Shopsmith Forums

I am upgrading my woodworking tools and need to know how tall the Mark 7 is in drill press mode. My shop has a 6 foot 3 inch ceiling. Thanks in advance for your help.

About 6' 4" :>{

Thank you, JPG. Looks like I might have to consider some other options.

Does the Structure of your shop allow room to build a pocket in the ceiling to make the extra few inches?

You may have to follow up with reinforcement in the ceiling and trim pieces?


I have installed garage door openers between trusses that needed just a little bit more room.
I am currently up bracing the trusses in my shop to install a overhead hoist.

If it's only a couple of inches, couldn't you just shorten the four ShopSmith tubes?

Is the n6'3" estimate with or without the caster elevation?

Finished ceiling or open rafters?

JPG wrote: Fri Mar 20, 2026 6:50 pm About 6' 4" :>{

I'm wondering if this might be the Mark 5/V answer.(?) I estimated my DIY Mark 7 would be ~6'7" though I didn't actually stand it up. Compared to the Mark 5/V, the M7 has more casting beyond the end of the way tubes and on at least the DIY version the way tubes are not fully seated into said castings. All adding a few inches to the overall height in either vertical mode.

BigKahunaFL wrote: Wed Apr 01, 2026 6:42 am If it's only a couple of inches, couldn't you just shorten the four ShopSmith tubes?

Yes, there are numerous variations generally referred to as 'Shorties' (like Mark 4) with full functionality or "Minis". Newer machines like the OP is asking about have different tubes than we are accustomed to with reduced wall thickness and at least the Bench Tubes have some form of anti-crush insert near the ends. I presume this is straightforward and you just have to remove or drive the inserts in on the end you are cutting to ensure you retain the functionality.

- David

My 6' 4" response is not all that accurate(does not include caster added elevation). Actually I measured the height of the hinge pin from the floor and then measured(crudely) the distance from the hinge pin to the end of the tiebar.


i.e. it may be inaccurate!

Hoot,

Sorry to be late on this discussion but finally measured that distance on my Mark 7 yesterday. My Mark 7 was a Mark V that has been completely upgraded with the Power Pro Headstock and the Double Tilt Upgrade. In Drill Press position it measures 6' 6-1/2" tall with the casters retracted so sitting on the bench ends.

Although I didn't measure it, I believe a Mark V with the traditional Bench Ends would be almost the same height in Drill Press position. The pivot point on the Base and Arm end is about the same as the pivot point on the detachable Double Tilt Ends. Since the Mark V has only a Tie Bar as opposed to an arm part it would be about 2" shorter.