Which Lathe upgrade?

[jcrusso]

If you can wait for a sale, you can save some of the cost over the regular price. Sign up for email & promotions under the LEARNING heading to get sale information sent to you.

Well, I took your advice and signed up. And now it seems my arm is being bent, because I just got the email that it's on sale...

[jsburger]

It's not limited to just turning but can be used with larger Drill Bits, think Forsner, which slows them down to avoid burning. The Conventional Mark V Headstock runs between 700 and 5200 RPMs.

Scott Markwood from My Growth Rings pointed out that the speed reducer doesn't work great for drilling because it's supposed to be locked down on the way tubes with a bracket assembly and then the quill can't be extended. That wouldn't affect using it in lathe mode.

FWIW, the email add I got today features the Speed Reducer and shows it used for drilling.

[chapmanruss]

At $50 off this is probably the best deal you will find on the Speed Reducer from Shopsmith.

[edma194]

FWIW, the email add I got today features the Speed Reducer and shows it used for drilling.

I'm sure it can be used for drilling. I haven't needed it for that because I have a PowerPro on my drill press. And because I have a PowerPro on my 510 also the only thing I may ever use it for is to run a ball mill at 35RPM or whatever that will turn out to be. So all I was doing was relating the information I had received, and maybe even didn't understand correctly.

[gkillebrew]

I have a Shopsmith MarkV Model 500 1982. I inherited this from my father. I am missing the lathe tool rest and assorted pieces. What tool rest would be compatible with this model? I have also have a couple of other questions.
1. What is the difference between the two?
* Nova G3 Lathe chuck package #556212
•Nova Pro Tek Lathe chuck kit #556221
2. What is the difference between the Lathe cup center # 505716 and the live center #505602?

Thank you.

[chapmanruss]

gkillebrew,

Welcome to the Shopsmith Forum.

Below is a picture of a Lathe Tool Rest Assembly from a Mark V made in March 1982. This is from the original Table System later refered to as the Mark V 500.

_

Lathe Tool Rest 03-82.jpg (110.86 KiB) Viewed 626 times

.
They have the "threaded" Post and a shorter Arm than the other Mark V models 510/505, 520, Mark 7 & Mark 4. The 8" Tool Rest itself is the same for all Lathe Tool Rest Assemblies.

I don't have the Nova Pro Tek Lathe chuck kit #556221 so I cannot tell you the difference between the two. Someone else may provide that information.

As for the difference between the Lathe Cup Center P/N 505716 and the Live Center P/N 505602 the first is also known as a "Dead" Center. It has a fixed cup with a point while the Live Center has a cup mounted to a bearing allowing the cup & point to turn with the item being driven by the lathe. The Live Center reduces the chance of "burning" the end of the item being turned since a free turning Live Center does not create the friction a regular Lathe Cup (dead) Center does. The first picture below is a Lathe Cup Center followed by a Lathe Live Center.

_

505716 w-tube.jpg (19.89 KiB) Viewed 626 times

.

505602 with box Magna Am.jpg (103.37 KiB) Viewed 626 times

.
Let us know if you have any additional questions.

[emmayashri]

It depends on your specific need and preference. If you primarily turn bowls and require slower speeds for larger projects and finishing, the speed reducer upgrade would likely be the biggest improvement for you. However, if you find the stock tool rest inconvenient and struggle with its usability, then the universal tool rest upgrade could greatly increase your overall turning experience.