New Forum Member with Questions

[Asbrand]

Greetings. New guy to the forums here. Had a few questions, and I figured this would be one of the best places to ask.

Little history: Back when I was a teenager in the 80's, my paternal grandfather had a Shopsmith. I don't know which model exactly, but I think it was a Mk. V. I remember the rotary speed dial on it. He passed in the early 90's, and unfortunately, my grandmother sold all his tools to church friends without even asking family first.

Fast forward to about 8 months ago. For the last 10 years or so I'd started getting back into woodworking. It runs strong in my family, on both sides. I'd always wanted a Shopsmith if I could ever find a good deal on one. And I finally did on Craigslist.

Found a guy not too far from me who had a Mk. V for sale. It was originally purchased brand new by his grandfather in the mid 2000's (around 2005 or 2006). However, before he even finished setting it up, he took ill, and eventually passed away. Far as the guy knew, it had never even been turned on. Just collected dust in his garage for 10 years or so. He was about to move, and just wanted it gone.

So, I basically got a "brand new" Mk. V, with the bandsaw attachment (with an extra new blade), all the lathe chisels, table saw blade & guard, disc sanding wheel, Drill chuck, bits, etc., for $1100. Power cord was still zip-tied in the new, coiled position. Even had the apron and hardback book. All the accessories were still new-in-box. Still had all the original paperwork that came with it, except for the actual bill-of-sale / invoice.

I've since also found and added the jointer attachment.

My question to you folks: How do I tell which model of Mk. V that I have? 500, 505, 510, or 520? Well, I know it isn't the 520...I don't have all the extended tables.

Here's a link to a photo of it on my FB:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... dca8fa1345

Thanks ahead of time!

-Az

[reubenjames]

Welcome, Az!

That looks like a Mark V model 505. You can tell the 505 and 510 by the tubular connecting tubes. The 510 has the floating tables and telescoping legs, etc. Looks like it's a 50th anniversary model, to boot! Welcome to the forum and to the family. Ask lots of questions here, there are all kinds of answers.

[ERLover]

First I am real old school b4 they went to all the changes, so trust rubenjames here, you got a good deal.
First DO NOT turn the speed dial unless the machine is running!!
2nd here is a link here to all you need to to know, no matter what the vintage the internals are the same after about 62 when they went to a different belt system.
http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maintenan ... t5092.html

[Asbrand]

That looks like a Mark V model 505. You can tell the 505 and 510 by the tubular connecting tubes. The 510 has the floating tables and telescoping legs, etc. Looks like it's a 50th anniversary model, to boot! Welcome to the forum and to the family. Ask lots of questions here, there are all kinds of answers.

Thanks! Yeah, of all the paperwork and documentation that was with it, not once did it mention which model it was. I was pretty sure it wasn't a 500, but other than that, no idea.

[Asbrand]

First I am real old school b4 they went to all the changes, so trust rubenjames here, you got a good deal.
First DO NOT turn the speed dial unless the machine is running!!
2nd here is a link here to all you need to to know, no matter what the vintage the internals are the same after about 62 when they went to a different belt system.
http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/maintenan ... t5092.html

Thanks! I knew about not turning the speed dial unless it was running. I've read all the documentation that came with it. I just couldn't figure out which model it was!

We've been using it quite a bit for the last 8 months. Works like new!

[Asbrand]

Looks like it's a 50th anniversary model, to boot!

Meant to ask...is there something special about the 50th anniversary models? Other than the cover plate? Worth more? Worth less? Mechanically different?

Thanks!

-Az

[reubenjames]

IIRC it's just the cover plate. Only worth more if you can get someone to pay more. I'm sure they have been sold for slightly more for some perceived collector value, but I don't believe that's common. I think I saw one of those cover plates on eBay this week. Mechanically the same. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong here.

[Asbrand]

Thanks!

One other question: Does the bandsaw attachment need a special "Shopsmith" only bandsaw blade? Or will any brand in the correct size do?

[dusty]

Thanks!

One other question: Does the bandsaw attachment need a special "Shopsmith" only bandsaw blade? Or will any brand in the correct size do?

Any bandsaw blade that is the correct size (72") will do; however, the Shopsmith blades are quality items and the price is reasonable. Remember, you only get what you pay for -- unless you are extremely lucky and find a gonga deal. Cheap is often not the best attribute.

[JPG]

Thanks!

One other question: Does the bandsaw attachment need a special "Shopsmith" only bandsaw blade? Or will any brand in the correct size do?

Any bandsaw blade that is the correct size (72") will do; however, the Shopsmith blades are quality items and the price is reasonable. Remember, you only get what you pay for -- unless you are extremely lucky and find a gonga deal. Cheap is often not the best attribute.

The 'correct' size is indeed 72", but will tolerate +- 1/2". Also they are guaranteed to NOT break at the weld.