My dad was an avid woodworker and craftsman, and really about the smartest man I've ever known. He passed a couple of months ago and one of the things that came down to me is this Mark V that he had bought but never gotten around to using.

 

I've been looking it over and tinkering and it seems like most of it is there. There was a missing handle for the table elevation, which I've replaced, and it was missing the power coupler for using the accessory tools. Came with the 11" bandsaw, 6" belt sander and an incomplete jointer which is missing part of the table.

 

The biggest issue to getting it running so far is that there is a pinch bolt for the lower auxiliary drive bearing that is missing, along with a piece of the casting (see pics). This lets the bearing walk out whenever you adjust the speed control, which throws the belts or of alignment to the point that it won't run. It's not ideal, I'm going to wind up having to fabricate and weld a piece in there but I'm determined to get the machine functional since it was dad's. Any helpful tips wouldbe appreciated. I'll update the thread when I've made some progress. 

Edited November 28, 2025Nov 28 by nfisher42
misspelled

Sorry for your loss.

 

That's a great way to remember his legacy by continuing his woodworking traditions.

 

Can't help much with the parts issues but will make one recommendation. Go to the Shopsmith Owners Group on Facebook for advice and possible sources for parts. Lots of good info there as well as folks that are willing to share their knowledge and occasionally parts. Shopsmith has ceased production for the time being while looking for new owners. Not sure how that's going to play out but those of us who use them are hoping for the best. Keep an eye out at online sales listings as Shopsmiths are frequently listed for sale all over at usually decent prices.

 

Welcome aboard TPWW. If you get a chance post some info about yourself on the Intro board. BTW - you're next up for supplying donuts! (You will understand soon enough!)😃

I cannot help with your question, but love that you are wanting to get this running because it was your dad's. I hope you'll post your progress toward this goal.

Every time you use it, your Dad will be smiling down on you. 

 

We have several Shop Smith owners here and I'm sure they will be along soon to offer more advice

 

@John Morris, @1bbford

Welcome to the forum. As Lew mentioned there are several Shopsmith fans/owners here that will chime in.

Welcome to the forum.  I would start by installing a larger washer so it reaches the bearing outer shell.  That alone should hold it in place.  Drilling the closest rib and bending a long bold to fit into the hole should work for the clamp.  Hard to see in the pictures but it looks like it the casting is welded to the ribs.  If so it may be cast steel and conventional welding can be used to repair it.

2 hours ago, HandyDan said:

Welcome to the forum.  I would start by installing a larger washer so it reaches the bearing outer shell.  That alone should hold it in place.  Drilling the closest rib and bending a long bold to fit into the hole should work for the clamp.  Hard to see in the pictures but it looks like it the casting is welded to the ribs.  If so it may be cast steel and conventional welding can be used to repair it.

That second part about drillingthe riband bendingabolt to reach the remaining hole is an interesting strategy for getting clamping pressure. I kind of like it. The only part giving me pause is that I'm a little hesitant to put a hole in that rib list or weaken the structure further, but it does bring another idea to mind for me. Thanks. 

Wanted to pop in briefly for an update. first off, thank you again to everyone who responded. Here's where dad's Shopsmith is at as of right now.

 

I took part of Handy Dan's advice and installed a larger washer to keep the mid drive bearing in place. Got everything back together and discovered that the motor is being hesitant to start spinning. I suspect the motor start capacitor, because I imagine it's the same age as the rest of the machine. But I did manage to get it running, and after enough on/off cycles it started, well, starting more reliably.

 

Tried out the lathe and turned what is going to be a simple Christmas tree base. Got it to where I was beginning to part the workpiece off and saw smoke coming from the dead center, so I got the bandsaw aligned and the blade tensioner and finished off with that.

 

Starting to get a better inventory of what I've got and what I need. I had to buy a power coupler off eBay to get the auxiliary tools working. I went with a 3d printed one and so far it seems fine. I'm going to need sanding belts and discs, an assortment of different bandsaw and tablesaw blades and a couple of handles. I definitely want a live center for the lathe and eventually a 3 or 4 jaw chuck. One of the boxes had shaper bits and a collet, which was a nice surprise. I'd love to hear from anyone with experience using their Shopsmith as a shaper.

 

The biggest missing piece is the entire infeed table and fence for the jointer. I would like to eventually get the jointer working, so I'll be watching for spare parts.

 

Now that I've had a chance to actually use it briefly I have to say I'm even more excited. I had thought it might be a pain to change over from one tool to another but that's really not the case - they made this system really logical and simple to use. The speed control works well and seems to cover as wide of a range as I'll ever need. Can't wait to get some real use from it.

Edited December 11, 2025Dec 11 by nfisher42

The Shopsmith website will be back up soon. Let's start at the beginning.  Looking at your pictures I see a broken headstock. It is unsafe to run. That bearing ring that holds the bearing in place is broken.  The bearing is not in place because a piece of the headstock is missing.  Look on eBay or Facebook or other such site to get another headstock.  

 

Looking at the belt I will suggest to ensure that both set of sheaves slide easily along the shafts. It would be advisable to replace all belts. Oil the shaft of the lower sheave and the upper sheave is oiled by the pork chop. I will feel safer if that is performed. YouTube is a great help.

On YouTube search for Jacob Anderson shopsmith repairs. There used to be another one by Nick Engler. 

I live in a townhouse, got a small basement. Not enough room for standalone tools, so I  kept part of my inheritance to get something I really wanted, felt Ma and Dad woulda wanted that. I love the Shopsmith, but it’s a Mark VII, so I probably don’t have any advice that’s relevant to you. Great group of guys here, and it seems like you’re gonna increase that number by one! Welcome.