Shopsmith Forums

Hello all! I just joined this forum because I've come into the possession of a Shopsmith machine that is older than me! (Over 30 years old)

The machine is a little rusty, and I plan on cleaning it up, but I am without an owner's manual, and without any kind of motor specs that I am aware of. Also, I want to know if I can still buy accessories for it. I believe the router table and band saw accessories are missing.

So my questions are these. Is there a downloadable service manual?

Is there a spec sheet for the motor?

Can I still find accessories to fit the older model? (I suppose the question could also be, do the current accessories fit older machines?

Any input would be helpful!

Thanks

There probably is everything you asked about right here on the Forum, or parts available from Shopsmith.

30 years isn't old for a Shopsmith. But it would be good if we can see a picture of your machine.

Although most machines are very similar and parts are available - the 10 machines and Mark VII (not to be confused with a Mark 7) have parts that are not so easily available.

Does your machine look like one of these? http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/toolhistory.htm

Gentlemen,

Here is a pic. Based on some of the diagrams I've downloaded of parts and assemblies, I think it might be a Shopsmith Mark V 500 series??

Gentlemen,

Here is a pic. Based on some of the diagrams I've downloaded of parts and assemblies, I think it might be a Shopsmith Mark V 500 series??

Age isn't a problem. From the looks of that Shopsmith, it was previously owned by an idiot who left it out to rust. My Shopsmith is over 30 years old too, probably the same age as yours, but mine is in mint condition. My Dad bought it new in 1982, and handed it off to me in 1988, so I've had it almost 30 years myself. Mine doesn't have a spot of rust on it and it works like new. I run it hard every winter and let it rest in the summer when I'm outdoors taking care of other things.
Just about every piece of furniture and woodwork in my house was hand built by my Shopsmith.
Try cleaning it up. Once you have it working right, you can get whatever accessories and parts you need directly from Shopsmith. I have never had any problem getting whatever I need or want for mine.

I would say older than thirty. It has a Gilmer drive.
Bill V

Welcome to the club and don't worry, with a little elbow grease and determination you'll have that old girl cleaned up and running in no time. If you look at the disc on the left side of the machine (using your pictures for reference) you will see a data plate. The serial number that is on there can be matched up on the SS website so you can find out what year she is. Mine is of the same vintage, it has the gilmer belt, and I can honestly say that after her restoration she purrs like a kitten and runs the same or better than she did the day she came off the assembly line. We all look forward to your pictures as you start your restoration and of course, the final product.

Unless you have a lot of parts not shown, you may need to consider if this machine has much potential. For instance, the carriage looks like it is missing the handle assembly (unless it is on the back side), see items 163-170 on diagram here: http://www.shopsmith.com/service/mark/5 ... iagram.htm.

There is a pretty decent used parts availability on Ebay, some at good prices, some not so good.

If this has no sentimental value, and you're trying to get into woodworking, you could be better off finding a local used machine in better and newer condition on Craigslist or other such resources. With some patience, you might find a 500 for a couple or few hundred dollars, depending on accessories, condition, model, etc.

Perhaps you could take some more pics of everything you have as well as the machine from back. Also, post your location.