Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site linus.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!ell From: ell@linus.UUCP (Edward L. Lafferty) Newsgroups: net.rec.wood Subject: Re: Shopsmith inquiry Message-ID: <767@linus.UUCP> Date: Sun, 26-Feb-84 17:27:20 EST Article-I.D.: linus.767 Posted: Sun Feb 26 17:27:20 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 26-Feb-84 23:29:56 EST References: <284@nbires.UUCP> Organization: MITRE Corp., Bedford MA Lines: 22 Combination machines very seldom will perform as well as machines built for a particular operation. The Shopsmith is a good lathe but a pretty poor table saw. Since the most important woodworking tool is the table saw, you will not very satisfied with Shopsmith for long unless you intend to do only very small work and not very often. The table is small and tilts rather than the arbor as on a normal table saw. For long boards you can't do an angle crosscut because the ceiling or floor get in the way. It is also a pain to change attachments and convert the machine to do the various things. You would like to be able to go from the saw to drill press and back again. With a combination machine you plan your operations so as not to make many changes. Generally, used tools will be a better buy. They are probably old and well made, although you have to be careful that they are accurate and have not been damaged. If you are really cramped for space then a combination tool is OK but you should look at the other choices. They cost more but will be more satisfying in the long run. Better combinations are available, like a jointer, planer and saw. These are much more important tools than a lathe and drill press.