I just found a Shopsmith Mark V tool for sale in my town. First, does anyone know anything about these? Are they an ok tool? Any idea what something like this is worth? here is the info.

Shopsmith Mark V five in one tool. Complete with 4" joiner, band saw, jig saw, thickness planer, router w/bits, mortise attachment, lathe tools, and router chuck.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Very well made and dependable tools. The only complaint you ever hear about them is the set-up time to go from one tool to the next. However, if you have a very small shop or just want to use the thing as a lathe, or drill press, then it could be for you.

I'm thinking that new they're a few thousand dollars ($2500 to $3500?). Used, I really have no idea.

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The early Shopsmiths have a powerhead that is near impossible to get parts for. Parts when available are far more expensive than the new parts.

I have a Shopsmith Mark V and like it a lot. The Mark V head is excellent and so easy to adjust for speed, just turn a knob. All parts are currently available for this head.

I have it set up as a lathe all the time, but I also have the bandsaw attachment that I leave set up all the time. The one thing that makes the Shopsmith a challenge is that the head has a proprietary spindle mount that you have to work with. It does not have a standard 1" x 8 TPI chuck mount, it has a 5/8" shaft. This generally means that you need to purchase attachments from Shopsmith, although there are some companies (Penn State Industries comes to mind) that make spindle adapters and attachments that work with it. That way you could add a real lathe chuck.


Walt

I use a Shopsmith Mark V in my shop and love it. Made in the USA, excellent quality, and parts for the Mark V model are all still available from Shopsmith. You can turn reel seats and grips no problem. As stated above, Penn State industries makes a pen turning mandrel for the Shopsmith that is perfect for turning reel seats. If the price is right I do not think you will be dissapointed. Shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions. Alec