Shopsmith Forums

Steve,

Mike and JPG haven't jumped in yet so following this part of the thread here is what I learned. There have been 2 versions of the Front Table Extension made. The difference is in the lock. Early Mark 5 tables have a cast on fence rail while later Mark 5 and V tables have a bolt on fence rail like your Mark VII. With the bolt on fence rail the lock part had to be extended to reach behind the bolt on rail. The second version lock has 2 steps and can lock on to both the early cast on fence rail and the bolt on fence rail. Your Front Table Extension is the early version which is what Mike bought and has now made a replacement lock part that is similar and works like the second version of the Front Table Extension.

Russ, to my knowledge there are 3 versions of the table, see pics. The first pic is the one I had originally thought to be the "greenie" version. It is much more narrow and it is actually used on a 10-ER. The second pic is the actual greenie version I purchased and Steve has as well. The third is the aluminum rail MarkVII version (and I think MarkV-500).

To be honest, the thought never even crossed my mind to modify the front rail as Steve did, which was probably much much easier than creating a new locking mechanism. If I didn't enjoy metal fabrication anyway, it would have been better to just buy another one with the correct lock (now that I know which one). They are on ebay all the time for around $40. I had the aluminum, but bought a 9/16" drill bit, 3/8-18 tap, and my time.

Mike -

Mike,

Since the discussion was about Mark series tools I didn't mention the Front Table Extension for the Shopsmith Model 10E and 10ER. Unlike the 2 versions for the Mark series tools I actually have several of the Model 10E/10ER ones.

Good point Russ, sorry for adding confusion.
Mike

Mike,

Actually it was good to point out the Model 10 Front Table Extension since someone may see one somewhere and wonder why it was not mentioned. It is only available used and many times Shopsmith items get mislabeled when advertised for sale. Just this morning on ebay I saw items made during the Model 10 era listed as made for a Mark V.

StevenAyres wrote: ↑Mon Jun 14, 2021 10:21 am

chapmanruss wrote: ↑Mon May 31, 2021 1:19 pmWhich version does the Mark VII use?

I haven't seen an extension made specifically for the MVII, and I'd like to know if one exists. I've modified the rail on mine to take the MV extension.


MVII table extension.jpg

The later(non greenie) version should work unaltered as it came from the mothership. It is possible you have the early greenie version. The MVII rails are identical to the M5/MV.

See previous posts for changing from early to later.