Shopsmith Forums

dusty wrote:Furthermore, looking at this a day later, what does it matter. I truly believe that everyone has a right to their opinion(s) even those who have opinions that differ from mine. When I wrote all of that, I certainly was not practicing what I preach.

Don't get me wrong - I still violently disagree with the Dreamcatcher in most of what he said.

Well Dusty, it does really matter, IMO. If a person is planning to appear as some kind of authority and states a strong opinion, that has an impact on the future opinions of people doing research. I disagreed with dreamcatcher too, especially his comparative pricing, because most of the equipment he compared to was not of the same quality as the Shopsmith. I think it was an unfair comparison. I read your post on that blog with great interest and agreement.
About two weeks ago I built a countertop and laminated it. That was one of the few times, since I upgraded to the 510 table system, that I was unhappy with the SS saw. I did cut the 5 x 12 laminate though after a couple false starts. It was not as easy as cutting on a unisaw, it took me a lot longer to cut the plastic on the SS, but the end result was fine and I'll do it again if/when I have to.
Anyway, I just hope that future researchers don't leave that blog after reading the replies even more confused.
Stay safe everyone

FWIW IMHO I think the 'SS fanboys' have done their thing.
Us fanboys have a reputation of being diehard fanatics.
Tis deserved.

At least we have rational(usually) thought behind that fanaticism!:)

Also a low flashpoint re equally opinionated naysayers!:D

Cool down!;)

I recognized Dream-stomper for what he is when I read his first message... However I will not resort to publicly calling him a "simple twit" (probably)
While I do recognize that type of personality (or lack of) I am a little surprised to find one of those using a name like Dreamcatcher. He gave away his lack of mechanical ability when he spoke of all of that run-out. Gee, a third generation machine showing traces of wear. What is the world coming to?
Still, I will not resort to publicly calling him a "simple twit" (probably).
Having made a poorly thought out statement, which was challenged,he was apparently concerned that some might get the idea that he was a bit of an idiot and so he sat out in following messages to prove them correct. Sadly pouring water in the soup does not make it thicker, it only waters it down.
To thicken the soup a little I would only say that I could have bought pretty much what ever I wanted for my woodshop, within reason. I chose to base it on Shopsmiths... That, after owning and using one since 1988 and having studied them and wished for one since the 1960's. Yes I do have another table saw (actually several old ones) and a RAS and a lot of other tools. I didn't "need" my Rigid TS3650, I just "wanted" it. My 510 was serving me fine (please do not tell my wife) . Dream-stomper would probably also put it down. I love it.
I frequently tell folks that I did not choose Shopsmiths "in spite of" its change-overs but because of them having that ability and flexibility.
With a little imagination the possibilities are absolutely endless. That is why I have 10 of them in my shop (probably 1 or 2 too many).
Dream-stomper is of course entitled to his opinions and to his additional arguments no matter how silly it makes him appear to most of those around him and most of us.
Still, I will not resort to publicly calling him a "simple twit" (probably).

[quote="robinson46176"]I recognized Dream-stomper for what he is when I read his first message... However I will not resort to publicly calling him a "simple twit" (probably)
While I do recognize that type of personality (or lack of) I am a little surprised to find one of those using a name like Dreamcatcher. He gave away his lack of mechanical ability when he spoke of all of that run-out. Gee, a third generation machine showing traces of wear. What is the world coming to?
Still, I will not resort to publicly calling him a "simple twit" (probably).
Having made a poorly thought out statement, which was challenged,he was apparently concerned that some might get the idea that he was a bit of an idiot and so he sat out in following messages to prove them correct. Sadly pouring water in the soup does not make it thicker, it only waters it down.
To thicken the soup a little I would only say that I could have bought pretty much what ever I wanted for my woodshop, within reason. I chose to base it on Shopsmiths... That, after owning and using one since 1988 and having studied them and wished for one since the 1960's. Yes I do have another table saw (actually several old ones) and a RAS and a lot of other tools. I didn't "need" my Rigid TS3650, I just "wanted" it. My 510 was serving me fine (please do not tell my wife) ]
WHAT HAS ME CORNFUSED IS WITH ALL THAT RUNOUT IN DRILL PRESS MODE, How in hades did he use it as a lathe?:rolleyes: That would screw up the TS as well.

Somebody feeling compassion should send him a quill bearing(oh we do not know where to send it!) Pity! Oh well He would probably screw it up anyway.

DreamSTOMPER YA dat's gud!

Gee! Who will be the 'Bashed' tomorrow?

BTW what did Y'all tink of Roy's Chicken leg demo? The man has a sense of humor that I like(Oh My what is all that noise - Chomp Chomp, didn't hurt it a bit Chew Chew)!

I just read and had to comment on the Shopsmith bashing on that site. What's up with these people? I am thinking they have not had any expierence with the machine or they don't understand what the shopsmith was designed for. I have to admit I have never used a MKV, I have a MKVII and I can assure you there is no runout in drill press mode. Infact I have heard it said, and I agree the Shopsmith is one of the best wood working drill presses ever made. I have a Delta Unisaw, its great, and I have a 600 LB Mini Max 12" jointer planer, a great machine but I have not stopped useing my Shopsmith. I appreciate good woodworking equipment. Anyone who compares a Shopsmith to the cheap benchtop tools made in Asia has a profound ignorance of quality tools.

If someone uses a $3,000 cabinet saw, I'm sure they can find plenty of fault with a Shopsmith. Why not? They are vastly different machines. But for the money, you're not going to get all the other tools and versatility.

The criticism is born out of a mismatched comparison. If you are going to review a table saw, compare it to other table saws, a drill press to other drill presses, etc. They just don't compare to a Shopsmith, especially for a hobby woodworker with a 13 square-foot shop. Done.

I love it when other Professional Cabinetmakers trash the Shopsmith. Leaves more of them for me!:D


Seriously I believe that it is born from not taking the time to properly set up and educate themselves on how great this versatile tool is to have in a one or two man shop. As to the before mentioned run out as a drill press all I can say is that his machine must have problems. I have owned 3 floor model drill presses in the past including a 20 inch delta. I sold them all in favor of my Mark V. In my opinion it is the best woodworking drill (both vertical and horizontal) that can be bought for the price of a new Shopsmith. I actually prefer the Mark V table size over the 520 as a drill press.

Now I have worked with some people that can tear up an anvil. Any piece of machinery is no better than the setup and care given it. I take very good care of all my tools and my Shopsmiths give no more trouble than any of my other machines. Just an occasional waxing and oiling of the sheaves. I am sure that they are not for everyone but they are a great addition to my already fully equipped shop, a pleasure to use and are used daily.

I look forward to the day that I can add the new Mark 7 to my shop!:)

mbcabinetmaker wrote:Now I have worked with some people that can tear up an anvil. Any piece of machinery is no better than the setup and care given it. I take very good care of all my tools and my Shopsmiths give no more trouble than any of my other machines. Just an occasional waxing and oiling of the sheaves. I am sure that they are not for everyone but they are a great addition to my already fully equipped shop, a pleasure to use and are used daily.

I look forward to the day that I can add the new Mark 7 to my shop!:)

hahaha "tearing up an anvil" someone told me once that I can screw up a cannon ball.