Shopsmith Forums

I have been wanting a lathe, jointer and bandsaw for a while. Saw a nice looking Mark V on FB so I thought I would give it a shot. The unit is apparently from 1981, but seems to be in pretty good condition. Came with a bunch of accessories including the jointer and bandsaw. Interested to try overhead routing with it as well

Anyone want to buy a Jet 17" drill press? I think the Shopsmith will be at least as good for that.

Wow, looks like a good haul and a great start for you! Congrats and welcome to the forum.

That's a nice set of accessories it came with. A tenon master, mortising tool, shaper, molder, you got it goin' there. You're gonna have so much fun with your first Shopsmith.

Very nice "starter".

I agree with the other guys, a nice collection of Shopsmith tools and accessories. You even have two additional Wide Extension Tables besides the original Extension Table. The serial numbers for the Mark V, Bandsaw and Jointer would tell when they were made. I did notice a couple of things. I don't see the Table Insert on the Bandsaw or it may just be the picture angle. The other thing I noticed is the part called the "shoe" for the Upper Saw Guard is not on it but is with the items you received. It is the part in the circle in your picture below.

_ .
You will want this attached to the front of the upper Guard before using, as shown in place in the picture below. Without it the upper guard cannot lift up over the materiel being cut.

_ .
Do the recommended Maintenance and Lubrication before using and enjoy your new to you Shopsmith tools. If needed we are here to help.

I am new on this forum and was looking to ask questions and I seen this thread, if ok I would like to ask a couple related questions.
Short Version.
Seen an ad for a $100 Lathe, in my normal manner jumped in car to grab it, never looked up anything.
Turns out, serial number indicates it is a 1955 and the manuals with it state Mark 5.

I have heard in the research after purchase, these early versions tend to push the frame to separate and is an apparent risk. I have not seen if there are corrective measures that that can be taken to correct.

Please feel free to point me to another place if this is not proper to ask here. The above looks like a really nice newer version than I have.
Ron

DaOldGuy wrote: ↑Fri Jun 24, 2022 8:33 pm I am new on this forum and was looking to ask questions and I seen this thread, if ok I would like to ask a couple related questions.
Short Version.
Seen an ad for a $100 Lathe, in my normal manner jumped in car to grab it, never looked up anything.
Turns out, serial number indicates it is a 1955 and the manuals with it state Mark 5.

I have heard in the research after purchase, these early versions tend to push the frame to separate and is an apparent risk. I have not seen if there are corrective measures that that can be taken to correct.

Please feel free to point me to another place if this is not proper to ask here. The above looks like a really nice newer version than I have.
Ron

First of all, welcome to the forum. There are lots of knowledgeable people here and we are all willing to answer your questions. So don't hesitate to ask.

As far as "these early versions tend to push the frame to separate ", I have never heard of that. The base frame of your '55 is essentially the same as the one pictured in this thread and for that matter the brand new ones you can buy today. So I would disregard that "issue" completely. No fix required.

Thank You John... What I was reading indicated how the pipes clamp into the frames and the newer had a set screw/pin from the top that prevented that separating with the lathe pressure. Since everything you read on the internet is true (grin) I wanted to air the subject in a good place and I also don't wish to get hurt.

On the Shop Smith web site, there was an FAQ post that asked
"Do you buy back Mark V?"
"We do not currently offer a buy-back program."
I was not sure why that would even be asked, but it is at the top of the list.

Another question if I might. For the tool holders that slide on the way bars, has that width and diameter always been static so different models may interchange? Mark V verses a 502 or the other models newer? I have noticed the newer mount that the tool rest sets into that has a adjustment wheel which my current one does not.
Thanks

Yes, the way tube diameter and spacing is the same on all models.

DaOldGuy wrote: ↑Fri Jun 24, 2022 10:01 pm ...different models may interchange? Mark V verses a 502 or the other models newer?
Thanks

The 500,502,505,510 and 520 models. Refer to the table sizes, the motor and frame are all the same.