer, bandsaw, belt sander, strip sander, scroll saw, planer etc.). Bottom line, $75 may be a great deal if condition is acceptable and it has most of the needed parts but I'd investigate it further and make sure you know what comes with a complete machine, or otherwise you may just be buying a boat anchor you don't have the time or familiarity to resurrect.

Fortunately you came to the right place - lots of folks here very versed in all things Shopsmith, so ask lots of questions and post pictures as possible and it will be much easier for folks to give you specific input on this or other SS you are interested in buying.

Condition, condition, condition. Bearings can be replaced easily. Missing parts slightly less easily. Missing stuff does indeed end up increasing cost.

FWIW, any unit sporting a Mark V label is not, IMHO, an older model!;)

I actually do not woodwork. I saw this machine at a local thrift shop and thought if it was a steal someone from the springfield mo area might want to grab it. I see them online for 1000-2000 with attachments. so I thought maybe this was something someone may want for parts, to start another set up or just as a spare. I do not know enough to really tell what is there or not. the basic machine, the table saw table and a small flat table that may be an extension for the saw table are all I saw. I asked if they had more in the back and the guy said no.

I figured if it were a steal of a deal, someone might even drive quite a ways to get it. if they did that I would try to get them to hold it so the drive was not in vain.

michael Weston wrote:I actually do not woodwork. I saw this machine at a local thrift shop and thought if it was a steal someone from the springfield mo area might want to grab it. I see them online for 1000-2000 with attachments. so I thought maybe this was something someone may want for parts, to start another set up or just as a spare. I do not know enough to really tell what is there or not. the basic machine, the table saw table and a small flat table that may be an extension for the saw table are all I saw. I asked if they had more in the back and the guy said no.

I figured if it were a steal of a deal, someone might even drive quite a ways to get it. if they did that I would try to get them to hold it so the drive was not in vain.

Thank YOU for the heads up!:)

If only it was closer!;)

if anyone does want it, this is where it is. I suggest calling first because they turn stuff pretty fast.

http://habitatspringfieldmo.org/

Well, the shop smith at the rehab is gone. Maybe someone on here grabbed it. I hope so. I will not be posting anymore unless I see another one super cheap.

Thanks guys and good luck to you all in the future.

michael Weston wrote:Well, the shop smith at the rehab is gone. Maybe someone on here grabbed it. I hope so. I will not be posting anymore unless I see another one super cheap.

Thanks guys and good luck to you all in the future.

Come back soon!;)