Shopsmith Forums

I just got my first Shopsmith - a MK VII with band saw that are both in perfect working order. Well, not perfect, because they are not currently complete. When I picked it up, the MK VII was missing the drill chuck and power coupler to get the band saw up and running. I also would like to get a 5/8" arbor or two for use with table saw blades that I already own.

The problem I have now is that customer service at Shopsmith, inc. says they have "nothing to do with that model," and the best they can do is sell me an information booklet about it, and maybe there would be information about replacement parts for what I need. I took to the forums and read through posts on the MK VII rebuilds and refurbishments, and from what I read, the quill on the MK VII is 5/8", the same as a MK V or MK 5, meaning that a 5/8" table saw arbor and drill chuck that would work with any other MK V/5 should work with my MK VII - I think. Also, there are two different options for 5/8" table saw arbors: one for MARK V models 505, 510, 520 and MARK "7", and a different one for MARK V model 500.

I also need to acquire a power coupler for my band saw, but I cant find anything about whether or not buying JUST the coupler will work. I'd like to get everything in one order to save on shipping/driving costs, but direct answers are hard to come by, so I figure asking here would be my best option:

1) Can I purchase the standard power coupler and expect it to work with my band saw, or do I need to purchase the coupler kit, which includes the drive hubs?
2) Am I correct in assuming that a standard drill chuck will work, or do I need to figure something else out there?
3) Which 5/8" table saw arbor should I order?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Homebrew wrote:...

1) Can I purchase the standard power coupler and expect it to work with my band saw, or do I need to purchase the coupler kit, which includes the drive hubs?
2) Am I correct in assuming that a standard drill chuck will work, or do I need to figure something else out there?
3) Which 5/8" table saw arbor should I order?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

Although I don't have a Mark VII, and my answer may be wrong, I'll post it anyway. Wait for other answers.

1) I recommend the coupler Kit. This way you will have "extra hubs to fall back on if suddenly you can't locate yours. The coupler for the bandsaw (actually all SPTs) has 5 notches. The hub on the machine has 4 notches.
2) Yes, you are correct
3) Both 1 1/4" and 5/8" - - [555130 1-1/4" Saw Blade Arbor] and [555608 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor]
The first one will fit Shopsmith blades and the second will fit most other blades.

Charlese,

Thanks for you help; I will definitely consider the whole coupler kit, but for the table saw arbors, I have two 1.25" arbors, and I need to buy at least one 5/8" arbor. Shopsmith offers two options:

[555608] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK 7 and MARK V Models 520,510 and 505)

[555321] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK V Model 500)

There is no difference in price, so that isn't an issue, but I don't want to order the wrong one and have to try to return it an reorder the correct one. Any guidance on which one I should be ordering?

Do you have the original 500 table or has it been upgraded? If I remember correctly, the 500 arbor is shorter than the later ones because of the different lower guard. Can someone confirm that?

Homebrew wrote:Charlese,

Thanks for you help; I will definitely consider the whole coupler kit, but for the table saw arbors, I have two 1.25" arbors, and I need to buy at least one 5/8" arbor. Shopsmith offers two options:

[555608] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK 7 and MARK V Models 520,510 and 505)

[555321] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK V Model 500)

There is no difference in price, so that isn't an issue, but I don't want to order the wrong one and have to try to return it an reorder the correct one. Any guidance on which one I should be ordering?

Since the MK V models 505/510/520 did not exist when the MK VII was introduced I would guess you want the model 500 arbor. The 500 was being sold when the MK VII came out. The other arbor is longer since the table on those models is larger.

jsburger wrote:

Homebrew wrote:Charlese,

Thanks for you help; I will definitely consider the whole coupler kit, but for the table saw arbors, I have two 1.25" arbors, and I need to buy at least one 5/8" arbor. Shopsmith offers two options:

[555608] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK 7 and MARK V Models 520,510 and 505)

[555321] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK V Model 500)

There is no difference in price, so that isn't an issue, but I don't want to order the wrong one and have to try to return it an reorder the correct one. Any guidance on which one I should be ordering?

Since the MK V models 505/510/520 did not exist when the MK VII was introduced I would guess you want the model 500 arbor. The 500 was being sold when the MK VII came out. The other arbor is longer since the table on those models is larger.

Bingo!!!

The quill body and quill shaft are essentially identical for all models including the '10'.

All SS drill chucks will mount on any model.

I am amazed at the idiocy of the CS response. Due to new blood no doubt.

JPG wrote: I am amazed at the idiocy of the CS response. Due to new blood no doubt.

I was also shocked at the CS response. Probably the same person that recommended 1/4" belt deflection in the PowerPro.

Thanks for jumping in on this thread. I screwed up on the arbor recommendation. Please note this Homebrew!

JPG wrote:

jsburger wrote:

Homebrew wrote:Charlese,

Thanks for you help; I will definitely consider the whole coupler kit, but for the table saw arbors, I have two 1.25" arbors, and I need to buy at least one 5/8" arbor. Shopsmith offers two options:

[555608] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK 7 and MARK V Models 520,510 and 505)

[555321] 5/8" Saw Blade Arbor (for MARK V Model 500)

There is no difference in price, so that isn't an issue, but I don't want to order the wrong one and have to try to return it an reorder the correct one. Any guidance on which one I should be ordering?

Since the MK V models 505/510/520 did not exist when the MK VII was introduced I would guess you want the model 500 arbor. The 500 was being sold when the MK VII came out. The other arbor is longer since the table on those models is larger.

Bingo!!!

The quill body and quill shaft are essentially identical for all models including the '10'.

All SS drill chucks will mount on any model.

I am amazed at the idiocy of the CS response. Due to new blood no doubt.

Is that an unusual response? Do they not always say they do not support things that they did not make?

As a happy Mark VII owner I use the arbors for the 500. I also use the lower guard from the 500 also. The upper guard must be from a Mark VII because the table is larger. I routinely swap chucks, lathe centers etc between my 10ER and the mark VII. Although I use a later model lower guard when I use the conical disc. Because that is the conical disc I have.

jsburger wrote:

JPG wrote:

jsburger wrote: . . .

Since the MK V models 505/510/520 did not exist when the MK VII was introduced I would guess you want the model 500 arbor. The 500 was being sold when the MK VII came out. The other arbor is longer since the table on those models is larger.

Bingo!!!

The quill body and quill shaft are essentially identical for all models including the '10'.

All SS drill chucks will mount on any model.

I am amazed at the idiocy of the CS response. Due to new blood no doubt.

Is that an unusual response? Do they not always say they do not support things that they did not make?

Perhaps in this day and age, but, let us be realistic rather than litigious.

Those earlier models were indeed made by other corporate identities, but they ARE historical and are the SOURCE of CURRENT design. When the current design is the same as the historical one and there is 100% compatibility I see no rational reason for a blanket NIH attitude.

Now if the 'attitude' is due to concern for those antiques competing with current models, it may make some sense, but IMHO a poor substitute for customer service.

I fear we are at the mercy of newby personnel and corporate not training them in the history of the product. i.e. they know not what is compatible. Perhaps they need to absorb the contents of that MVII info.