My 1st Official Question

[blockhead-mark-v]

Just picked up a used Mark V last week. It has a four digit serial number of 9364. The Shopsmith website states that after December they used "date codes," whatever that means they do not state. Does 9364 reoresent year-month-day so in this case 1993 - June - 4th day?

Thanks.

[jimthej]

Since it has only 4 digits, that puts it in the 1973-1978 range.
The date codes are 6 or 8 digits.

Just picked up a used Mark V last week. It has a four digit serial number of 9364. The Shopsmith website states that after December they used "date codes," whatever that means they do not state. Does 9364 reoresent year-month-day so in this case 1993 - June - 4th day?

Thanks.

[blockhead-mark-v]

That makes sense since it has features of 1970s vintage. It has what appears to be an older headstock and a simple toggle switch for power on rather than the "C" Headstock and Red Safety Key Switch.

Curiously, the "How Old Is It" chart on the SS website has no listings in the 1973-1977 range, is there any way to narrow down its age from just the serial number?

Thanks again.

[ryanbp01]

You should be able to access that info from the SS home page.

BPR

[BigSky]

Does this help?

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/markv.htm

Is it for certain that Shopsmith manufactured during those years? Does the Shopsmith website provide details about the clones? Were the units sold by Montgomery Wards actually Shopsmiths or were they clones?

[Bruce]

That makes sense since it has features of 1970s vintage. It has what appears to be an older headstock and a simple toggle switch for power on rather than the "C" Headstock and Red Safety Key Switch.

Curiously, the "How Old Is It" chart on the SS website has no listings in the 1973-1977 range, is there any way to narrow down its age from just the serial number?

Thanks again.

Check this page. If you want a more specific answer, contact Shopsmith.

Bruce

[blockhead-mark-v]

Thanks for the info, folks. by looking the two tables it looks like that from when Shopsmith started up in 1972 that they sequentially numbered their Mark V's starting with 1001 and ending with 20359 for a total run of about 19358 machines in the '73-'78 years range. My number is 9364 so that sits right in the middle of their production run which would place it around 1975-76.

I will contact them for specifics. Thanks again.

[a1gutterman]

Hi blockhead,
to the forum. I hope that you get your answer. I noticed that on your public profile you have a Joint Matic along with your rusty Mark V. That is nice. I also notice that the only other woodworking tool you list is a sledge hammer. I hope that you only use that when framing houses. The SS stuff, though well made, just might knot hold up to any adjustment that you made with that tool.

[blockhead-mark-v]

Thanks Tim,

I began pursuing woodworking as a hobby this past Spring. I was researching Mark V's when I came across a pristine Joint-Matic on Craig's List so I bought it. Two weeks ago I bought a used, slightly rusty, 70's Mark V for less than what I paid for the Joint-Matic. I haven't heard back from tech support but estimate it was produced around 1975-76. Ultimately I would like to upgrade it to a 510 or 520.

Although slightly backwards in execution, I'm glad I got the Joint-Matic as I look forward to doing some joint work. It came with a mitre gauge and Safety Kit (which the Mark V did not have) in like-new condition so it will be useful.

The sledgehammer, aka The Micro-Adjuster, I keep around when my project transcends any semblance of usefulness. Kinda like primal scream therapy. Although wood should normally be coaxed, occasionally it needs to be threatened.

I found the Sawdust Session on Finding A Bargain very useful.

[charlese]

Be careful blockhead! When one strikes wood in an improper manner, both the Druids and Gnomes tend to wreak revenge. I understand these little guys permit sledge hammers to drive stakes - particularly into the hearts of vampires - or to drive stakes to erect circus tents, but to strike in anger or frustration can bring out the worst in them.

Welcome to the Forum!!:D