Shopsmith Forums

I'm what you might call an old seasoned pro, being a trim carpenter for nearly 20 years, who has always had seperate tools for every phase of every job. Its just what we did, out there on the jobsite. I basically gave up woodworking about ten years ago, when I sold off my entire shop (a very sad day), and tried to take up golf. That didn't work. Now I haven't played golf in five years, and I'm itching to make some sawdust. So I built a workshop this summer, 12x20, in the backyard, and wired it six ways to Sunday. For the last month or so, I've been combing Craigslist and Ebay looking for deals, and have seen several ads for Shopsmith machines in my area. So, I think its time I took look at this machine. Its obvious that this machine has a pretty loyal and longstanding following. And I can see that there are several models, from the 10 and 10ER, to the Mark V and Mark 7. So, my obvious question is, whats the story? Are parts and accessories completely interchangeable, and if not, whats the best choice for a base model so I can accessorize the heck out of it? Any guidance is much appreciated. Thx, SJ

Welcome!

The only models I consider not to recommend for your purpose would be the model 10E/ER and The Gilmer (Greenie and early Goldie) models. I am not saying there is any thing wrong with them, just not a perfect mesh with your goals.

I would recommend the Mark V 510 or 520 over a Mark V 500 or Mark 5.

A Mark 5 and a mark V 500 are essentially the same.

Now where are you located? Perhaps close to one of us so as to allow you some 'hands on' experience etc..

Most parts do not interchange between the older 10ER and the Mark V. Pretty much all parts you need are available from Shopsmith. If you need an unusual part, you might have to wait while they manufacture it for you.

The advantages of a Shopsmith over multiple tools is obvious. It uses less space so it is suited for a small shop with limited space.

The disadvantages are obvious too. You have a smaller work table, and you spend time converting it from one tool to another.

If you have a large shop, get separate standalone tools like you did on the job. If you have a small shop, you should consider the Shopsmith as it can do more in a small space than separate tools.

Located in the Denver area

Howdy and welcome to the addiction.

The model 10E and 10ER were the beginning of a 60 plus year of production. The quill on the 10's will accept any attachment that is built today. The 10's were narrower in the way tubes and have other limitations, but they also have some advantages. I use both types of machines and I love them both.

The Mark series (5,V,VII, 7) are all totally interchangeable in everything. The early 5/V's have less powerful motors, but every thing can swap back and forth. As a bonus, you can upgrade an original "greenie" to a totally up to date Mark 7. It would probably not be cost effective, but it could be done.

I am new at the WW'ing game, but was introduced to it in the 70's. I don't think you can go wrong.

Many old time Shopsmith'ers will argue that you can do anything with just one machine, and that is absolutely true. Many others like me have multiple machines.

Personally, with your experience and knowledge, I don't think you could go wrong in choosing to use a Shopsmith machine. There is no finer built tool ... period.

JMHO

Again, welcome and have fun. You will get lots of feed back here ...

Would I be correct in assuming, then, that this is a Gilmer or greenie/goldie?

swjones214 wrote:Would I be correct in assuming, then, that this is a Gilmer or greenie/goldie?

Maybe!

When 'we' refer to a Greenie or a Goldie(Brownie) we are referring to the 'original' color when it was manufactured.

Yes that picture is of a 'hybrid'. However the green part has likely been repainted.

A better indicator of whether a particular headstock is a gilmer or a poly-v drive is the vent plate surrounding the idler(lower) shaft on the backend. The gilmers had a 3/4 hp motor and all poly-v have a 1 1/8 hp motor. Again assuming all is as originally manufactured. There are other internal differences. Realize the gilmer/poly-v parts are replaceable with each other(as a complete set)*.

I hope all this detail is not overwhelming! But rest assured 50+ year old parts fit current production machine with very minor exceptions.


* the drive sleeve, quill, idler sheave, coupler/dust shield must all be one or the other version.

P.S. The headstock is an "A" casting(very early Greenie).

If I were in Denver and willing to head over to Fort Collins, I'd be looking at this one, which is pretty much the whole kit. http://fortcollins.craigslist.org/for/5910101363.html
It's a 520, a band saw, belt stander, jointer, dust collector and the pro router system table (assume the fence is floating around somewhere) and lots of other goodies!!!

The fence is there*, but I do not see a jointer**.

1500 might get it all! She said it is negotiable.

Do not take advantage of a widder woman!!!! Do not go lower than that!!!

Condition appears excellent!!

* nev mind he was referring to the router table fence.

** there in last pics