Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 (Tek) 9/26/83; site teklabs.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!lll-crg!dual!qantel!ihnp4!houxm!mtuxo!mtunh!mtung!mtunf!ariel!vax135!cornell!uw-beaver!tektronix!tekcrl!teklabs!bobh 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