Shopsmith Forums

Last week I purchased a 1980’sShopSmith Mark V 500. In came partially assembled, and a Bunche of pieces in a cardboard box. He told me that the motor did not work. I haven’t tested the motor, but I tested the switch, which clearly did not work. The plug on the power cord needed to be replaced. I fixed the power cord and purchased a replacement switch. Monday, I’ll test the motor.

I noticed that the HEADSTOCK is on backwards. My question is:

What are the steps I need to follow in order to remove and replace the headstock, so while in drill mode, the drill won’t be upside down? Any suggestions will help, and I’ll be grateful for assistance

The Mark V has two ends. The 'right' end is hinged. For drill press mode(vertical) the 'left' end has a release lever that when pulled out allows the 'left' end to be lifted up.

I assume you have the main table. If so get a short board and place it across the bench tubes(the lower pair of tubes). Raise the 'left' end, place the board under the main table vertical tube mount, lower the table so the table tubes rest upon the board and support the way tubes etc. at a slight angle so you have access to the tie bar that connects the 'left' end of the way tubes. Remove the tie bar by loosening the set screws that secure it to the way tubes.(look underneath)

This allows sliding the headstock off the ends of the way tubes. However before sliding it off, loosen the headstock lock fully CCW until it cannot go any further. This positions the lock wedges so reinstalling the headstock back onto the way tubes will not cause you to lose thy religion because the wedges are misaligned. Oh and do not monkey with the headstock lock until after reinstalling the headstock back on the way tubes.

Hope this helps. Easier than it sounds.

One comment to add to JPG's excellent instructions: when reinstalling the tie-bar, don't overtighten the setscrews else the tie-bar could crack. Ask me how I know!

Bryll,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

JPG has given a great explanation of removing and re installing the Headstock. The attached PDF Remounting The Headstock shows in figure 1 what JPG was explaining.

_ ,
I hope your purchase of the Mark V included an Owner's Manual. If not, I highly recommend getting one. It is full of information on aligning, using and maintaining your Mark V. We are also always happy to help.

HopefulSSer,

I know.

One caution about removing the tie bar. If it's stuck, don't beat on the webbing between the tubes - it's cast aluminum and can crack.

Anything that is stuck, ONLY nudge from the part furthest back. i.e. push, do NOT pull.