What first attracted me to the Mark V was the space-saving benefit. Thirty years later when I finally got a Mark 7, space wasn’t really an issue. I could have outfitted my shop with individual machines. But I went for the Shopsmith. Why?
Well some folks won’t understand this, but my mind is always racing. I have to keep it busy. So woodworking could end up being too relaxing for me. I have been lurking on the forum for years. So I know that the Mark V often presents challenges, and opportunities to think outside the box. This really appeals to me. If woodworking becomes too easy, it won’t be woodworking anymore. We’ll just be throwing wood in one end of the machine, and pulling tables, chairs, and the like out the other end. The Shopsmith keeps us on our toes. We need to plan ahead, and be innovative.
And.... It is amazing what beautiful pieces have been created in the corner of the basement, or back of the garage.
I soon discovered that going with the Shopsmith was definitely the right move for another reason. I have 6 Sons, and 2 Grandsons. I have been informed by each that he has a project in mind, and is anxious to get into the shop. Along with my M7, I now have a MV-520, MV-510, MV-500, and an MVII. Plus several standalone tools, both Shopsmith and other brands. Several of us can work in the shop, and still have enough drill presses, lathes, table saws, etc to go around.
Don’t tell Bonnie, but I have my eye on a 50th anniversary 510 with band saw, "just unpacked".
