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