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From: bobh@teklabs.UUCP (Bob Hubbard)
Newsgroups: net.rec.wood
Subject: Shopsmith opinions
Message-ID: <3155@teklabs.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 5-Aug-85 19:18:57 EDT
Article-I.D.: teklabs.3155
Posted: Mon Aug  5 19:18:57 1985
Date-Received: Mon, 12-Aug-85 00:15:31 EDT
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 28

I am a Shopsmith Mark V owner so I know of what I speak.  

ADVANTAGES

compactness, variable speeds, high quality of machined parts,
excellent consistency of operations, good support (local supplies,
classes, help), complete list of accessories.

THEORETICAL DISSADVANTAGES

long time for set-up between operations (not significant unless
 you're in some kind of race! Usually less than a minute.)
Individual tools are less of a compromise (I found just the opposite
 since the Shopsmith was of MUCH higher quality than Sears or B&D or
 Rockwell)
High cost of accessories (yes but only proportional to the higher
 quality which in the long run is cheaper. Also, most blades and bits
 etc. are standard sizes.)
Tilting table instead of tilting arbor ( or so I was told. I havent 
 had any difficulties.)

REAL DISSADVANTAGES

Table could be larger. Maybe. There are extensions.
Sorry, I just can't think of any except the initial price.
 At $900+ for five tools, it aint cheap!  If you get past that
 youre in clover.  I have added the molder, jointer and some little
 goodies and would like the bandsaw some day