Serial number and parts ordering

oscarthefuzz · Post by **oscarthefuzz** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:38 pm

Serial numbers are confusing me.. I have been through lots of posts on this forum trying to figure out what year the Shopsmith I have is but my serial number does not seem to tally.
I have a green shopsmith with serial number 288123. I suspect it's from 1987 as there is documentation with it giving show prices from Missisauga in that year. It does not have a red toggle switch so I think it's a 500 but maybe it's a 510.
Can someone put me out of my misery I am going blind from reading posts on the computer and apologies if this was covered somewhere else but I just cannot find any serial number corresponding to this on the lists...
thanks in advance

peterm · Post by **peterm** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:51 pm

A photo of your machine would be helpful.

The tables define whether you have a 500 vs a 510. Here's a good link showing the different tables with the older 500, the 505, the 510 and 520 with dimensions.
http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/M..._4-28-08r2.pdf

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 6:00 pm

oscarthefuzz wrote:Serial numbers are confusing me.. I have been through lots of posts on this forum trying to figure out what year the Shopsmith I have is but my serial number does not seem to tally.
I have a green shopsmith with serial number 288123. I suspect it's from 1987 as there is documentation with it giving show prices from Missisauga in that year. It does not have a red toggle switch so I think it's a 500 but maybe it's a 510.
Can someone put me out of my misery I am going blind from reading posts on the computer and apologies if this was covered somewhere else but I just cannot find any serial number corresponding to this on the lists...
thanks in advance

If it has original green paint, it is a 1955 greenie. It is a gilmer drive(unless it has been updated). The quill is part of the gilmer parts mix.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/serialnumber.htm

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 7:32 pm

Your machine might be a bit older than you are thinking. Click on the following link and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find a table that shows the manufacturing dates. Chart indicates Dec 1954 or Jan 1955.

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/faq/markv.htm

I went looking for some of the older documents but I can not locate them on the web site. I suspect that 500 documentation is being pulled since a lot of the support for the older equipment is being discontinued. That will be, IMHO, a real shame if Shopsmith has done that. I hope I am wrong.

The following is some documentation that makes me suspect they are pulling the 500 data. The older document also depicted the 500.

http://www.shopsmith.com/markvsite/specifications_3.htm

oscarthefuzz · Post by **oscarthefuzz** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:40 pm

THanks very much for ye're help .. it has all come a little clearer now .. I think the documentation that came with it totally threw me. Obviously the guy bought upgrades or simply just went to a show in 1987. Here are some pictures anyway.

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oscarthefuzz · Post by **oscarthefuzz** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 8:42 pm

Actually while I am here and you're being so helpful... the table for the saw won't go in any further than it shows in the second picture, doesn't seem to quite catch the notches on the post and gets quite stuck. Was considering gettin a file to the end so it would slip in a bit further and then catch the notches ... what do ye think? It works fine when the tool rest for the lathe is in there and goes up and down no problem ..
thanks again for the help.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 9:31 pm

oscarthefuzz wrote:Was considering gettin a file to the end so it would slip in a bit further and then catch the notches ... what do ye think?

I don't think ya outta do that just yet. Have ya cleaned up the table legs and the hole they fit in. Then have ya waxed both?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:31 pm

Although the paint is not OEM, it appears to be a 'greenie'.

1) Since it appears to be a mix of different vintage parts nailing down the bate of birth is doubtful.

2) Although the sn indicates 1955, the belt cover is from an earlier vintage(A headstock).

3) Not absolutely clear from the pix, but the headstock appears it may be a B headstock. A closer look indicates it is an A headstock as well.

4) The tail stock looks(again not absolutely clear in the pix) like it may be a Mark VII vintage.

So you probably have a mix of versions(not bad, just adds to the confusion).

Re the table: Does the lathe tool rest fit 'fine' in the rear carriage hole?

The rack teeth on the table posts engage pinion gears in the carriage. It may be necessary to wiggle the table/posts to help align the racks to the gears. Do not force them. Determine why they are 'jamming' before trying any 'alterations'.

oscarthefuzz · Post by **oscarthefuzz** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 2:53 am

Will give it a proper thorough clean and also check the lathe rest in the rear. Away on road trip for two weeks so may have to wait till after that but at least I know what parts/accessories I can order now.
THanks again .. most helpful!

jcraigie · Post by **jcraigie** » Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:16 am

Make sure the lock is lose enough to allow the teeth to ride thru the grooves. If its to tight it's hard to get it to line up right.