Shopsmith Forums

What change was made in 1972 that affected the tilt assist upgrade?
OK! lift assist. That comes in handy when lifting it up to the tilted position.

Shopsmith Inc. was formed and restarted production of the Mark 5.

For some reason when talking about some upgrades Shopsmith Inc. and now RLF Brands LLC don't consider Mark 5's made before 1972. The only change that would affect the Double Tilt Upgrade is the bench tube diameter going smaller which changed about the same time as the Mark 5 went from the Greenie paint to the Goldie paint. The same is true for the Lift Assist.

You referenced this before Russ, in your Mark 5 What When and Where thread. So it seems there is no specific change-over date from 1-7/8" to 1-3/4" bench tubes, you just have to measure them and see what you have.

JPG said tilt assist but I believe he meant lift assist. The lift assist lists two versions. One before 1972 and one after 1972.

The double tilt only has one version. Here is a note from the double tilt web page.

"Note: Older Mark V Model 500 machines (produced before 1972) that have been upgraded to the Model 510 or 520 table system will require two new 1-3/4" diameter bench tubes (504163). The old 1-7/8" diameter bench tubes will not fit in the new base castings."

So, I guess the difference in the lift assist is the pre 1972 version will fit the larger 1 7/8" bench tubes.