Shopsmith Forums

Hello new friends!

-skip to the ** for a condensed version of my question

I am a beginning woodworker (2 months). I now have a miter saw, table saw, jigsaw, 2 routers, angle grinder, reciprocating saw, circular saw, impact drill, drill driver, hammer drill, orbital sander, and planer, and no money in my bank account.

I currently want in order of priority a band saw, drill press, disc sander, lathe, (also nail guns, air compressor, and lesser so, a scroll saw and jointer)

I only learned about Shopsmith after searching for one of the above on Craigslist. I asked someone I know for advice on buying used tools (all my others were purchased new), and he told me look for the premises to be very neat and clean, to indicate that the person probably took care of their tools.

I am planning on looking at a Mark V in 2 days for $650 (price is firm). Don't know what year it is. It's from a man in his late 80s who is moving on to other hobbies. The entire garage looked very clean as did the machine in pictures. I am planning on having him show me all of the features I am looking for so I at least have some idea if they work.

Shopsmith appeals to me because (1) well-supported in terms of parts, longevity of product/company, instructions and FORUMS , and (2) I have been buying sort of mid-level tools, Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, and it seems like the bandsaw, drill press, and lathe I would buy would each be $700+, so it seems nice to get those all taken care of for less than the price of one. I am waiting to make several projects until getting a band saw and or drill press.

**The reason I am posting is - do you any of you have any advice for when I look at this Mark V (what to look for, whether to buy)? It says new motor installed May 2005. Are there any models I want to avoid? Any other tips? My plan is definitely to buy it, unless there is a good reason not to...

I do try to use the search feature in forums before posting a question, so if there are existing threads on this, please feel free to link up.

Thank you so much !

whoa I just found this http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/download/ ... p?id=32834

Buying a Used Shopsmith Mark V - Revised and Annotated 2015
A checklist to help you find the bargains and avoid the basket cases

WrigleysHuman wrote:whoa I just found this http://shopsmith.com/ss_forum/download/ ... p?id=32834

Buying a Used Shopsmith Mark V - Revised and Annotated 2015
A checklist to help you find the bargains and avoid the basket cases

Buyer Beware, IT IS ADDICTIVE! Many of us can attest to that fact. They are very useful and don’t take up a great deal of space.

Newer ones have larger tables, accessory floating tables, extension tables and other retrofits to improve the table saw working space if you work with large panels. Tilting the table opposed to the blade can be awkward, but I rip down panels with a guide opposed to a table saw anyway.

I use a compound miterbox on crown mounding and that sort of thing. Shopsmith has had a great reputation for being serviceable through the years.

I am glad you liked that document. It was the first thing I posted of that nature.

There’s lots great folks here willing to help you with your addiction!

If you join us, learn first not to turn the speed dial without mechanisms (belts, pulleys, and shafts) rotating by hand (use sanding disk) or under power. Things can be bent otherwise. Learn how to lubricate, when to lubricate, wax, and how to adjust and align the machine.

All that is here, and free. Much more is here, including tutorials on how to use and make the various cuts on the machine and the accessory machines SPT’s Special purpose Tools. Summary manuals are online and downloadable.

Everett

The price can vary quite a bit depending on your location, the model of the Shopsmith and what Special Purpose Tools (SPTs) are being sold with the Shopsmith. When doing a search in your area check both Shopsmith and Shop Smith as some people only list under one spelling. By expanding your search area you could get a real bargain.

Just my 2 cents , I didn't look to my shopsmith as the last tool I was going to buy , I like the idea f not having to run electric outlets for a bunch of stand alone tools . just for comparison in price myn came with a jig saw the shopsmith mkv , lathe chisels , sanding disc ,several blades and a couple books along with many attachments , things to look for would be,,, IMO,,, if the quill has been upgraded to a double bearing quill ,if there is a lot of rust on the way tubes if there is any wobble in the quill when it is running ,does it start and get to top speed quickly ,are the tables and fences in good shape , these things are not a no buy issue but issues that you can correct once you take ownership , count on spending more to customize it to your needs and you wont be disappointed in your new tool, if you look through the forum you can see many saws have been completely restored that many would have tossed away .

Post a pix(or link) here and we can be more precise.

We do not take unfair advantage.

Thank you.

I have a Dewalt jobsite table saw now DWE7491
So I don't really care about the table saw although I guess two could be convenient if I were to keep dado blades on one. I plan on getting a SawStop down the road if I build a workshop.

Thanks everyone for responding. Tools are kind of intimidating. Took me hours to figure out the miter saw, more time for the table saw, and now this transformer...

Of interest would be the serial # and actual manufacturer listed on the vent plate surrounding the lower rear aux shaft.

Two other items of interest are the belt sander and speed reducer shown in the right side of the pix.

It appears the paint is wrinkle finish. That may indicate an earlier manufacturer(Magna American?).

None of this is negative. Critical is how it 'works'. A demonstration of it's functions will indicate that.

I am posting the pix and will make sure no one takes unfair advantage.

Thanks, I didn't even notice the sander
until earlier today. I think my first convo with the seller indicated he may have already sold that separately. The speed reducer is part of the sander?