Shopsmith Forums

check out the Sawdust session http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm
the Sawdust Sessions will help you understand the SS

what I like best about the SS is the variable speed control.

on stand alone units - 1 speed on table saws

to maybe up to 5 speeds - drill press, jointers, lathes, sander, etc.

having the variable speeds - does make the work easier by adjusting the speed (faster or slower). The SS will work with you once you learn how to use it.

different woods act different when cutting, turning, drilling, sanding, etc.

each power tool acts diffently and you have to learn how to use them the best you can.

Know what the SS can do for you is half the battle,

This youtube video is a great introduction to these machines. It takes 30 mins or so to watch it, but I think it is well worth it ...

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-SvTOOUgwQ[/youtube]

JMHO

Despite the issues I'm having with the new PowerPro head, I would still whole heartedly recommend a ShopSmith. Unless you have a great big shop, it's the easiest way to get all the basic tools you need to get started and you can expand as your budget and skill requires. I thought the alignment process was quite easy due to the great instructions that come with it.

I've had mine since 1997, have upgraded the fence/rails and added the lift assist kit (essential for us old farts with back backs) and have had a ton of fun with it. My shop space is small so there is no way I could have separate tools for all those functions and still get in the shop and make anything so the SS is a great deal for me.

My wife refers to it as being my "Mr. Potatohead" tool

A SS definitely offers the most woodworking functionality for the space. I am a firm believer that there is nothing that cannot be built with one. Most of the time the reason given for using a SS is economy of room but it really goes beyond that. Assuming there is room free standing tools can offer speed as there is no setup time. But for many of who are not trying to make a living at it the time is not an issue. In fact the set up for me is half the fun. You can buy or make free standing tools that perform many of the SS functions but there are a few things that the SS will allow you to do that you will be very hard pressed to find another tool that will. You won't be disappointed in buying a SS.
Paul

So on the first page I said yes depending on price, Iwill say the same, go for it and here is why
http://www.shopsmith.com/ss_forum/viewt ... #post63184

You're pretty much going to get a 'Yes' on should you from everyone here.

What you may not be prepared for now (and that's ok) is your second Shopsmith! Ok... it's addictive and there is something very fulfilling about restoring one, whether it is your first or not. Knowing or learning a good bit about them as you are doing, is the correct path for many.

Do post some pictures.... they are like children to most of us!

Blessings in your search.

Everett

BuckeyeDennis wrote:

Tylor83 wrote:http://dayton.craigslist.org/tls/5356681881.html

Hi Tylor83, I live in the Columbus area. I've been monitoring Shopsmith stuff on Craigslist daily for several years, and Dayton postings show up on Columbus searches even if I don't expand the search area. So I'm pretty familiar with your local market.

That greenie listed at $550 is on the high end, price-wise. With patience, you could get one like it for about half that much, but it might take a while. If you don't want to wait, offer him $350 and see what he says.

If you have a little bigger budget, there is a good deal on the list right now -- a pristine looking Model 520 at an asking price of $1000. That's not a steal, but it's a bargain. You'd spend more if you bought that greenie and then upgraded it. And as it's been listed for a couple of months (surprisingly), the seller might come down a bit.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/tls/5290631245.html

520.jpg

This Craigslist posting is a SCAM. The same ad was run in Iowa and Minnesota about a month ago. It contains the exact picture and description.

A resounding yes you should by a Shopsmith. Evan if I had all the space I wanted for a shop and any choice of tools I would still have a Shopsmith. There is so much you can do with these machines and the quality is excellent. If you don't want to buy new you should be able to find one on craigslist or even ebay if one is listed close to you. If at all possible my recommendation is to look for a Mark V 510. (but not the one posted in front of the white garage door with brick. It is a scam) The table system is so much better plus you probably won't have to do much repair if any since it will be newer. It will also have a much better guarding and dust collection.

Recently I was at Woodsmith in Des Moines, IA and was shocked at the prices for the machinery such as table saws, drill presses, and sanders. It makes a Shopsmith seem like a bargain.

As for the main complaint of changing from one operation to another, I am working for relaxation and am not in a hurry. I also enjoy the change over because of all the great set-ups you can make.

As others have said it can be addictive if you truly embrace the machine.