Shopsmith Mark 2 - the good, the bad and the ugly

[bobgroh]

I came close to buying a SS Mark 2 here in town - primarily because it had a bandsaw and a jointer attachment and because there might be a few small parts for my herd of Mark V's. However I talked myself out of it when I reviewed what the Mark 2 really was - e.g. not well built, compatible regarding it's ability to use standard SS accessories like the bandsaw, not compatible in many other respects, etc.

Yeah, I could make a few bucks ($100 or so) by restoring the bandsaw and jointer (neither of which I need) but the hassle just didn't seem worth it.

So, and here is the point (finally!!) of my posting, just how bad is the Mark 2? Good points, bad points, talking points, etc. Thanks.

[dusty]

I came close to buying a SS Mark 2 here in town - primarily because it had a bandsaw and a jointer attachment and because there might be a few small parts for my herd of Mark V's. However I talked myself out of it when I reviewed what the Mark 2 really was - e.g. not well built, compatible regarding it's ability to use standard SS accessories like the bandsaw, not compatible in many other respects, etc.

Yeah, I could make a few bucks ($100 or so) by restoring the bandsaw and jointer (neither of which I need) but the hassle just didn't seem worth it.

So, and here is the point (finally!!) of my posting, just how bad is the Mark 2? Good points, bad points, talking points, etc. Thanks.

I have no first hand knowledge but this comes from the Shopsmith web site and tells me everything I would need to know.

Ooops-----Here is what I was trying to link to.

[heathicus]

I would still love to have one (and a Mark VII) for my "collection."

[------------------------]

Hey guys!
I have had both the II and VII. I paid $35 for the II, and it was the biggest piece of #%@- that I have ever owned. It was about 1/3 the weight of an ER and very flimsy. After making 2 cuts on the table saw, I could not sell it fast enough. The only good thing about it was that I was able to sell it for $265 (probably because it was green)
The VII that I bought (completly dis-assembled and in about 10 boxes) was a great machine. The tables were bigger than my V and it seemed faily sturdy. I heard that due to the placement of the pivot point, the drill press is lower than you would like it.
Mark

[greitz]

If I could make 750% profit off each Mark II, I'd like a couple of warehouses full of them.... Hope the profit on your II bought you a couple of toys for your V or VII, Mark!

Gary

[------------------------]

Hey Gary!
The profit from the II & VII bought me two MarkV's:D
Mark

[jayhawk]

Bob, you forgot to mention that the Mark 2 comes with a free weedeater! LOL! That just might be the best part of that deal.

[bobgroh]

And darned if the seller didn't go and lower the price to only $150! Just have to resist!

[dlbristol]

WOW what a coincidence, I just found one at my neighbors house and was not sure ( name plate missing) what it was,googled it and bam here I am!! I was sure this was not a SS, just by looking at the legs. Neighbor is going to scrap his, " SS parts are just to #$%$#@ expensive". I now know that they won't work anyway. I think I will offer him scrap $$ and see if I can salvage the jacobs chuck on it. The motor is a transplant and might be useful for another application. The chuck is the only " accessory " on it. One of the wooden "tubes" is split, and adjusting this thing even as a drill press looks like more work than a change over!
I guess I could break even at $15or so! The rest I would donate to anyone that wants it. Assuming I get it!

[rpd]

Here is a link to a bit more information about the Mk II

http://shopsmith-tool-hunter.blogspot.com/2007/05/shopsmith-mark-ii.html