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Hello, Tell me about this machine please.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:13 pm
by jtp
Greetings all. I have been on and off into woodworking for a couple of years and have decided to "go shopsmith" after I learned they were American made. I'm going to go see a local Mark V bought new in 1983. I've attached some pics.
Here's what I think I know about the machine. It's 1 and 1/8 horse power, single quill, and is going to have less table space then those built after '84. Can anyone tell me about the planer that I think was bought at the time the shopsmith was bought? Is it comparable to the ones shopsmith now makes? which I've read great things about. I've bought a few older machines before so I'm no dummy, but is there anything unique to a shopsmith like this that I should be on the lookout for.
Oh, not seen in these pics is a bandsaw, beltsander, joiner, and dc3300.
Thanks for your help and I look forward to asking you all more questions after I get one of these beasts and start restoring it (I enjoy that part as much as woodworking).
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Are there anythings missing that shouldn't be?
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--tyler
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:27 pm
by dusty
It is a typical,older model Shopsmith Mark V. There are many of us here on the forum that use what is pictured here and are very satisfied - and why not. It is a Shopsmith. Furthermore, it appears to be in fairly good condition.
The assortment of equipments will constitute a very complete woodworking shop. Mark 5, bandsaw, jointer, planer, dust collector - one needs very little more to get started.
What I don't see: rip fence, miter gauge, upper saw guard, rip fence for bandsaw, allen wrench, saw blades, arbors for saw blades, bandsaw blades, work light and lathe tools.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:55 pm
by foxtrapper
jtp wrote:... is there anything unique to a shopsmith like this that I should be on the lookout for.
Biggest thing right off the bat is the table saw. It's quite different than anything you're likely used to. You raise and lower the table, not the saw. And you tilt the table, not the saw to make angle cuts. The table is up at near chest height, not waist height. And the saw blade can be moved side to side in the table.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 3:59 pm
by beeg
I didn't see a headstock drive spur, tail stock assembly and tool rest.
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 7:05 pm
by JPG
I do see a rip fence, the CI bandsaw uses the miter gauge(unseen) for a rip fence.
I hope those 'missing' things are in a box somewhere.

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 8:42 pm
by jtp
Thanks for the responses. This sure is a nice forum. I'm making a list of what you guys aren't seeing, will look it up and be on the lookout for it when I get there. I just agreed to 800 assuming I like what I see when I get there. I feel like that's a good deal given the planer is stand alone.
The more I'm learning about the company the more I like it. It takes loyalty to your customer base to make all the retrofit kits they make.
Welcome
Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2012 10:46 pm
by fiatben
We love having new people show up!!
Here's a link to Shopsmith's list of standard accessories for the new machines. Bear in mind that some of the items now considered standard are peculiar to the PowerPro.
http://www.shopsmith.com/markvsite/standardaccess.htm
Even if you're missing a few things, no biggie. Either someone here or on evil-bay will have what you need (and if you're lucky it will be at a good price, but "let the buyer beware.")
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 12:39 pm
by fixit
jtp,
If you fill out your profile you might find one of the forum members is close enough to you to offer hands on advice or assistance. Just click on "User CP" at the top of the page and then click on "Edit Profile" on the left hand side of the screen.
Welcome to the forum. Ask away on anything you need help with. These folks are most willing to share their collective knowledge.
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 3:56 pm
by spiderclimber
Something no one has stated thus far is there are a few simple points you need to oil and check before turning on your machine. It should take you less than 10 minutes if you are not familiar with it and about 2 if you are. There is a video on that as well from the shopsmith series.
Anyone have a link for that?
As well, welcome to the forum. Hope you find the pieces you need.
Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 4:38 pm
by JPG
spiderclimber wrote:Something no one has stated thus far is there are a few simple points you need to oil and check before turning on your machine. It should take you less than 10 minutes if you are not familiar with it and about 2 if you are. There is a video on that as well from the shopsmith series.
Anyone have a link for that?
As well, welcome to the forum. Hope you find the pieces you need.
Checkout the first two posts at the top of the Maintenance & Repair Forum!;)