Anyone own a...

dart · #1 12-03-2005, 01:12 AM

Shopsmith Mark V? I just got one. I am hoping to use it to make some carving tools, such as carving knife blades.handles, etc.. I will also use it for woodworking projects. I am just setting up the straightness on the table in relation to the blade. I am glad I got the manual with the machine as it has been helpful. I was just wondering if anyone here has one?

Mark N. Akers · #2 12-03-2005, 04:56 AM

Yes,I have a mark v and it is a great wookshop addition,follow the manual
close on setting it up and it will be fine.The only complaint is on the time
it takes to set up the drill press,I just end up buying a drill press.

Colin_Partridge · #3 12-03-2005, 09:59 AM

I have one also sits in my garage all I use it for is to hone my tools can you believe it. A very expensive 5 in one tool used only with a buffing wheel to put an edge on a chisel. The reason is I thought when I purchased it I would be able to do all this wonderful woodworking. Ha I cant even put two pieces of wood together straight.
Colin

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #4 12-03-2005, 10:25 AM

I have had two of them over the years...they are a very good machine...when I had the first one, I didn't know a thing about it or even hardly how to change from one thing to another, when I bought the second years later, I went to Woodcraft store in Denver and took a one day class for 25.00.............well worth the money! I had to sell it when we moved to Arizona...I now have individual tools because I have a big shop I HAD to fill up with tools! lol

dart · #5 12-04-2005, 02:02 AM

I have all the adjustments done. I will start using it soon. I need to get the 1/2" and 5/8" arbors so I can use regular saw blades and attachments. They did not come with the outfit. I think I will call Lowe's as they are a distributor for Shopsmith. They may have the arbors in stock? Other than that, I am wondering what project to make first? Also, there is a lot of paint and stains on it and I am wondering, short of using a chemical paint remover, what to use instead. I tried car buffing compound and it did not work. The paint remover is pretty harsh but takes the paint off ok.
I will also buff my tools on it. I may have some problems with setting the drill press up as I have a low ceiling in my celler. I have 3 drill presses. a small 1/2" benchtop model, a 5/8" benchtop model, and a small press with my 1/2" drill in it. I use all of them and not just occasionally. They get the most use than any other tool I have. My woodlathe with the sanding wheel set up gets a lot of use also.

brian bailey · #6 12-04-2005, 09:34 AM

I bought a Mark V new in 1975 for $650 delivered. It was my first woodworking machine. I lived in a trailer at the time and my very tolerant wife let me set it up in the kitchen. Yep, it only takes up the space of a bicycle but a lot messier.

I now have stand alone machines, but still have the Mark V and use it occassionally, mainly as a lathe or drill press.

MDWine · #7 12-04-2005, 10:06 AM

YEAH!! I am also a proud Shopsmith owner. I got mine brand spanking new back about 1989 (if my feeble memory serves me). I have used it for everything. Lately, I have been turning pens.

I also belong to the ShopSmith Users group. http://www.ssug.org/
There a lots of guys who have refurbished machines there, and they can address refinishing questions.

There's lots of good folks there, and can answer any SS questions, in fact. There are also several SS employees who watch that board, so sometimes you can get "direct" information.

Now, don't forget to call Shopsmith!!! Those folks are ready and willing to answere most any question too. The reps have one of each of the machine they have had, even the old 10ER's, right there in the room with them. They can actually look at the machine while talking to you on the phone!

SS is a great machine, and a great company! I dunno, but it might turn into another obsession like carving or pen turning!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #8 12-04-2005, 12:34 PM

Not sure if they still do it, but shopsmith used to put your name on their list for their hands on magazine (for all ss owners) it was a good mag.

MDWine · #9 12-05-2005, 08:26 AM

Nah.. they haven't don the 'Hands On" in years.
They do an 'email tip' these days, but it is not all that great if you ask me.
They do have an email that goes out each week for discounted prices on things. These are pretty good, if you ask me. It's not always something I am looking for, but the price discounts are pretty good!

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #10 12-05-2005, 09:33 AM

Too bad! that was a good mag!