Shopsmith Forums

i have a Mark 5 that was originally my Great Grandfathers and then my Grandfathers. i believe i am wanting to start using this thing but looking for some advice on upgrades that i may need. ie: it has only a 2 prong power cord with no ground and i was wondering about the Quill Upgrade and belt system.
it has a 4" jointer and a lathe attachment. i did find a molding cutter head in the accessories box. i am in the process of finding out how old it is to see what i can actually do for the upgrades mentioned!

mupperm wrote:i have a Mark 5 that was originally my Great Grandfathers and then my Grandfathers. i believe i am wanting to start using this thing but looking for some advice on upgrades that i may need. ie: it has only a 2 prong power cord with no ground and i was wondering about the Quill Upgrade and belt system.
it has a 4" jointer and a lathe attachment. i did find a molding cutter head in the accessories box. i am in the process of finding out how old it is to see what i can actually do for the upgrades mentioned!

Step one: Post a pix so we know what you have. Include all that's in the accessory box and any other SPT's(like the jointer).

Unless it is a Gilmer drive(quite possible considering it was your great grandfather's) a belt 'upgrade' is not indicated. Now the condition of the current belts will determine if they need 'replacing'. Generally speaking upgrading from a Gilmer drive to the Poly-v drive is cost prohibitive unless something MUST be replaced anyway.

If it is indeed a Mark 5 and not a Model 10 E/ER than someone has already changed the cord. In either case a 12-3 cut off extension cord is a good replacement. Getting into the area of the motor wiring can be a bit dicey depending upon the condition of the motor wire's insulation.

Unless you are experiencing excessive run out(wobble) on the quill, an upgrade is not needed. You are the one to define what excessive run out is!

Welcome to the funny farm!

Check the top post on the Maintenance and Repair forum.