So, how does this blog work?

This blog features links to Shopsmith woodworking tools and items that are related to Shopsmith tools which are for sale on the web.

We've been adding a BUNCH of FREE scans of historic Shopsmith articles and ads, and if you happen to have something we should add we'd love to hear from you. Most of these can be seen Biggie-Sized by clicking on them.

Speaking of clicking, if you'd like to enter a comment about one of the posts, please feel free. To do so just click on the bold title line (For example, this post is titled "So, how does this blog work?" If you click on the title it will open that post on its own page. There you can enter a comment, and after I moderate it, you'll see it there for all the world to see and comment back!

Please do me a favor. If you have a blog of your own or are a member of an Internet newsgroup and decide to flatter me by quoting from the text of my entries, please honor me by posting a link to this blog. Thanks and good hunting! Scott

27 comments:

  1. I just bought an old shop smith at an auction, checking out what works and doesn't, hopefully a good find. Some parts missing on lathe any suggestions?

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  2. Hey Chris,
    Depending on the model, my first suggestion would be to contact Shopsmith customer Service (800)767-7555 and ask to speak to Linda. Let her know that you are a new owner and let her know which machine you own and its serial #, which is found on the side of the headstock near the lower spindle, or on the name plate on the back. She can then let you know what items are currently available and should be able to send you a catalog or two. Tell her Scott Markwood sent ya.

    From there I suggest that you click the link on this blog that is located below the model you own. Of example, there is a listing for the Mark V, Mark II, Mark VII, etc. The correct link will take you to related items which are for sale on eBay. eBay is a treasure trove of parts for used tools, but you need to wade through a lot of items that are miss-labeled intentionally by the seller in order to get more traffic.
    Good luck, and welcome to the family!

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  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  4. Any good videos or sites that talk about completely taking apart the motor and putting it back together? My sheethes on the speed change are stuck and not moving. Please help

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  5. Youtube. Search for Jacob Anderson.

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  6. I just bought a used shopsmith Saturday and as luck would have it, there is a nasty bearing noise when the speed dial is turned up to higher speeds. The quill actually freezes and stops. I found a place in Raleigh (wood working academy) that refurbishes headstocks. My question is, has anyone had work done by these people and do they do good work?

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  7. I bought a used shopsmith Saturday and as luck would have it, I bought a bad one. I forgot to check the speed dial, the speed works fine but as rpm's rise it starts making a terrible bearing noise then the quill freezes, stops, and makes the motor stop. I've' found a place in Raleigh NC called Woodworking Academy who refurbishes headstocks. My question is has anyone had work done by these people or should I send it to shopsmith?

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    1. I have no experience with that company and can fully endorse the factory service. That said, it's not a difficult machine to repair and Shopsmith's customer service is happy to give you support if you want to give it a try. Good luck, Scott

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  8. GoodMorning, Iam in the process of purchasing a ShopSmith Radial Arm Saw. Iam totally new and overwhelmed by establishinng this contact being a Luddite. Iam seeking advice/information on refurbishing and finding parts for this saw. I have purchased the DeChristoforo book you suggested. Please help an old wood worker out here being brand new to making contact this way, Thank You

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    1. Sounds like you're off to a good start. I recommend seeking out in joining the Yahoo group that is dedicated to the Sawsmith. They have a number of documents and maintenance bulletins that will guide you through the restoration process. As for spare parts, we're pretty much a relegated to eBay and Craigslist. I own three Shaw smith saws which represent one from each of the manufacturers that produced it. There's one from Magna Engineering, Magna American and Yuba. One of these days I intend to restore them and document the process but that day just hasn't come up yet. Good luck! Scott

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  9. Hey Scott. I've got a shopsmith that i have to part with. I'd prefer it go to someone who can appreciate it. https://cnj.craigslist.org/tls/d/high-bridge-shopsmith-complete-with/7020519206.html

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  10. Hi. I would like to have some idea of what to ask for when selling my fatherinlaws shopsmith. It is early model, but he has updated it over the years and it is in excellent shape. Any idea what range we should ask? The shopsmith is in oregon. Any help would be appreciated.

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    1. I suggest searching this blog for my “how to sell or Shopsmith“ post. your best bet will be to sell it on eBay and let the market decide the value. Doing otherwise it’s going to put you in a position where you will be taken advantage of.

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  11. A friend gave me a Mark V that he had purchased used about a decade ago. I've been watching and learning. I have two questions (for now). It did not have a miter grip, so I purchased one. When I attached it to the miter gauge, the back of the handle is below the frame of the gauge, so it bangs into it. Did I get the wrong gauge? I'd attach a picture but I can't see how to do it. Second question is that there is a piece of light blue duct tape on the table parallel to the saw blade. I have no idea why it is there. It is worn and pulling up in a few places. Can I just remove it?

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  12. Hey Randy, Scott here. You can email me a pic at scottmarkwood(at)gmail(dot)com. I'm not sure and the grip and miter gauge, but a pic would help. There is no official reason for the tape to be there, so I say remove it. Scott

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  13. Hi. Picked up a Mark V with bandsaw and jointer some time back at an auction. Really old. The bandsaw is a Magna with a serial number of 25350. No other info on data plate. Watched your videos on bandsaw tune up. I’ve only used it a few times with both a 1/4” and 1/2” blades. Never tracked that great on long cuts. I used the straight edge as you showed and “wow” the bottom edge of the top wheel sits back 5/16” and the top edge of top wheel is 3/8” back. Is this normal for the old Magna or has the arm for the top wheel been bent. FYI for those that may read this site or blog, Jacob Anderson did rebuild my head stock since I live just up the road for him, but he has retired. His site is still up with lots of info.

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    1. Makes me wonder if the lower wheel bearing hasn’t moved forward. I suggest checking that and also compare ever part to the exploded view just in case someone has had it apart and put something back in the wrong order. Scott

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    2. Thanks, will let you know. Waiting on a pair of tires to come in and I plan on pulling the wheels for a good cleaning and re-grease.

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  14. Scott I have a question about the Shopsmith ripping blade. Do you feel that it is a good, solid blade, compared to the competition, such as Freud or Forrest?

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  15. Scott, can you opine on the Shopsmith Ripping blade vs. the competition, such as the Freud and the Forrest? Is the SS blade good compared to those for cabinet making, etc.?

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    1. Scott here. I haven't used this latest batch of blades they are offering, but they have all the features I look for, plus the price is in line. It's hard to match, let alone beat a Forrest blade, but I suspect these are equal to Freud blades.

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    2. I have a Gil-Built 6" x 48" sander kit with no plans. The bugs ate them. Is there a way to get the woodwork patterns and plans? I will pay a reasonable price. I have been using a 12" bandsaw built from a Gil-Built kit for years. Val Jenkins vjenks@hotmail.com

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    3. The show up of eBay with surprising regularity.

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    4. I am trying to get in touch with Scott. I have a Shopsmith Jointer and Magna scroll sawthat I would like to give him. The scroll saw works, and the Jointer wants to throw its blades, (I have extra blades to give too) I can be reached at graydavid744@aol.com.
      Thanks,
      David Gray

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  16. Scott,
    You said on one of your videos that you like the 510 better then the 520. Would you be able to elaborate on that statement?

    Thanks.
    Jack

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  17. Hi Scott. What do you think of the Lift Assist accessory? Is it worth it?

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