Shopsmith Forums

Hello everyone i'm new to this forum and to Shopsmith i was looking at getting one but wanted to get more information first was wondering what model would be best? and why when it comes to the older models im not in any hurry to get one seeing that i have other projects im currently working on so just trying to figure out what i should be looking for i have seen a 10er and 1979 MV in my area for low price just want to be more educated before buying seeing that i have more time.

WELCOME!

You have come to the right place for 'opinions'.

They vary with the person holding them.

I have several myself!

That said, Unless there is an overwhelming reason to do so, I would not consider a Model 10 for anything other than a dedicated drill press(says the person who bought one with that intention and has added all sorts of extras since).

A Mark 5 of any version is a good start. All are upgradable to later versions of a Mark V or Mark 7.

I think at this stage, price and intended use are the important criteria.

Obviously a later version is preferable to earlier versions simply because the upgrade path is shorter.

Welcome to the forum. Read the sticky notes at the top of the Maintenance Repair section to get an over view of the Shopsmith and their various options. Be sure to follow the link to My google drive in the Large Format Drawings post for restored manuals and buying guide. This should give you the needed information to make an informed decision on what you want.

this SS confuses me the serial number says 1979 but the motor says 3/4 hp thought all after 62 were 1 1/8 hp also it is green even though someone could have painted it that way

Serial number is not from 1979..........
1955 288541 - 316978

Ed

thank you my mistake

The Mark 5 Serial Number you show is a Mark 5 "Greenie" made in February of 1955. The one in your picture has had the headstock painted a different green than it's original colors. The "Greenie" as it is commonly known was the first Mark 5 and they were introduced in March of 1954. They continued until the color was changed in 1960 to the Goldie paint scheme. Many changes occurred to the headstock in the early years. The belt and related drive parts changed from the Gilmer to the Poly V drive still in use today. The motor changed from the 3/4 HP to the 1-1/8 HP motor. A few other changes were made to and inside the headstock. More recently new Table/Fence systems have been added to the Mark V. The 510 has a larger table and added floating tables to increase the work space. The 520 changed the fence to the Pro Fence on the larger table system. It is the same Table/Fence system used on the new Mark 7. The original Mark V table/fence system became the 500. The Mark V 505 is the 510 without the floating tables.

Backing up in the Shopsmith tool line to the original Shopsmith the Model 10E followed by the 10ER. They were made from 1947 to 1953. They provide the same functions as the Mark 5 or V. All Shopsmith tools were made to last and will with proper care and maintenance. I have one of the very first Shopsmith Model 10E's I restored and even at 71 years old it runs like new including it's 1940's motor. Find that kind of lasting quality on other tools.

I am not trying to sway you on which Shopsmith to buy. Try to figure out how you think you will use it. What features will work best for you. Look to what you may want it to do in the future. Then check your budget on what you can afford. Remember you can upgrade the Mark V anytime. I have a Mark V 520 that I upgraded to a Mark 7. Even the Greenie in the picture can be upgraded to a Mark 7 but it will cost you more than buying a new Mark 7. You have already taken the best step in buying a Shopsmith - finding out about them.

Good luck

i appreciate all the responses from people all the input is very helpful

The other item that the 10 & 10ER are appreciated for is for turning. The body is cast iron not aluminum and therefore heavy. And heavy, dampens vibration.

Welcome!