Shopsmith Forums

I am new to shopsmith and need some guidance, (this is my 1st post).

I have a chance to buy a shopsmith mark v but the owner says that it has a 2hp motor.

He also says that it was originally bought in late 70's or early 80's and that he is the second owner.

I cannot find any genuine shopsmith mark v machines with a 2hp motor.

Is this a good buy or something that I need to be wary of?

thanks for any help,
cgsjr

Whether it is a good buy depends on the asking price and what comes with it and condition. But no matter what the owner tells you, it isn't 2 hp motor. Probably 1.125 hp. If he insists, have him drop the motor pan. The fact that he doesn't know what the motor is tells me he's never had the motor pan off and that makes me suspect he never did routine maintenance. I'd ask him what kind of maintenance the machine needs on a regular basis. If he doesn't know, you can be sure he didn't do it. That requires extra caution in buying, because lack of regular maintenance can cause issues with these machines. Nothing that can't be fixed, but may require buying parts that can make the deal less attractive.

Thank you for the quick reply.
I will ask those questions before going further.

Would anyone be able to give me some advice on what would be a good price for the pictured unit with the basics plus a bandsaw?

I am excited to get to work with ShopSmith but I don't want to make a mistake, (money saved can be applied to unforseen maintenance issues and future upgrades etc).

thanks again,
cgsjr

Here in PA, a working Mark V that age including all that came with it when it was new, plus a Band saw would sell for about $350. Other areas of the country could be more or possibly less.

Jim

Welcome, you have come to the right place. Give the guys a few minutes and I'm sure a few of them will chime in with helpful suggestions. That's just the way we rock on this forum!!

2hp? NO! (Well a powerpro @ 240v, but not THIS) First off ask the guy if he knows what model it is? If he says Mark V, well then the guy doesn't know what he's talking about. It's an older Model 500, but does look to be in really good shape. Yeah, maybe $300-500, the bandsaw might add $50-100. I don't see any of the accessories. Make sure most of the accessories are there, ie saw blades/arbors, drill chuck, lathe tools, sanding disc, ect. See if you can plug it in and run the speed dial up and then back down. How much are they asking??

While your waiting for others to chime in, continue to browse through the vast amount of info here on this forum!!

Thanks so much folks for all of the great support and info.

I will read and learn all of this information and take it with me.

cgsjr

Just to keep terminology 'correct', That appears to be a Mark V 500 made by Shopsmith, Inc.. If from the 70's it may be a Mark 5 also from Shopsmith. Inc..

The vent plate will 'tell the tale'. Regardless, it is the same collection of parts.

The vent plate will also say, 1 1/8 HP.