Knucklebuster

I've been looking at Craigslist for a wood lathe for a while but there hasn't been any that look worth getting. What I see a lot of is Shop Smith Mark V. There's an ad today for one at $150.00. I probably wouldn't use it for anything but lathe work. Never had a lathe before so I don't know if I'd like using one or not, so I don't want to spend too much.

If any one has or had one, would it be a good choice?
Will other brands of chucks, centers, ect fit?

Thanks, KB

JohnnyR

I have had a Shopsmith with all the toys for many years now and although it has been replaced by stand alone tools I still find uses for it as a second setup if I happen to need two of something at the same time. That MK-5 for $150 is a steal of it works and is reasonably complete. See if you can find out what accessories it comes with.

The SS has a proprietary mounting system for blades/chucks but all of it is still available if you have to buy something. As a lathe it is great and has plenty of power on tap with a 1 1/8hp motor and continuously variable speed to boot. If I didn't already have one and wanted one, I'd jump on a Mk-5 for $150. You won't be able to buy much of a stand alone lathe for that price and if you don't like it you will in the very least get your money back by selling it. My .02Cdn

J.R.

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Knucklebuster

Thanks Johnny, I went back to Graigslist after reading your reply yesterday, and it was allready gone. Guess it was a steal.

KB

losttool

I see shopsmiths on craigs list all time, but 150 was a steal!

BloomingtonMike

Variable speed makes it nice as well. I would like to know more on turners opinions of it as a lathe though. I do own a Mark V and it is the lathe I use but I am not a turner by any means. I have been practicing sharpening the tools though.

Best Mark V attachment for me - the 6X48 belt sander - again the variable speed is sweet.