bobh@teklabs.UUCP (Bob Hubbard) (08/06/85)
I am a Shopsmith Mark V owner so I know of what I speak. ADVANTAGES compactness, variable speeds, high quality of machined parts, excellent consistency of operations, good support (local supplies, classes, help), complete list of accessories. THEORETICAL DISSADVANTAGES long time for set-up between operations (not significant unless you're in some kind of race! Usually less than a minute.) Individual tools are less of a compromise (I found just the opposite since the Shopsmith was of MUCH higher quality than Sears or B&D or Rockwell) High cost of accessories (yes but only proportional to the higher quality which in the long run is cheaper. Also, most blades and bits etc. are standard sizes.) Tilting table instead of tilting arbor ( or so I was told. I havent had any difficulties.) REAL DISSADVANTAGES Table could be larger. Maybe. There are extensions. Sorry, I just can't think of any except the initial price. At $900+ for five tools, it aint cheap! If you get past that youre in clover. I have added the molder, jointer and some little goodies and would like the bandsaw some day
dthk@mhuxd.UUCP (D. T. Hawkins) (08/09/85)
I also own a Shopsmith Mark V and can't say enough good about it. In the relatively short time I have owned it (~1-1/2 years), I have learned a lot and have gained a lot of respect for its precision and quality. Yes, the table could be a bit larger, and the tilting table rather than tilting arbor very occasionally gives problems, but the machine is quality all the way. For the occasional basement woodworker like me, it's a delight to work with. The safety features are excellent. I got the bandsaw which is one of the most useful tools I have; I use it a lot. In fact, I just leave the bandsaw mounted on the machine most of the time so that I don't have to take time to mount it--it weighs a fair bit. I have made a cradle and some small toys which I sold to a store. Shopsmith's prices are higher than many other places, but their stuff is usually first class. I went to their store in Albany NY once and was very impressed with it and also how helpful the people there are. I saw a neat tool rack mounted on the front of the machine which I made and find very handy. It keeps the attachments and tools organized instead of scattered around the shop. Only major complaint I have: I was given Shopsmith's Maxi-Clamp for a gift. Don't get it--it's not worth the $49. I haven't been able to do much useful with it. Overall, I am DELIGHTED with my Shopsmith! Don Hawkins AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill NJ (201)-582-6517 ...!ihnp4!mhuxd!dthk
GMW@psuvm.BITNET (08/13/85)
Has anyone been saving all the Shopsmith articles posted here? It seems
to me that the people at Shopsmith would be very interested in hearing the
opinions being expressed here. Maybe they will take a closer look at the
problems with the tilting table once they realize how many of their customers
are unsatisfied with it. Anyone want to USmail them some hardcopy?
George M. Weaver