Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84 exptools; site cbuxc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbuxc!jrm From: jrm@cbuxc.UUCP (John Miller) Newsgroups: net.rec.wood Subject: Re: Shopsmith query Message-ID: <363@cbuxc.UUCP> Date: Mon, 11-Nov-85 09:52:44 EST Article-I.D.: cbuxc.363 Posted: Mon Nov 11 09:52:44 1985 Date-Received: Tue, 12-Nov-85 04:27:39 EST References: <124@slu70.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories - Columbus Comp. Center Lines: 60 > Having depended primarily on hand tools for some time (with the exception > of a router, sabre saw and drill) I'm considering purchasing some larger > power tools to reduce some of the drudgery involved in cutting large > pieces of wood (especially ripping) as well as turning and other things > that pretty much require power tools. As purchasing a separate table saw, > jointer, lathe, etc., requires considerable space as well as expense, I'm > considering a Shopsmith..... I have a Shopsmith. I have had no problems with accuracy - it can be set up to be very accurate and consistent. However, I have some reservations about the machine and some praises, I will summarize below: - as a lath, it is not too bad, it has some nice features like variable speed, bowl turning off the end, etc. My biggest problem with it is the weight, it jumps around if I attempt to turn something large. - as a horizontal drilling machine, it works very well, but, a doweling jig and a hand drill works just as well. - as a disc sander, it can't be beat - it does some real neat stuff, esp. the table which can be moved in all 3 planes. - as a drill press, it is very good for wood, but look out for drilling holes in metal > 3/8" in diameter. The machine cannot be slowed down enough and it again is too light - it jumps around. - as a table saw - it is a real poop. Yes it is accurate, but set up time is terrible and the saw table size is way too small (note that they are now selling a Mark V Pro to address this problem - but it still too small). - as a shaper (optional attachment), it is OK, but still a bit too light and too slow. I get a rough cut in some cases esp. hardwood. - the jig saw attachment works well, I like the variable speed, but the "neck" size is limited (the overarm to saw blade clearance). - the jointer attachement works well, but I do have problems with long boards, it is too short (22"). - I have not purchased the bandsaw because of it's size, I consider 14" to be a minimum. In summary, I bought mine as a demo, all my attachments except the jig saw were bought used (the jig saw was on sale). I bought a 1950's Sears 10" table saw (which I will NEVER give up) to compensate for the shopsmith table saw and I have a separate drill press for drilling metal. I will probably purchase a floor model bandsaw in the future. Or build one of the Giliom (sp) kits - bty has anyone build one of these kits? I will keep my shopsmith because of it's strong points, but, if I ever win the lottery, I would probably give it away to some aspiring woodworker. j.r. miller, at&t bell labs, columbus, oh, us of a