Shopsmith Forums

Every time I make an improvement in my workshop, I see four more things I want to improve.

I joke that on average, it takes me an additional $500 in tools, and $300 in materials to make a $400 item. Sadly (happily?) this isn't too far from the truth. The fact is that I do woodworking for the satisfaction it brings me, not any imagined "savings."

I'm now at a crossroads. I'd love an Eureka Zone system, I'd love a Power Pro, and I'd love a cabinet saw.

Cabinet saw because there are some things that are tough to do on the SS -- especially cuts that on the SS require a tilted table. But then I think -- hmm -- I might be able to do those with a Eureka Zone system for a fraction of the cost.

THEN.... I think: Hey for that cost, I could get a Power Pro (which I have lusted over since day 1)

Back and forth I go. Rinse, repeat.

As "Lost In Space's" Dr. Smith would say: Oh the PAIN, the PAIN!

I love my power tools and Shopsmith's and especially my Rigid TS-3650 table saw.
In spite of that I am still finding myself drawn more and more to hand tools...

I haven't bothered making a zero clearance insert for anything because when pieces get that small I cut them by hand. I can make a cut by hand and move on while a lot of folks are still making some jig or setting up. I also have come to like the quiet of hand tools.
Some of the hand tool use has been encouraged by my habit of getting up at maybe 4 AM and puttering in the shop. My work bench sits right under the bedroom.


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"The condition of man is war." Sir Thomas Hobbes

Paul,

I bought into the EZ system a couple or three years ago and have zero regrets. I gave my tablesaw away after a year or so of absolutely no use. It took some learning to do things differently and the cost to get well set up was not insignificant. But now I get far better results than I ever did with the tablesaw and is much more flexible, and, most importantly is much safer than the tablesaw.

Roy

paulrussell wrote: I'm now at a crossroads. I'd love an Eureka Zone system, I'd love a Power Pro, and I'd love a cabinet saw.

Cabinet saw because there are some things that are tough to do on the SS -- especially cuts that on the SS require a tilted table. But then I think -- hmm -- I might be able to do those with a Eureka Zone system for a fraction of the cost.

THEN.... I think: Hey for that cost, I could get a Power Pro (which I have lusted over since day 1)

Back and forth I go. Rinse, repeat.

As "Lost In Space's" Dr. Smith would say: Oh the PAIN, the PAIN!

Life is about choices and compromises. I personally don't have a Power Pro or a cabinet saw but I do have Eureka Zone and I've found it very useful. Good luck

I purchased and rebuilt a Craftsman 113.??? 10" saw last winter so that I could use a Dubby sled on it. I like having a larger saw but I think I can make the dubby work pretty well on the SS. The saw cuts great and is really quiet. I have it on a base so I can move it as necessary and keep it out of the way most of the time.

I too lust for the cabinet saw option. Maybe I will/won't. I really think my money is better spent on my SS and a few more upgrades. I have a 510. The only problem is by the time I do Power Pro, double tilt, and 520 I am close to the price of a new machine.

As was said before. Life is full of choices and none are easy. I am learning as I get older that if I don't like the direction I am headed I just stop and start over.

Bob

paulrussell wrote:Every time I make an improvement in my workshop, I see four more things I want to improve.

I joke that on average, it takes me an additional $500 in tools, and $300 in materials to make a $400 item. Sadly (happily?) this isn't too far from the truth. The fact is that I do woodworking for the satisfaction it brings me, not any imagined "savings."

I'm now at a crossroads. I'd love an Eureka Zone system, I'd love a Power Pro, and I'd love a cabinet saw.

Cabinet saw because there are some things that are tough to do on the SS -- especially cuts that on the SS require a tilted table. But then I think -- hmm -- I might be able to do those with a Eureka Zone system for a fraction of the cost.

THEN.... I think: Hey for that cost, I could get a Power Pro (which I have lusted over since day 1)

Back and forth I go. Rinse, repeat.

As "Lost In Space's" Dr. Smith would say: Oh the PAIN, the PAIN!

One thing for sure as long as you sit on the fence you aren't spending money and you don't have buyer's remorse. Two positives.

If you do jump off the fence you will have second thoughts and doubts and less money. two negatives.

So enjoy life and learn to balance better on the then fence.

Ed in Tampa wrote:One thing for sure as long as you sit on the fence you aren't spending money and you don't have buyer's remorse. Two positives.

If you do jump off the fence you will have second thoughts and doubts and less money. two negatives.

So enjoy life and learn to balance better on the then fence.

The $ part I can agree. The other stuff is attitude!

Whats a eureka zone?

reftech wrote:Whats a eureka zone?

http://www.eurekazone.com/