Shopsmith Forums

Hi, New member and 1st post! I'm looking at getting a Mark V, but I'm concerned about the height. This will be put in my basement. I've looked online and can't find the height. (Hint to add height to the Everything Mark V thread. ) Thanks!

About me: I'm currently living in St. Louis. I'm a good carpenter but not really a cabinet maker. I made my own crown molding by running 1x6's through a router (about 6 passes.) I have a decent table saw and dust collector etc. But I want a lathe. I've been going back and forth between buying a Shopsmith or a stand alone lathe. I'm leaning towards the Shopsmith if I can find a decent value.

Hope all y'all have a safe new year.

Bob

NiteClerk wrote:Hi, New member and 1st post! I'm looking at getting a Mark V, but I'm concerned about the height. This will be put in my basement. I've looked online and can't find the height. (Hint to add height to the Everything Mark V thread. ) Thanks!

About me: I'm currently living in St. Louis. I'm a good carpenter but not really a cabinet maker. I made my own crown molding by running 1x6's through a router (about 6 passes.) I have a decent table saw and dust collector etc. But I want a lathe. I've been going back and forth between buying a Shopsmith or a stand alone lathe. I'm leaning towards the Shopsmith if I can find a decent value.

Hope all y'all have a safe new year.

Bob

Well Bob, I will admit that I am biased, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Shopsmith. Bargains can be easily found and you can enter the Shopsmith world with a wide range of prices, features and gadgets. I am not in the shop and it is too cold outside to go measure, but someone will soon tell you the height. If not I will go out tomorrow and measure for you.

Welcome to the forum!

39" floor to spindle center.

JPG wrote:39" floor to spindle center.

TADA!

Told ya!

Thanks JayPeG

You mentioned concern over height in your basement. If you are going to utilize the Shopsmith in vertical mode take into consideration the following approximate floor to vertical: Mark 5 Greenie (500) 76 1/4" to way tube tie bar, Mark 7 Power Pro 78 1/2" and Mark VII 63 1/4" base arm assembly. The 60's version Mark VII is the best for low ceilings but it is rare to find one for sale in full operational condition.

NiteClerk wrote:Hi, New member and 1st post! I'm looking at getting a Mark V, but I'm concerned about the height. This will be put in my basement. I've looked online and can't find the height. (Hint to add height to the Everything Mark V thread. ) Thanks!

About me: I'm currently living in St. Louis. I'm a good carpenter but not really a cabinet maker. I made my own crown molding by running 1x6's through a router (about 6 passes.) I have a decent table saw and dust collector etc. But I want a lathe. I've been going back and forth between buying a Shopsmith or a stand alone lathe. I'm leaning towards the Shopsmith if I can find a decent value.

Hope all y'all have a safe new year.

Bob

Have you considered a 10ER? Most consider them to be a better lathe than a Mark V, due to their heavier construction. And you can build the bench to put the spindle at whatever height you desire. They are also excellent for horizontal-boring, sanding, and drill-press duty.

Here's a decent-looking one near you: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4781509732.html. Market price would be about $150 here in Ohio.

Thanks! I just measured my ceiling joists. I have 78 1/2" clearance over most of the basement. So a Mark V should work.

You mentioned concern over height in your basement. If you are going to utilize the Shopsmith in vertical mode take into consideration the following approximate floor to vertical: Mark 5 Greenie (500) 76 1/4" to way tube tie bar, Mark 7 Power Pro 78 1/2" and Mark VII 63 1/4" base arm assembly. The 60's version Mark VII is the best for low ceilings but it is rare to find one for sale in full operational condition.