Shopsmith Forums

I am not familiar in the least with this machine. I can pick one up locally for $250.00 It seems to be all there but no major accessories like a band saw, jointer etc. I see little to no posts on this machine as well as rarely on eBay, are they to be ignored??

Don G

I had one for years and loved it. That's a great price if nothing is broken, little or no rust, etc. Check the nylon cam on the speed control. When people don't do maintenance these things break. Even if it is in bad shape I know where you can get one in very good condition (the entire speed control). Moi.

Check the V belt. If it is in good shape then it can last for years. If it is not in good shape ask JPG what he is using. It is an odd size. I got one at ACE some years ago but don't recollect what it was.

Some light reading.

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=11373

Still a work in 'progress?'.

Have yet to 'decide' what the motor belt should be.

A Mark 5/V poly v belt will work.

Common 'issues': Speed control cam. Gear rack on front way tube. Power/direction switch. Missing 'key'.

JPG

I since have found out, No key! The lady now will take $150.00. What are the chances of getting a replacement switch or maybe a locksmith could make one?

Don G

I have an extra key for a Sawsmith RAS and we're pretty sure it's the same key.

heathicus wrote:I have an extra key for a Sawsmith RAS and we're pretty sure it's the same key.

It's the same key. So, where is this Mark VII so I can get it before you do. At $150 even if some stuff is bad it will be well worth that for parts. Although I hope you want to keep it and use it because it is a great machine. Don't deal on this. She doesn't know what she has and just wants to get rid of it. If you offer $100 you will feel bad FOREVER because you took advantage of someone who didn't know the value of it. Probably a widow. If you take advantage of widows or orphans then the payback is horrendous.

Tried to find this on Craigslist. Nothing on Tools or Garage Sales. So, if you don't want it at $150 let me know the phone number of that woman. Now, if you buy it you will have a lot of support from this site for rebuilding it into a great machine. I have a 30 year newer 510 and it is a tradeoff as to which I prefer. Until I built some things for the 510 I much preferred the Mk. VII.

Buy it. You won't regret it. Offer her $200. Because you are a good guy.

$200 for an old MkVII?

Are you serious?

Why don't these show up in Phoenix?

Don, when I was a wee kid, the next-door neighbor had a MkVII. (I was 12 when they moved out.) From that day on, Shopsmiths were thought of as "less than desirable" because of the plastic speed change parts. Wish I could kick my father in the caboose! Even though the MkVII had those parts, in my fathers view, ALL Shopsmiths were guilty. When I got my first cast iron ER, the model that is STILL building Mk7s, I found out the true story.

But, I'd STILL like an old MkVII!

steve

"If you take advantage of widows or orphans then the payback is horrendous."

As Heath would say, "True Dat!"

Offer her the $200.

Or, post the links, so someone close can.
(Alas, I'm not in Oklahoma anymore, so someone else
can jump on this.)

steve

Ok, paid the $200.00, the only accessories are a 10" saw blade and arbor, a 10" adjustable saw blade of some kind, (Haven't seen it in person yet) a 5/8" arbor.

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Now I need a key bad. Don't know if it will run or not.

Don G

Be very careful with the plastic gear rack. It is not going to slide (easily) with the rusty tubes.