New Mark V owner

[aiellon]

I am the lucky new owner of a Mark V, with lots of extras.

I have done a fair amount of reading on these machines, and have read a ton of your guys posts. Feeling pretty lucky to find this forum and the machine.
I have been trying to identify the age of my unit, but it appears to be before May '54. Can anyone help me out? The serial number is 261624. Am I missing something?

My reason for getting the shopsmith, I want to learn to wood work, and the cost of getting all the individual machines and the space required, was way out of my reach. Ran across this deal and I now have the band saw, jointer, lathe, table saw, etc. I think the only piece not included was the scroll saw. I guess my first project will be a bench/shelf to hold all the accessories. Well, after I learn how to use the pieces. Looking forward to all the projects, and a little bit of blood loss that is bound to happen.

Thanks for all your posts and the help you have given so many. You guys are great!

[idcook]

I am the lucky new owner of a Mark V, with lots of extras.

Looking forward to all the projects, and a little bit of blood loss that is bound to happen.

Thanks for all your posts and the help you have given so many. You guys are great!

Welcome and congratulations!

Get this idea (highlighted above) out of your head right now! The most important thing to understand before you even so much as turn on the machine is that it&#8217]SAFETY FIRST!!![/B]
How it works! How it’s maintained! How it’s used! How the work is properly done!

Read ALL the "FOR THE BEGINNER" posts found on this site and ask a billion questions. Even if it feels like the stupidest question in the world — ASK!!!!

The goal is to enjoy yourself and, as folks here like to say, make dust!

Again, Welcome!

PS — Sorry about the attitude, but I read and nearly experienced a few woodworking horror stories. Nobody wants to become one of them.

[idcook]

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=7092

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=5092


They ain’t as tough to get through as they might look at first and they’ll help to become well prepared to advance without incident.

[steve4447]

Welcome aboard..

[idcook]

aiellon


Please post a few “look what I got” photos. (Someone was gonna ask eventually, so it might as well be me. )

The more astute forum members may be able to tell you a lot about your machine, including likely time of manufacture, after they look at them.

PLUS — We all love seeing photos of these machines no matter the condition.

[dusty]

Welcome to the forum. I hope you get as much information from this forum and as much enjoyment from your Mark V as I have.

As for blood. If you make as much saw dust as I have, you are almost certain to shed a bit of blood. To make sure that it is just a bit and not a lot, do the obvious - stay away from the blade. Treat it is though it is sharp and can cut you - even when it is not turning.

My greatest blood loss, in the wood shop, was caused by my reaching across the table to get a tool. The saw was turned off and unplugged. As I drew back, I cut myself deep and long on the idle blade.

Keep your fingers out of the "red zone" (red table insert). Pay attention to what you are doing when using any of the power tools in your shop. They can all hurt you. If you are doubtful about your ability to use a power tool, don't use it.

[terrydowning]

Welcome to the forum.

I agree completely with idcook and dusty. I was fortunate enough to grow up using my Mark V so proper handling of this machine was drilled into my head from a very young age.

If something does not fell safe it probably isn't. If you are not 100% confident in the operation you are about to perform, don't do it. This is a hobby for most of us and not worth amputation or other serious injury. I have had many close calls (too many) and all of them were clearly my fault usually tired or lack of attention.

Please post your location (or update your profile), there may be a fellow forum member near by that can assist/mentor you. Also look for fellow woodworkers or clubs in your area.

Have fun be safe. but most of all BE SAFE!

[beeg]

Welcome to the forum Aiellon. Now this is where I say. Clean up your newly acquired SS, lube it up, then align it. Work SAFELY to.

[aiellon]

Thanks for the welcome and concern.

My error, I made the blood comment as a bit of sarcasm. I take it for granted I will shed a bit of blood from slivers, every day tools, spending more time in the garage in general. I forget that sarcasm doesn't come across well in text.

I do have a healthy respect for power tools, and the previous owner purchased several safety options. He also showed me his battle scares. I have all my digits, and plan to keep them. There are push sticks, blocks and pads. Upper and lower blade covers, etc. Of all the tools, I'm most likely to shed blood on the belt sander. I've walked away from a few of them, missing finger nails and a few too many layers of skin.

I'll post pictures end of next week. There's so many pieces, I find something new every time I open the boxes.
Thanks again.

Nick

[benush26]

Welcome to Sawdustopia. You have entered the realm of some of the wisest and most resourceful people on the planet (I'm not one of the wise nor resourceful, but they let me join anyway! ). Soon your wit, wisdom and creativity will be admired by all.

Regarding blood loss.... Sarcastic or otherwise. I'm an advocate of losing sweat and tears (especially when gluing or finishing ). I did lose some blood when I got my Mark 7, but that was from a sharp edge on an auxiliary table. Wiped it off on the underside of the table as my "blood brother" oath. Kind of like throwing a new perfect golfball into the water so it doesn't claim any more.

Welcome and be well,

Ben