I found a Shopsmith Mark VII on Craig's List that needed a little TLC and got it for a really good price - I just couldn't pass it up!

The way tubes were rusted and there was corrosion all over the aluminum parts, but the motor ran good and it was well worth the price so I paid for it and threw it in the back of my van!

What I like about the Mark VII over the other Shopsmith versions is that all four way tubes tilt rather than just the two that normally tilt (like on the Mark V). The Shopsmith is already sturdier than a drill press with it's two supports, but with four I'm even sturdier!

Check out the before pictures...

and some after pictures...

it's hard to tell from the pictures but the rust was very bad on the way tubes and wouldn't even slide - but now (other than the rust stains) the way tubes are very smooth and the head slides very nicely back and forth :) and I cleaned all the corrosion off the aluminum parts and they are like brand new! The Shopsmith Mark VII cleaned up very nicely...

Keep your eye out for my new woodworking projects! Every time I make something I'll post it up here!

I also plan on adding a CNC accessory to this so I can work the lathe via CNC - I'll have to build it from scratch though, because it doesn't exist right now - but I'll post that as soon as I start it! :)