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New (old) Shop Smith owner
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 9:04 pm
by teacherman
Hello, I just joined this forum. I remember my father had a Shop Smith in his garage when I visited him as a teenager. I ran across a Mark V the other day for $200, and it is now in my garage. Once I pulled off the jointer and table saw parts, I was actually able to carry it myself, but it was a snap for two people. I have always wanted a lathe and a horizontal boring machine, and this thing looks to have been used very little. The manual looks like a reproduction of the original, right down to the mfr. of Magna lube being listed as Standard Oil of California. A handwritten note says the machine is a model 620, but I don't think that exists. Serial # is 328905.
I hear these are some really good tools, but it looks a bit complex. The insulation on the cord is cracked, and this is the first order of business.
It has the tail stock, but I have not found the 4 bladed head stock attachment for the lathe. Are parts still available? I heard the company went out of business in 2009, and I am leery of Chinese aftermarket anything. I will post pics of this machine tomorrow.
I am looking forward to building some cabinet doors and a toddler bed for starters.
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 9:09 pm
by camerio
Yes Shopsmith still exist, you are on a forum provided by Shopsmith.
Welcome to this forum and you will find lots of information on this forum and lots of people who will probably will be able to help you a bit more than me.
Good luck in your quest.
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 9:42 pm
by JPG
teacherman wrote:Hello, I just joined this forum. WELCOME! I remember my father had a Shop Smith in his garage when I visited him as a teenager. I ran across a Mark V the other day for $200, and it is now in my garage. Once I pulled off the jointer and table saw parts, I was actually able to carry it myself, but it was a snap for two people. I have always wanted a lathe and a horizontal boring machine, and this thing looks to have been used very little. The manual looks like a reproduction of the original, right down to the mfr. of Magna lube being listed as Standard Oil of California. A handwritten note says the machine is a model 620 JOINTER?, but I don't think that exists. Serial # is 328905.
I hear these are some really good tools, but it looks a bit complex. The insulation on the cord is cracked, and this is the first order of business.
It has the tail stock, but I have not found the 4 bladed head stock attachment for the lathe. Are parts still available? I heard the company went out of business in 2009 Not quite, and I am leery of Chinese aftermarket anything. I will post pics of this machine tomorrow.
I am looking forward to building some cabinet doors and a toddler bed for starters.
From the SN it should be green and 'silver' and be a
Mark 5 from the mid 50's.
That would make it a 'Gilmer drive' with a 3/4 hp motor.
As such not all stuff is still available, but it is upgradable to the newer poly-v drive albiet $$$$$$$$$$$$!:eek:
Almost everything else is still supported by 'SS'.
As for 2009, Shopsmith Inc. reorganized as RLF Tools, Inc. and became the fifth corporate identity to manufacture this beast, and recently 'released' a new motor(power pro) and model(Model 7).
Welcome.....
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 11:01 pm
by 2centsworth
Welcome to the forum second best decision you have made lately. First the shopsmith and second joining the forum. Best darn bunch of people you will ever meet. Ask any and all questions, most everyone can help or knows someone who can. Where are you located. Once we know we should be able to find someone in your area to support you and maybe close enough for you to visit.
Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 11:32 pm
by beeg
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:11 am
by kalynzoo
Just be careful. The Shopsmith is additive. There are lots of upgrades and add-ons, and with it's reasonably small profile it will soon become your favorite go to tool. Welcome to the forum.
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:14 am
by charlese
Welcome Teacherman! Looking forward to seeing your cabinets, but first make sure all lubrication has been done and make sure you have all the safety parts. For example splitter or riving knife. Even the upper and lower saw guards.
Don't forget to check or do the alignment of the saw table with the blade and alignment of the rip fence.\
Here's the "4 bladed" lathe drive center -
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... enters.htm
Best Wishes!
A Big Welcome
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:34 am
by greg1m53
Hello
You are going to find this the best place for answers about your shopsmith!!
There are just the greatest people here for all kinds of problems.
Take your time and enjoy the best American built multi tool ever.
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 9:13 am
by idcook
teacherman wrote: I hear these are some really good tools, but it looks a bit complex. The insulation on the cord is cracked, and this is the first order of business.
Welcome Teacher,
Yes, the SS is a great tool. Complex? No.
I didn’t know diddly about the Shopsmith a year ago. A coworker mentioned it to me and the next thing you know I got an old greenie in the basement.
I’d also earlier purchased a couple of other near rusted out machines. They were still sitting there when the SS arrived. Much to my surprise, with the help of folks here, and discs from fella name of Anderson, I got that SS cleaned up. The experience so informed me that I soon fixed the others too.
The Shopsmith is sort of genius in its simplicity. Getting it running smooth will be easier than you might think and you’ll soon find yourself able to almost sense what ails any broken machine you lay eyes on.
I had to put a hold on to keep from clearing out every machine I found in local junk yards.
Cracked power cord… pffft… If that’s the worst of it you’ll be building those cabinets and crib very soon.
Enjoy!
Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 11:49 am
by JPG
idcook wrote: . . .
Cracked power cord
… pffft… If that’s the worst of it you’ll be building those cabinets and crib very soon.
Enjoy!
Interesting choice of sound effects!
