Dansmith wroteI just saw this add in craigslist (asking price of $650) for a Sawsmith 2000. I was impressed. I did not know that Shopsmith made a stand alone cabinet like table saw. Any of our forum members have one? Sure looks nice.
There are several versions of that 2000, depending on the table. There are virtually no parts available, and one key part tends to break. The motor is a unique piece, and I have not found a re-builder for them yet. It doesn't mean they aren't out there, I just haven't found them.
I did get a fairly decent copy of the Sawsmith 2000 manual (reproduction) from Shopsmith that was left over from documents that one of the previous companies named "Shopsmith" left.
I too almost bought one about a year ago, with the Ultra Table for $400. It was bought new, and used about 10 hours. Based on what I found, I still passed. I am not building a Shopsmith museum like collection.
I am not saying buyer beware, I am just saying buyer be aware. Search out some reviews of the machine when it was being produced. The plastic tilt lock is prone to break and not available. With 3D Printing and newer casting technologies, someone may make a reproduction of the tilt lock. Again, I have not found them either.
The unit is difficult to keep aligned, and if you notice the picture for the blade insert track, you will note it is really long.
Why? That is because it works somewhat like an upside down radial arm saw, and yes Shopsmith further back in the day made a radial arm saw as well.
Everett
