Shopsmith Forums

Firstly, for a MkV, where can I source saw blades on-line?

Secondly, is it necessary to use the Shopsmith brand?

Mole wrote:Firstly, for a MkV, where can I source saw blades on-line?

Secondly, is it necessary to use the Shopsmith brand?

There are hundreds of online sources. Just Google 10" saw blades.

No you don't have to buy SS brand but they are very good. SS sells arbors for blades with a 5/8" hole so any brand will work. Just buy the best blades you can afford. There is a difference between a $100 blade and a $15 blade.

Not necessary to use Shopsmith blades BUT you must use a sawblade arbor for non SS blades. The threaded end of the arbor should have a 5/8 inch diameter shaft. There are different arbor styles one for the 510 and 520 series machines and one for the 500 series machines. The 500 series machines have a shorter hub on the headstock side. Look on the SS website for saw arbors and you will see the difference. Use only the arbor designed for a sawblade and not a universal adapter. Use of a universal adapter could be dangerous.
Welcome to the "madhouse" and come back when you need more info.
PS If you edit your profile to include your location there might be a member that can give you some personal help.
Bill V

The SS arbor for blades with 5/8 hole were on back order for many weeks last summer. If you try to order and they tell you it is on back order, consider going to Bandsaw Tire Warehouse. They have arbors for model 500 and for the later models. Yeah they cost more but what is your time worth? Can you wait for several weeks to save a few bucks? I had my BTW arbor within a week of ordering. Or buy SS blades and use the 1-1/4 arbor.

Thanks folks. I live in UK (Nottinghamshire) and my existing SS blade has a
1 1/4" hole and a two piece arbor with shaft that fits over the 5/8" drive. It does seem that the 10"/250mm blades generally available on-line have a smaller hole so I would then have to buy a new arbor. Maybe I'm better going to a SS stockist after all! Any UK users with any thoughts?

Another thing to consider is, if the blade is metric (250 mm), then is the arbor hole also?

Mole wrote:Thanks folks. I live in UK (Nottinghamshire) and my existing SS blade has a
1 1/4" hole and a two piece arbor with shaft that fits over the 5/8" drive. It does seem that the 10"/250mm blades generally available on-line have a smaller hole so I would then have to buy a new arbor. Maybe I'm better going to a SS stockist after all! Any UK users with any thoughts?

Martin's Supplies UK has Shopsmith arbors that have been modified to fit 30 mm blades, Mk V-500 arbor and Mk V 510/520 arbor.