On Tue, 2 Aug 2005 18:50:33 -0500, "Ronald L. Schloss"
wrote:

Anyone care to comment on the effectiveness of a Shopsmith??

Ron Schloss

I think it depends on your needs and the space available, Ron..

I got my 2nd SS in 81, after losing the 1st one in a divorce..
If you have limit space and/or are just getting into woodworking, I think it's
an excellent tool... with the basic "starter" package, you can learn to use the
table saw, drill press, lathe, disk & drum sander, etc... also excellent as a
router for some work..

Like anything else in life, it has good and bad points, mostly because it isn't
really a dedicated tool but adapts to several uses.. table saw is great for
small stuff, but large stuff is better cut with cir. saw and guides than on the
SS.. it is nice to adjust your cut by either moving the fence or the blade,
(using drill press quill), but it's a bitch to come back later and try to get
the same setup for another cut..
It's the best drill press I've ever used.. variable speed, adjustable, tilting
table with rip & miter fences, etc... that's mostly what I use my SS for, now
that I have more space and several stand-alone tools.. I find that I mostly use
it as a Horizonal. DP... takes up less height and has the 12" sanding disk on
the rear shaft, using the accessory table..

If you can find a used one, it's always better... not just because the machine
is cheaper, but the seller has most likely bought add-ons and accessories...
Should it need service, rebuilding, etc., anyone with basic tool skills can do
it, and SS stocks all parts and has good support with instructions, tips, etc..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing