Shopsmith Forums

Hello all,

This is my first post on this forum as I have just purchased my first Shopsmith - a 1960s Mark VII. In case you all were wondering, I had no idea what I was purchasing at the time. I thought I was buying a standard Shopsmith that I could find lots of parts for. Ha!

Anyways, I would love to restore this thing, if possible. I've never tackled anything like this before, but with the help of this forum, I might be able to do it in time.

The plastic cam and gear rack are the two most critical components of the Mark VII. My cam is in excellent condition (plastic), but my gear rack is only half its original length.

I've seen a few people on this forum have successfully replaced their original Mark VII gear racks with plastic or metal gear racks. Does anyone know where I could find a steel gear rack online that would fit the Mark VII?

I doubt you will find a rack online of any type. Sort of like looking for Duesenberg on a used car lot.

There are racks available, but they are too 'thick'. They would have to be machined to correct thickness and to match the way tube radius. They are also $$$ prior to machining.

One member has made them, and another(guess who) intends to do so also more as a backup than due to a need.

I have had one made from aluminum stock and it works great. They guy who made them said he would make another for about $400.

JPG wrote:There are racks available, but they are too 'thick'. They would have to be machined to correct thickness and to match the way tube radius. They are also $$$ prior to machining.

One member has made them, and another(guess who) intends to do so also more as a backup than due to a need.

So, when I sold you for tubes, one with a complete rack intact you were ripping me off and I could have asked for $$$ more? Well, one man's junk is another man's treasure. I would still sell them to you at the same price. Just keep that in mind when you have something another member wants.

All you knowledge and advice doesn't count. That's not for sale and is worth just what is paid for it.

db5 wrote:

JPG wrote:There are racks available, but they are too 'thick'. They would have to be machined to correct thickness and to match the way tube radius. They are also $$$ prior to machining.

One member has made them, and another(guess who) intends to do so also more as a backup than due to a need.

So, when I sold you for tubes, one with a complete rack intact you were ripping me off and I could have asked for $$$ more? Well, one man's junk is another man's treasure. I would still sell them to you at the same price. Just keep that in mind when you have something another member wants.

All you knowledge and advice doesn't count. That's not for sale and is worth just what is paid for it.

If the rack was complete as you just mentioned, there would be no need to make another. Sure all the teeth are there, but some are 'short' due to possibly the motor belt rubbing(prior to my acquiring them). Also I said "more as a backup than due to a need". They have been known to break.

Geez for a shrink, you fly off often and mostly unwarranted. Likely due to extrapolation of what is actually relevant.

I have no quarrel with those items from you. I did not set the price. And yes it was reasonable.

FWIW, I have rarely sold any parts, but have freely given to those in need. Postage is all I usually request.