woodburner wrote...Maybe it is time for Shopsmith to update and offer a more modern system. Electronic controls, better safety off switches, different size HP motors, spiral cutterheads in the jointer and planer, removable tailstock with an adjustable morse taper like a standard lathe has, electronic variable speed with electronic readout. The list can go on and on.
Why the updates? Because that is what the single-purpose tool makers are offering. They are continuely updating their products and that is what makes the sales. I hate to say it, but when someone says, and actually brags about, how Shopsmith hasn't changed their basic model for more than fifty years, it makes me kringe.
Here's an example of that: How many of you would prefer to buy a new computer that hasn't changed or been updated for 30 years, or will you rather buy one that has all the latest technology built into it?...
I disagree first most single purpose tools were/are designed 50 years ago. Look at a Delta contractor saw, or the Unisaw. They basically look like they did 50 years ago. Perhaps a different name or a different fence but the saw basically is the same.
I have enough electronics that can't be fixed now, I don't need more. I think we have all heard the horror stories of people that had their car computer go out and the cost of fixing it. Thanks but no thanks, not in a shop filled with dust, heat and high humidity.
As for more horse power my question is why? I haven't been able to use what I already have. Spiral cutters are nice but pricey. I would like a better on/off switch. As for morse tapers and such I don't do enough turning that it bothers me perhaps if I did it would.
As for the analogy with computers, I think your missing the point, tools have changed, it has gone from flint axe heads, to hand powered saws, to powered saws. Perhaps one day we will all own a laser cutter that bores, rip and crosscut and can be set to shave down wood on the lathe before it.
I still think Shopsmith is fighting the mine is bigger, faster, heavier than yours battle and is losing. The first thing rookie woodworkers are taught by the "experts" is it must be big, it must be heavy, it must be cast iron, it must have at least a zillion horse power.
I saw some talking about moveability. I have read, what I saw as horror stories of guys disassembling 5 horse power Unisaws and sliding the pieces down basement stairways. Their stories were met with praise and admiration from their fellow woodworkers. I guy that believes he must have a 5 hp Unisaw to cut 3/4 ply to build his birdhouses does not care about moving the beast.
I have seen talk about space. While that is a consideration I have two friends that have full shops with individual pieces and to use any they must wheel them out to the drive. I show them my SS and the first thing out of their mouths is, it doesn't have 3 hp and any cast iron so it can't be any good.
Fact is I know guys that would rather have a Unisaw buried under tons of junk and not be able to use it because cleaning out the mess would be a 2 week task rather than have a SS that they could use whenever they needed.
Why? Because it has "POWER" and "CAST IRON" and Norm has one and Norm said you should buy your saw first, it should have the most HP you can afford and should be built out of Cast iron. Woodworker rookie listens, goes to HD, there he sees they have a Cast IRON "Contractor" (must be professional) saw for less than $600 bucks. Ain't a UNisaw like Norms but it is big and cast iron and called a contractors saw so it has to be good.
Most interesting part. HD only sells their contractor saws from pictures. They took the floor models out about a year ago. Today if you want one you look at the picture, and buy the box. No demo, no touch, no playing with the fence.
Shopsmith has got to get a presence where people see them as a viable way to get into woodworking. I still believe SS needs to sponsor a New Yankee Woodworker type show.
Justaned
