Shopsmith Forums

I have a chance to pick up a Mark 5 with all of the regular accessories and a bandsaw and a Mark VII/7 for very cheap. In the esteemed opinion of the members of this group would I be better off sprucing up the Mark VII/7 and keeping the accessories from the Mark V it is missing or swapping out the headstock onto the Mark VII/7. I really like the Mark VII/7 stand but I really am not sure what use I would have for a reverse function.

Keep the Mark VII and the accesories. The increased power and speed range is what I would want. Plus, you have the option to run it at 220 volts to have even more power. With the reverse tilt you have a under table router/shaper system too.

Are you talking a Mark VII or a Mark 7. Two different beasts. The Mark 7 is the PowerPro, where the Mark VII was made long ago and has few parts available.

Just to clarify ....

Okay, I was not aware of the older one. My comment only applies to the 7 with the PowerPro headstock.

Read more threads in the forum about a MarkVII. They always pose a lot of challenges to the owner. If you are up for enjoying machine work as part of you hobby then get the Mark VII..

If you want to woodwork go for the Mark 5. There are still parts available from Shopsmith to get it into working shape. As said earlier, Shopsmith does not offer Mark VII parts.

If have room and you are into selling miscellaneous parts, the Mark VII will offer you that opportunity.

Actually the older Mark VII/7 is labeled both ways.

Steamdragon wrote:Actually the older Mark VII/7 is labeled both ways.

Well, that is true, but there is a difference, particularly now that the Mark 7 is being marketed by SS.

You still haven't said which one it is? And, BTW, I use my Mark 7 in reverse all the time with the planer ....

It is the older one.