Shopsmith mark v

[Flipper88]

My wife and I are getting into wood working and found a shopsmith mark v for sale. Anyone have any good or bad things to say about them? Wanting to get an idea from some experienced tool gurus before I pick it up! Not sure what year ur is but he is askinf $475 for it and has everything that came with it from the factory and the table saw extension. Thoughts?

 

[Worsedog]

I have one. My dad gave it to me when he quit using it. I does a lot of things but none of them really well. With the extensions the table saw might be better but as mine is old and doesn't have them the table saw ***** for large pieces. For small easy to handle pieces it is ok.

The best thing I have used it for is the horizontal drill press. I need to drill dowel holes in the edges of multiple shelves and it was awesome for that.

The disk sander works and so does the drill press, but the set up time switching stuff around get tedious. Separate machines are much better option.

If you are just dipping your toes to see if you like it, maybe it would be ok for a taste, keeping in mind it's limitations. If you find then, that you really like wood working go for the "real" machines.

 

[DonPowers]

I've had mine since the early 80s and still use it. Never found that switching from one tool to the next to be a problem, it just requires you to think about your work to minimize the setups. Now that I have more room and have a full size cabinet saw with a huge table. There are times, however when its nice to have two saws set up.

$475 is a pretty good deal for one, have you looked to see what they run for new today?

 

[CTyankee]

JMO...but I'd pass on buying one. Do you have any wood working tools now?
I'd rather have an individual per task..and I'd start with a compound miter saw and a table saw..

 

[bottom feeder]

I have my dad's shopsmith, which is a 1955 gilmer belt model. Mine doesn't have any of the parts for dust collection (or safety guards for that matter), so if I'm using it as a table saw or disk sander I try to do it outdoors (which is easy to do since the machine isn't very heavy and is easy to roll around). I mainly use it as a drill press, but have used it as a lathe, horizontal boring, etc. I also have the jointer attachment which actually works very well considering it's small size. Overall the machine does a good job considering the era from which it was designed. Parts are still available and you can get just about anything for it on eBay. For a hobbyist it's fine, but as Worsedog mentioned the saw table is small (newer machines have bigger and better tables) and having to tilt the table rather than tilt the blade for angle cuts is not ideal. I have no plans to get rid of my Shopsmith, but do plan on buying a dedicated table saw when I build my next garage.

You didn't mention what year the machine was you're looking at. The newer models are arguably safer and maybe more accurate (two bearings in the quill rather than the single bearing mine has). If you have room for it in your garage $475 isn't too bad. Don't let the seller mislead you though - these machines were wildly popular in the 70's and 80's, but are considered old and eccentric nowadays. Don't hesitate to try to get a lower price, and don't be afraid to walk away. Make sure to see and hear it run before purchasing it, and be sure the speed change mechanism works smoothly. Lots of owners don't do the regular maintenance and the speed control can get gummed up with sawdust and lack of lubrication. Fortunately they are fairly simple mechanically and as I mentioned parts are still available (though they can be a tad expensive).

"Serious" woodworkers tend to turn their noses up at them, but as a hobbyist I enjoy using mine now and then, and find that I get good results from it. If clever design appeals to you more than raw function, and if you are the type of person that gets a kick out of mechanical things, then you'll probably enjoy having one. See if the owner has a copy of the book "Power Tool Woodworking For Everyone" and if so have it thrown in as part of the deal. If not, get a copy if you buy the machine. It will show you everything you need to know.

Hope this helps.

 

[Parabellum]

I would stay away from the Shopsmith. Too small of a working area, bigger chance of a tablesaw accident.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Much like the old Yamaha enduros bikes...OK for the street, OK for dirt, but not great for either. The Shopsmith does a lot of things if you have the attachments. But it doesn't do any of them as well as a dedicated tool ( tables saw, drill press, lathe, etc). But if space is limiting it works OK.

 

[manwithtools]

Something trying to be an everything. There are better ways to spend your money, the changing of setups will drive you nuts. The first time you change everything around to the table saw only to discover you should have completed "one other drill or sand" operation you will throw it out the window.

 

[Norcal]

There was 2 Shop Smith's + accessories too,taken to my favorite scrapyard I had no desire for them nor did anyone else. They do a lot of jobs, just not well.

 

[Hephaestus29]

You wont know if you don't try it.

I've bought several to resell, I won't pay more than 200.00 but I can clean them up and get the rust off the tubes and sell them for 400.00 easy if they have an accessory or two.
I prefer separate machines myself after having a 3 in 1 lathe mill drill for 16 years.
I bought 2 just for the drill press for my dad. he uses them in his canjo operation. He has 4 drill presses.

 

[kaymccampbell]

If you think in precise steps processing all one machine before going to the next, it's a great machine for you. If you just do stuff and need to go back and forth between the same two machines repeatedly, then it will make you miserable.
Saying that, I used one to build my house. And enjoyed it's functionality.
As time went on I acquired all the individual machines, but still keep the ShopSmith for a wood lathe and the drill press functions it can perform that a regular drillpress has difficulty with.
If it runs smoothly and the speed control works, then it's worth the money. Talk the seller down if you can, but be prepared to pay what he asks.

 

[Hawk]

First question is how much room do you have. Small space then the limitations can be worked around. More space then you might consider shopping on craigslist for some good deals. Shopsmith is a pretty good lathe, a tolerable drill press, (as long as there is no bent shafts). The bed on the table saw is its major shortcoming.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

My dad has one. Drill press, horizontal boring, sanding disc, & lathe are all fine. Time lost changing tools can be annoying, but I suppose that depends on your working style.

I don't like the table saw at all. Too high & too small of a table. Goofy saw blade mounting.

In a small shop with another table saw it seems like it might be worthwhile to do the job of several other tools.

 

[rharman]

If you're wanting to get in to woodworking, you will want a much better table saw that the ShopSmith. Forget about bevel cuts with it. I got around most of the table saw limitations because I had a good radial arm saw.

I've had one for 30 years and use it regularly but I would not go that route again. It was just one of those things that I saw at a neighbors house when I was a kid and always wanted.

It's a very nice tool and I've invested in mine with upgrades but I would not recommend it to you.

New, they are running over $4000 for the Mark 7 with the digital motor and the good fence system.

 

[over40pirate]

I have had a 1950's v belt drive, model 10 ER since 1978. Have since purchased individual tools, but kept the SS for occasional lathe use, and horizontal drilling, as well as 12" disc sander.
If you have no tools and a small budget, and want to start making stuff now, it would get you there, as opposed to waiting for decent tools to come along on the used market.
When I get to the point where I don't do much woodworking, and sell my machines, I imagine I will keep the old SS for use if needed.

 

[Train]

I've had mine for over 25 years. Built an entire kitchen with it. My opinion of it is like most above. You won't like it as a table saw, but the rest is fine. I like mine for the drill press, the lathe, and for horizontal boring. I'd never sell mine.

 

[metal1313]

i inherited a mark 5, brought it home yesterday actually. it was my grandfathers and he bought a good deal of the accessories for it. i would not have bought one myself, but its cool to have something of his, since he passed when i was much younger.

im not a fan of the table saw, although they do sell various extensions to make it work better. i plan on using it mostly for turning, and will occasionally use the band saw and jointer. I also have the planer and scroll saw attachments but most likely wont use them. the planer is going to be sold, possibly since i already have a rigid planer. right now my issue is everything was tossed in boxes 2 years ago when we sold my grandmothers house. so i have to sort through it all and figure out whats what.

one thing to note, personal preference, it the castors on it ****.

 

[rharman]

< snip >
one thing to note, personal preference, it the castors on it ****.
< /snip >

They do sell a caster upgrade that looks good. $43 which is a pretty good price, I think.

 

[rburke65]

I know of a friend that has one andshewouldgiveittoyoufree.....but we have no ideawhere you are located.......oh well.......

 

[smokey0810]

Inherited mine as well, with a buttload of attachments....Just busted out the jointer for the first time ever last week. For a tablesaw, I've got a DeWalt contractor saw. For a drill press & bandsaw, I've got my Mark V. IF I had to purchase one, I wouldn't. Becomes too much of a pain in the **** to change positions when you are wanting to do something. You can't just walk over to the drill press or bandsaw and do what needs to be done.

 

[rharman]

As a drill press, I think it leaves a LOT to be desired. But, then again, I've had a C-Man drill press longer than the ShopSmith.

For horizontal boring though, you just can't beat it.

 

[Flipper88]

So I do have enough space for individual machines but I don’t want to purchase everything individually, take up extra floor space, and then realize that we just are not that into it. I’m of the thought now that if we pick it up and enjoy it we will use it as a stepping stone from there. But as it stands the amount of work we will do in the shop related to wood working will be minimal. And as we will not be turning out anything for profit I’m not so concerned with the switch out time of the tools.

Thinking if I could get if for around the $300 range ill pick it up. If not I think I might pass. But who knows when I get there. I am a complete amateur when it comes to woodworking. For Christmas my wife got a table saw, jigsaw, and a few sanders. All cheapos from Home Depot.

 

[Flipper88]

I know of a friend that has one andshewouldgiveittoyoufree.....but we have no ideawhere you are located.......oh well.......

Washington State. But thanks for the thought.

 

[CTyankee]

I'll chime in one more time here. As a carpenter I work doing new construction and remodeling. I've also dabbled in building some basic furniture.. bookcases, hutches, tables, built-ins, chairs, benches, etc.

It doesn't take many tools to be able to produce some quality wood working projects. The minimum: Table saw(even a small one) , compound miter saw, jigsaw, orbital sander, drill/driver set. And the basic stuff..hammer, tape measure, square, utility knife and pencils. Add some glue, screws, wood filler and you're good to go. Other tools are nice to have as you get more involved but in NO way necessary to build typical, simple things like I mentioned above.

It seems like you have some of the stuff already. With proper adjustments and some good blades, the ones you have should suffice. Start with some simple things like a bench or a bookcase. Use pine so early mistakes are not costly. Lots of projects and plans on the web for free. Take your time and don't get discouraged if something doesn't come out right the first time. Try to have some fun and work safely.

I'll shut up now...Good luck.

 

[smokey0810]

"With proper adjustments and some good blades, the ones you have should suffice."

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. I've got a nice 80 tooth Freud blade for my miter saw, and LOVE it.
I will recommend getting yourself a nice miter saw. I've got a 10" Rigid, which I mount to a Ryobi stand. That thing is truly one of my go-to, must have tools in the shop.
Also, get some wax and wax your tool work surfaces. Truly makes a world of difference when feeding stock through a blade.

 

[bottom feeder]

So I do have enough space for individual machines but I don’t want to purchase everything individually, take up extra floor space, and then realize that we just are not that into it. I’m of the thought now that if we pick it up and enjoy it we will use it as a stepping stone from there. But as it stands the amount of work we will do in the shop related to wood working will be minimal. And as we will not be turning out anything for profit I’m not so concerned with the switch out time of the tools.

Thinking if I could get if for around the $300 range ill pick it up. If not I think I might pass. But who knows when I get there. I am a complete amateur when it comes to woodworking. For Christmas my wife got a table saw, jigsaw, and a few sanders. All cheapos from Home Depot.

I can't emphasize this enough: If you decide to own a ShopSmith you MUST own a copy of R.J. DeCristoforo's book "Power Tool Woodworking for Everyone". It will show you everything you need to know to get the most out of it:

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Tool-Woodworking-Everyone-DeCristoforo/dp/0936611006

 

[SIX225]

Got one from a friend and maybe used it twice. Lots of setup time involved and lots of aluminum and pot metal castings with set screws. Mine had gotten wet and many were seized in their holes. Table saw set up is just too scary in my opinion. It's basically and arbor held to the motor again with set screws and no lower guards. Plan on a "real" table saw even if it just a bench top one. Scene plans to cut them down to make smaller or individual tools which I almost did before I sold mine.