Dr. Hans Goldschmidt, the inventor of the Shopsmith and the early model 10E and 10ER. Approximately 125,000 of this model were built between 1947 and 1953. | 1947-1953 | 125,000 Models Built |
The Mark 5 (aka Mark V) is the most popular model that has been produced under the ShopSmith name. It has been produced since 1953 and there are hundreds of thousands of units which have been sold since then. | Year | Serial # |
Greenie Gilmer belt and 3/4hp motor - two versions(sand cast headstock, die cast headstock) | 1954 | 263051 - 288540 |
Goldie Two versions 1) Gilmer belt and 3/4hp motor 2) Poly-V belt and 1 1/8hp motor (beginning Jan 1962). | 1955 | 288541 - 316978 |
Gray Later production by Magna American | 1956 | 316979 - 347642 |
In the 1970's Shopsmith Inc. was formed and the original design became designated as Mark V. | 1957 | 347643 - 353144 |
500 The 500, 505, 510, 520 are versions of the Mark V which is essentially identical to the Mark 5. | 1958 | 353145 - 355556 |
505 The 500 designation was created to distinguish the original Mark V from later upgraded models. | 1959 | 355557 - 361989 |
510 The upgraded models all had a larger main worktable. The 510 had an improved table/fence system. | 1960 | 361990 - 368970 |
520 The 520 was a further enhanced upgrade to the 510. | 1961 | 368971 - |
Any of the model variations can be upgraded to a later version. | 1962 - 72 | No Data |
This includes the older Greenies and Goldies (The upgrades are table and fence only) | 1973 - 1978 | 1001 - 28653 |
Recently (late 2010) ShopSmith introduced the PowerPro headstock upgrade as well as the new Mark 7 (which is based on the Mark V) | 1979 | 28654 - 50316 |
The PowerPro headstock may be an upgrade even to the ORIGINAL Greenies which had a sand cast headstock. | 1980 | 50317 - 76360 |
The Mark 7 is a modified Mark V that is tiltable on both ends and includes the PowerPro headstock. | 1981 | 76361 - 111916 |
1982 | 111917 - 139577 | |
Other Machines Bearing the Shopsmith Name
Other Units That Have The Name Of Shopsmith On
Them Note: These Units Were NOT Manufactured
By Shopsmith, Inc nor RLFShop LLC.
947 to 1953 10E (Experimental) and 10ER (
Experimental Revised) These Machines were distributed
to Montgomery Wards and many are still in use today.
They had exposed belts and were put on hand made
benches. We have NO repair parts for these tools. An
information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners
manuals and more, can be ordered here.
1958 to 1960 Mark II (5-in-1) This unit was made
exclusively for Montgomery Wards. It was not made of the
same quality as the Mark V. The Mark V Headstock will fit
on the Mark II frame. We have NO repair parts for these
ools. An information packet, including copies of parts lists,
owners manuals and more, can be ordered here.
1960 Mark VII (7-in-1 tool) Included a spindle shaper dust
collection system. The unit could be tilted in either direction.
Plastic racks controlled headstock movement. The Mark V
headstock will fit on the Mark VII frame (the plastic rack must
be removed). It also has a plastic speed control that tends
to melt with extended use. We have very few repair parts for
these tools. An information packet, including copies of parts
lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered here.
1960 (Approx.) Sawsmith (Radial Arm Saw) This was the
best radial arm on the market at the time. Different attach-
ments allowed you to do similar things as the Mark V. We
have very few repair parts for this tools. An information
packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals
and more, can be ordered here.
Shopsmith Mark V/Mark 7 Tool History
Mark V (Model 500) Magna America put this American classic 5-in-1 tool into production in 1953. Since its introduction the Mark V has gone through a series of important upgrades to improve its performance, working convenience and safety.
Today, any Shopsmith owner is able to add any or all of these upgrades to their older machines -- and do it themselves -- to bring their machine up to the latest standards. No other power tool that we know of offers this level of upgrade-ability!
1953 to 1960 -- Greenies
Mark Vs during this period were painted green. These units had a Gilmer Drive System (the inside of the top belt is like a tank track). These units were a single bearing spindle. 3/4 Hp motor was the standard. An information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1960 to 1963 -- Goldies
Brown / Gold / Tan / Anniversary Model machines produced during this period were painted tan/gold. An information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1960 - Poly-V Drive System (the inside of the top belt is a serpentine) introduced, delivering improved belt durability and reduced machine maintenance.
1962 - 1-1/8 HP Motor
The more powerful 1-1/8 HP Motor was introduced. Your can upgrade from a 3/4 hp motor to the more powerful 1-1/8 hp motor. An information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1963 to 1964 -- Gray Crinkle Texture
These were the next units to have the Poly V drive system. An information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1964 -- Was Temporarily Out of Production
The Magna America Corporation relocated and the Mark V went out of production.
1972 -- Shopsmith, Inc. Formed -- Mark V is Back!
In 1972, Shopsmith, Inc was formed and the Mark V was back! The Mark V now remains gray but now has a rougher splatter texture.
1984 -- Two Bearing Quill
In October of 1984 (starting with serial number 190000), Shopsmith upgraded the drive system to the 2-Bearing Quill. Older Poly-V Drive System Mark Vs can be Upgraded to the Two-Bearing Quill for greater stability with less runout and wobble. A Mark V information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1985 -- Mark V Model 510
In 1985, the Mark V Model 510 was introduced with an improved, big 17-1/2" x 22" main table. The table system also includes two floating extension tables along with connecting tubes and telescoping legs to provide over 8 feet of table width. A new larger rip fence with t-tracks for mounting accessories and jigs. Other parts of the upgrade include a see-through upper saw guard (with riving knife and anti-kickback device), lower saw guard with 2-1/2" dust port and more. An Upgrade kit is available to add the larger, more expandable table and fence system to Model 500 Mark Vs. A Mark V Model 510 information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
1991 -- “C” Headstock
1991 Mark V Models were introduced with the “C” Headstock featuring a Red Safety Key Switch.
1999 -- Mark V Model 520 Introduced
In 1999 the Mark V Model 520 (with Pro Fence System was introduced. The Model 520 Pro Fence System features two interchangeable stainless steel scales for direct-reading of rip cut widths... plus... twin locking levers... one for the infeed end of the fence and another for the outfeed end to ensure a positive, precise fence lock-down, even when working with large and / or heavy workpieces. An upgrade kit for the Mark V Model 500, as well as an upgrade kit for the Mark V Model 510, is available to give these advantages to older machines. An information packet, including copies of parts lists, owners manuals and more, can be ordered Here.
2010 -- Shopsmith Mark 7
The Shopsmith Mark 7 adds two additional functions (shaping and routing) to become a 7 function machine and features an electronic speed-change mechanism making it one of the most revolutionary woodworking power tools available anywhere!
The Shopsmith Mark 7 is powered by the revolutionary Shopsmith PowerPro Headstock. The PowerPro's DVR (Digital Variable Reluctance) motor features • More Power (1-3/4 hp at 120V and 2 hp at 240V) • 120V or 240V operation without any adjustments beyond switching the plug on the power cord • Reduced energy usage and emissions over conventional motors • Dual direction capability • Easy-to-use touchpad controls • Quieter operation • Reduced maintenance... and more! Click here to read more about the benefits the advanced Shopsmith PowerPro brings to the Mark 7 and about options for upgrading older Shopsmith machines.
In addition to existing functions, the Mark 7 adds Double-Tilt to bring an under-table option to its Shaping and Routing capabilities. An upgrade is available to bring tilt-both-ways convenience to older Shopsmith Mark V machines.
Information about other machines bearing the Shopsmith name (10E, 10ER, Mark II, Mark VII, and Sawsmith Radial Arm Saw is available here.
