Shopsmith Forums

Purchased a Mark 7 several months ago, but have only started turning recently so not really heavy usage to this point. I was re-positioning the tool rest the other day and one of the plastic handles broke off. Wasn't applying much pressure so I assume it was defective. I can still use the rest, but am having to use a pair of pliers to loosen and tighten the rest into position.Called Shopsmith a few days ago (after two emails went unanswered) and was informed that I would need to buy a new rest, the handles cannot be purchased separately. I know that Shopsmith has other rests as options, but are there any third party providers that have rests that would work with the Shopsmith? This one seems pretty limited and I don't trust the plastic handles at this point.

First of all, they do sell the handles without the arm. See p/n 521765. Granted, that includes two handles, set screws, warning label. But the info you got was wrong.

Second, call customer service back. I assume this is still under warranty. They should make good.

Also a 5/16-18 allen socket set screw with a 5/32 hex socket and the ss tool kit will work far better than pliers.











Way it was done before plastic handles. Not as 'handy', but it works.

You may also want to do a search for past posts about the tool rest as I recall several that talk about alternate sources for both the handles and rest options.

devyn59 wrote:Purchased a Mark 7 several months ago, but have only started turning recently so not really heavy usage to this point. I was re-positioning the tool rest the other day and one of the plastic handles broke off. Wasn't applying much pressure so I assume it was defective. I can still use the rest, but am having to use a pair of pliers to loosen and tighten the rest into position.Called Shopsmith a few days ago (after two emails went unanswered) and was informed that I would need to buy a new rest, the handles cannot be purchased separately. I know that Shopsmith has other rests as options, but are there any third party providers that have rests that would work with the Shopsmith? This one seems pretty limited and I don't trust the plastic handles at this point.

I did not study this list of handles but it may include what you need.

https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/products/ ... via-levers

There are items shown here the resemble the clamps on my tool rest (which were originally purchased from Shopsmith as an upgrade to the standard rest).

Skip Campbell (MKCtools) sells a set of metal handles for the Mark V tool rest. https://www.mkctools.com/mkvtoolresthandles.htm

Thanks for all of your help. I just ordered the metal set of handles from MKC Tools. They look like just the thing. I will do some more searching of the older posts to see what is available for rest options.

I do not understand why you think you need a replacement rest just because the plastic handle broke.

JPG wrote:I do not understand why you think you need a replacement rest just because the plastic handle broke.

The broken handle issue will be resolved when he receives the parts ordered from Skip (MKStools.com) but ...well, he may have the affliction that many of us suffer with.

There is at least one other tool rest available.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... olrest.htm

The bigger issue is that Shopsmith is selling locks with plastic handles... Hans is spinning in his grave...

Ely