Shopsmith Forums

Greetings,

Just bought a Shopsmith from an auction. It's in kindof rough shape but I'm hoping to get it back up and running. The Serial Number is 117678 which I believe dates it to 1982. Does that make it a 500 or a Mark V? It also has a little rust and definitely needs some TLC. Anyone have good resource for how to restore one of these?

I wanted one since the early 1990s and am excited about getting this setup. I do think I want to upgrade but as I look at what it needs it may be cheaper to just have bought a new one. Anyway, just couldn't let it pass and am excited about this new project.

-Kendall

500 is a variation of Mark V. (500 505 510 520)

A Mark V 500 is equivalent to a Mark 5.

kendall,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

Mark V serial number 117678 would be from March 1982. At that time, it was simply a Mark V since that was the only model Mark being made. Prior to 1980 it was the Mark 5. The original Mark 5/V became the Mark V 500 with the introduction of the Mark V 510 & 505 in 1985. It is primarily the Table/Fence System that determines the Model.

Under the Maintenance and Repair section is the topic Everything Mark 5/V - Technical Info, Documentation, Links at the link below. There you will find a lot of information on repairing, restoring and maintenance. Do understand that due to updates to the Forum Website some links may no longer work.

viewtopic.php?t=5092

If you want to know more about the Mark 5/V history and changes, there is a Topic called Shopsmith Mark 5 What When and Where in the Community section at the link below you may find interesting.

viewtopic.php?t=24963

As for where to get started, cleaning it up and removing the rust is a good place to start. Doing its regular maintenance should be done prior to using it. Hopefully you received an Owner's Manual with it. That will guide you through the needed maintenance. An important thing to remember is never turn the Speed Control Dial without the motor running. There is an exception as outlined in the maintenance section of the manual. Do not force the Speed Control to turn. Difficulty in turning the Speed Control is an indication of needed lubrication or something is damaged/worn.

You are correct about upgrading your Mark V to one of the other model's Table/Fence Systems. It can get costly.

For now, I would suggest you get your Mark V running. Get to know how to properly and safely operate it. Doing so you will discover all the things you can do with a Shopsmith.

And time will allow you to create new things you can do with a shopsmith.(you will be creative)