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Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 2:14 pm
by feeliesrule
From a post here, it appears to have been made in 1956 (Serial number 334895). It is not in working order. The motor did make some humming when plugged in and turned on. No funny smells came out.
-What should I look for before buying (what's a deal breaker)?
-I am not a wiz at fixing things, but could put in some time and effort to get it working. Once functional, I'd use it for a hobby, not for a job.
-How readily available are parts?

One end of the machine has a Darra-James model 640 planer.

My biggest use of the machine would be as a lathe. The other functions aren't as much of a priority.

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 3:25 pm
by beeg
But it. The motor probably just needs to be cleaned out. Do all of the maintenance on it, then enjoy.
Buying a used Shopsmith v2.pdf
(1.96 MiB) Downloaded 1837 times
MKVMaintenance_1_10.pdf
(92.21 KiB) Downloaded 1721 times
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Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2019 6:56 pm
by reible
Since it isn't working I'd say either ask for a lower price or pass on it. If it has some problems they might well be minor but you just don't know.... I personally think $150 for a not working older machine is just too high.

Ed

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:52 am
by JPG
feeliesrule wrote: . . .
One end of the machine has a Darra-James model 640 planer.
. . .
??? The 640 is no surprise.

I assume it is green/silver in color.

The motor is likely salvagable.

Sure it IS a Shopsmith manufactured by Magna tool?

A pix would help.

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 11:18 am
by chapmanruss
If the seller will allow it you could remove the belt from the motor pulley to see if the motor runs. The problem could be the bearings in the Idler Shaft, Drive Sleeve and/or the Quill. After more than 60 years they could need replacing. If any are "frozen" or close to it that could be enough to keep the motor from turning. You can always offer a lower price and take your chances. As for replacement parts they are still available. Some can be purchased new from Shopsmith and others used. The Mark V 520 is still made today and many of the parts for the 1956 Mark 5 you are looking at are the same. This is especially true for the Headstock.

Review the PDF "Buying a Used Shopsmith" linked above. This will help identify what should be included with a complete Shopsmith. Any missing items is something you will have to buy later, so the more complete it is the better buy it is for you.

As JPG said pictures help. If you buy it you will find help here in restoring it. Just ask.

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2019 11:19 am
by wa2crk
Offer to haul it away for a small fee. Then he can clean out his garage and have more room. If the motor is bad it is expensive to replace and it is a proprietary item. They do appear on E-Bay from time to time but that is also questionable quality.
Bill V

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 3:36 pm
by rheacox
$150 sounds a high to me. I just bought a greenie (SN dates to 1958) with almost all of the accessories (lathe parts, disk sander, tools, etc) plus the belt sander and jointer for $125 AND the machine worked pretty well. It was up for $200, I only wanted the belt sander and jointer and lathe parts but the seller came back with $125 for everything. I couldn't say no. So... now I have two Shopsmiths.

Anyway, I'd look for a working machine in good shape even if it means spending a little more money.

Re: Found SS Mark 5 for $150 - should I buy?

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 7:48 am
by dusty
rheacox wrote:$150 sounds a high to me. I just bought a greenie (SN dates to 1958) with almost all of the accessories (lathe parts, disk sander, tools, etc) plus the belt sander and jointer for $125 AND the machine worked pretty well. It was up for $200, I only wanted the belt sander and jointer and lathe parts but the seller came back with $125 for everything. I couldn't say no. So... now I have two Shopsmiths.

Anyway, I'd look for a working machine in good shape even if it means spending a little more money.
I'd buy it if just for parts.