Shopsmith mark v

[Finster101]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Shopsmith tool with several attachments. Does anyone have any experience with them? Should I get it or stay away from it?

[XDROB]

I don't know much about them. But my dad had one when I was growing up and he did all kinds of things with it. I have heard good things about them. But not in that field to talk about them though. I would do a search online to find out more about them

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

[too many things]

some of the attachments you will not use. the best is to get the tooles you would use. buddy got one many yers back. it still sitting

[Handloader109]

Only if you will use the accessories, AND you get really good deal on it. It's up to you determine what is good deal, but I know I'd never pay thousands for one.
Here is a link to the model history

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/toolhistory.htm

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Alstep]

They are nice, well built machines, BUT, you have to break down the setup every time you want to do something else. Say you want to use the table saw, but then you need the drill press. You've got to break it down and then set it up for the next operation. You'd be better off getting separate machines to do specific jobs. Where they do come in handy is if you don't have the room for all those separate machines. But you're going to waste a lot of time changing setups.

[Finster101]

It could probably had for $600.00

[Springfield]

I had one for years, and it worked great. I mostly used it for the table saw when my Radial arm saw was not appropriate, and the sanding drums and disk. Sold it when I decided I just didn't have room for it considering how little I used it, as I just don't do much woodwork. 600.00 might be OK depending on what it came with. They are a quality machine.

[dannyd]

It could probably had for $600.00

That’s a good price new they between 3500 and 5500.

[Ickisrulz]

I wouldn't want one even if it was free. Too much to set up for each operation. Then you can't go back and forth for different operations.

[shell70634]

I had one for 10 years or so. I used it alot when I first got it then as I accumulated more stand alone tools it was used less and less. They work great for what they are. The table for the saw is to small for large pieces. I bought a Grizzly 10 inch table saw and quit using it. The band saw became to small so I bought a grizzly 17 inch. The Shopsmith became my lathe and disk sander. I was gifted a lathe and bought a disk/belt sander. The quality of work didn't increase with the new tools but the ease of use got better. And everything was faster. They are quality machines and work great for smaller projects but I had to build supports and fences to large, 4x4, pieces of plywood. They last forever.
But when you add up the cost of stand alone tools, the Shopsmith is a bargain.

[farmbif]

american made quality wood working tool for the hobbyist at least it used to be. an all in one power tool with all the accessories. table saw, drill press, horizontal borer, wood lathe, disk and belt sander, shaper/router table and more. there is a local guy on craigslist that restores these tools and they are not inexpensive throw away like much of the stuff imported from china. at $600 I would not hesitate if I was needing woodworking power tools
a new mark V is $4000. I have a big woodworking shop that came with the property with everything but a wood lathe and looked into maybe getting one of these but I'm not much of a woodworker.

[Buck Shot]

My brother had one, was dissatisfied and disappointed, and ended up buying a TS, jointer, etc. I think that's the way to go. A good TS (or for some people, a good BS) is the backbone of a shop IMHO. An all-in-one may do lots of things in a mediocre way, but none of them very well (and setup time is the killer as someone pointed out). Even at $600 I wouldn't make room in my shop for one.

I like my setup: TS w/ integral router table; jointer; planer/molding cutter; BS; sliding compound miter; and hand tools. YMMV...

[waksupi]

I had one for a few years, and didn't find the changeover to be a big deal. The problem for me was, they aren't supposed to be operated under fifty degrees. That cuts back time in Montana, in an unheated shop. It would take three hours to get the shop and equipment up to operating temperature. The speed control gear is made of soft pot metal, and are easily destroyed when it is cold.

[AZ Pete]

had one for several years. They have a lot of flex in the table mounts, which makes them useless as a drill press. Table too small for a saw, but the variable speed makes for a good wood lathe and disc sander. I got rid of mine for a cabinet saw and drill press. Would not buy another, would not recommend one to anyone.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I've see some shopsmiths listed for cheap, like $100 to $200, but they always seem like there is missing parts?
A year ago, I was looking at them for a dedicated wood lathe, but again, it seemed like things were missing, or they just didn't have that option? I wound up buying a new small HF lathe, but if I would have found the right used Shopsmith that had everything for turning, I probably would have bought a old one...Problem was, I didn't really know what was needed, and most of the sellers I contacted were selling the machine for a family member and knew nothing about it.

[country gent]

If you have the room theres a lot to be said for being able to walk up to the machine needed and get started. Ive never had one in seen one but have seen them in adds. I can see it not having the attachment you need every time. But then also to consider is how long is the time to swap attachments?

[Finster101]

I am certainly not a professional woodworker. I just retired and this would be a hobby project type of tool. I don't have the room for all the stand alone tools nor can I justify spending that much for them on what would essentially be toys for me, That's why I am considering one.

[country gent]

Then it is probably the best way to go.

[bangerjim]

I started out with one MANY(!!!) years ago. Wife found it and ALL, I mean ALL, the available attachments/gigs/tools/etc for $75.00. Used it for years but was never very happy. Takes waaaaay too much time to "morph" from one tool to another. I like to (and now have) all separate stand-alone power tools for everything the Shopsmith morphs into, and much more!

It is wobble on it's saw table brackets. Not that accurate with cuts. Rather shallow table saw cutting range. Kinda clumsy to use. And takes forever to change out.

I would pass on it. Save up for individual QUALITY tools.

[Jeff Michel]

It's a compromise type of machine, it does a lot of different things ok, not like a dedicated piece of equipment from an accuracy standpoint. Mine came from the local junkyard, hardly used with a good variety of attachments. Took it home, cut a couple of crooked/off angle miters, it was impossible for the thing to stay locked into position once set) decided I paid way to much for it (it was free) gave it to my brother that expressed an interest and it returned with him to Maryland. As an accomplished wood worker, he couldn't make it produce consistent results and he gave it away as well. If you are patient and a careful worker, you could probably make it go for you. Good luck.

[Hodagtrapper]

I traded for one back in 1984 and used it and all the attachments for 8 years. Built a lot of furniture and craft items with it and did not find the attachment changeover all that difficult. Had the joiner, planer and jig saw attachment along with the standard base tools. Sold it before I built the first of two homes as I needed more hand tools and pneumatic nailers, etc. Held up well for me, though.

Chris

[Buck Shot]

You say you don't have room for a lot of tools...you can do one heck of a lot with just a TS, even more if it has a router table on the side. I see decent old Craftsman table saws for $100-$200 all the time (my father ran a custom furniture business back in the 70s with nothing more exotic than that) and if it's a lathe you want, you can generally pick up a decent old Rockwell lathe for $200. Just food for thought.

[Parson]

Then it is probably the best way to go.
Agree, if short of room it’s a good option

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I don't know about the value now but a few years ago you couldn't give one away. I vote thumbs down.

[garandsrus]

I have one that I pretty much just use as a wood lathe. The only attachments I have are the table saw and sanding disk. I have stand alone tools for everything else.

Another thing I would use the Shopsmith for is drilling into the end of a long board. It would also be ok for a time when you need two different setups on a table saw at the same time for making moldings or something similar.

[jonp]

Girlfriend years ago had one. It seemed to me to be a great machine if you were lacking space. Other than that, quality stand alones would probably be better

[bakerjw]

I'd buy separate tools for each task. i.e. a table saw, a drill press a lathe, etc...
Just me though

[Bulldogger]

It's good for what it is intended to do; serve several functions in a compact device. They are ALWAYS available at the $300-800 range where I live. In my opinion, $600 is fair only if it is well cared for and/or relatively new, and comes with a few other tools like the belt sander and bandsaw (like mine did). Also it should come with several arbors for saw blades, replacement sanding belts and so on, as well as the lathe tools and other self-maintenance items.
The one you're looking at for that price is probably an older variable pulley model, and those are fine. If by chance it is the newer digital controlled variable speed one, sweep it up fast at that price. The variable speed electronic control models are very versatile and I think easier to use (though that's only from watching videos, I've never seen one).

I moved twice in the past year, and one of the things in my storage unit I miss the most is my Shopsmith.

Bulldogger

[country gent]

While not as fast always remember that very nice good work can be done with hand tools and a good bench. The only floor space needed is for he bench and room to work around it.

A lot has been done with hand tools and hard work. Its not as easy takes longer but is very satisfying when done

[RichBaxter]

I have one I got for $100 from a friend who had since bought individual tools. I use it primarily for a jointer, sander, and lathe which I did not have. It can't be beat if you have space considerations and are using it on a limited basis. If you don't have other machines, it is there for all the simple jobs that come up. If you are serious about woodworking you will end up getting other equipment. If you need to build some shelves for the shed or such jobs it will work fine.

[Finster101]

I have one I got for $100 from a friend who had since bought individual tools. I use it primarily for a jointer, sander, and lathe which I did not have. It can't be beat if you have space considerations and are using it on a limited basis. If you don't have other machines, it is there for all the simple jobs that come up. If you are serious about woodworking you will end up getting other equipment. If you need to build some shelves for the shed or such jobs it will work fine.


This is my line of thinking. I'm not a wood worker but like to try and build something I need every now and then. Certainly not going to try and build furniture. Space is the main issue more than cost. I have a pole barn but only a small section of it is enclosed. I could store this and roll it out when I want to use it. I still have not decided I want to buy one but after seeing this one and doing a search on FB marketplace there are several for sale within a reasonable traveling distance. Thanks for the input from everyone.

[KCSO]

My problem is that whatever tool I needed it was set up for something else. Ok for a small shop where you don;t have much room, but not so good if you are working on time.

[dannyd]

This is my line of thinking. I'm not a wood worker but like to try and build something I need every now and then. Certainly not going to try and build furniture. Space is the main issue more than cost. I have a pole barn but only a small section of it is enclosed. I could store this and roll it out when I want to use it. I still have not decided I want to buy one but after seeing this one and doing a search on FB marketplace there are several for sale within a reasonable traveling distance. Thanks for the input from everyone.

That’s what they were built for limited space shops.

[hoodat]

They are kind of like a piano. It's kind of cool to have one, but nobody wants to move one. It's pretty easy to get a great deal on one. Typical scenario-- Grandpa has crossed over to the other side and Grandma has to move. What are we gonna do with this heavy and expensive looking piece of equipment that no one knows anything about. CRAIGSLIST!! $300 -you haul. jd

[wv109323]

My uncle had one and used it for years. He built two houses and made the kitchen cabinets with the Shopsmith. The jig saw was not up to his standards but the rest he used for 30 years. No doubt individual tools are better and more flexible because they are made for a specific purpose.
The Shopsmith is a compromise but is flexable for multi functions. Limited space is their area of expertise.

[Gregorious]

https://forum.shopsmith.com/

Have a Shopsmith Mark V 500 model. The forum above have great information.