Replies

1. 
   Danford_C_ | Apr 14, 2002 06:20am | #1

   Well, not knowing what type of projects you are interested in doing, it's impossible to make a qualified recommendation.  'Bout all I can say is that in the table saw mode it's about worthless as teats on a boar hog, unless you are going to do small craft type items.  The "table" is sectional and it's used to set the depth of cut.  The fence is also lousey, haven't seen one yet that locks down even close to in alignment.  The lathe is decent though......

   Dano

   "Form and Function are One" - Frank L. Wright
2. 
   MikeK50 | Apr 17, 2002 03:32am | #2

   McMark,

   The Shopsmith has its advantages as well as disadvantages.  As a Shopsmith owner, I'll try to list as many as I can think of.

   ADVANTAGES

   1. Good quality US made tools.  I have not had a problem in the 10+ years I have owned mine.

   2. Very good in tight spaces (small garages.)  This could be the only viable option in crowded garages.

   3. A lot of functionality for the money; table saw, drill press (vertical & horizontal), 12" disc sander, 34" lathe. 

   4. The horizontal boring function is a feature that can only be attained by an expensive, dedicated machine otherwise.  The Shopsmith performs this function extremely well.

   5. Accessories such as jointer, planer, bandsaw, strip sander, etc., can be added as required.

   DISADVANTAGES

   1. To minimize machine set-up steps from one function to the other, you have to plan your build sequence.  This is normally not a major issue.

   2.  Since the motor is in a fixed position, the table saw table has to be raised or lowered to raised the blade height.  Also, when angled cuts are to be made, the table has to be tilted instead of the blade.  For small work pieces this is no problem, but it can be cumbersome on very large work pieces. 

   I have used mine for many years and have turned out some very fine projects.  However, I have decided to spend the extra (a lot extra) money and buy dedicated machines.  So far, I have bought a cabinet saw and drill press.  I spent almost $3000 for those two items alone.  I got so spoiled with the high quailty of Shopsmith, I can't get myself to buy any of the "cheap" machines.   I have my eye on a dedicated jointer next... another $800-$900.

   My Shopsmith 510 is for sale.  If you happen to live in the Northern CA area, you might want to take a look at it.  Unfortunately, it is not practical to ship.

   Mike

     

1. 
   McMark | Apr 17, 2002 08:02am | #3

   How far north in northern California,  and how much$?  I live in Seattle.

   Thanks

   Mark

1. 
   MikeK50 | Apr 18, 2002 03:06am | #5

   McMark,

   I live in Fremont which is about 45 miles south-east of San Francisco.  According to Mapquest, it is a little over 800 miles.

   I also have the Shopsmith Pro Planer that I might be selling.  This unit is standalone and does not mount on the Shopsmith.  The current price is $1199.99, but if I decide to sell it, I'd like to get $700 for it.  It is very well built and a lot more rugged than the portables that are $400-$500.

   If you are interested in making the trip, please let me know. I would be interested in making a package deal on the whole lot.

   Thanks,

   Mike

   [email protected]

   Description                 Current Price             Sell Price

    

   Shopsmith 510            $2999.99                   

   Bandsaw                        $499.99

   Bandsaw Fence Upgd

     w/Table Ext. &

     circle Cutter                  $115.50

   4” Jointer                        $429.99

   Strip Sander                   $229.99

   Lathe Duplicator          $439.99

   Lathe Dup. Cutters     $15.79 ea

    

                           Total:            $4731.24                    All above for $2250.00

    

   Will sell the following separately:

    

   Power Station                 $524.99                       $375.00

   Dust Collector                $499.99                       $375.00

1. 
   Danford_C_ | Apr 18, 2002 07:11am | #6

   What the hell?  I see this "discussion" has turned into a classifed ad, which there is a folder for, I know that you are aware of this because I checked it.  Obviously you are new here.

   There was a time when a posting like yours would have been deleted by SysOps.  Finally, members of this forum were able to convince Mark and Tim to put in a classified ad folder, this was just about two months ago....So, please take your "sales pitch" into that folder......

   Dano"Form and Function are One" - Frank L. Wright

1. 
   McMark | Apr 18, 2002 07:51am | #7

   Be nice Dano,  he was politely answering my goddamn question!

2. 
   MikeK50 | Apr 18, 2002 08:45am | #8

   Sorry Dano,

   I didn't mean to upset anybody.  I already posted on the classified site and McMark asked.

   By the way... I'm not new here.

   Mike 

3. 
   bekshun | Apr 17, 2002 08:27pm | #4

   McMark,

   I've never owned a Shopsmith but a friend of mine did. He built some nice stuff but said it was very frustrating to work with. Consequently he doesn't do much work anymore. I also notice that a lot of Shopsmiths appear in the classifieds. That might give you some indication. The guy who is selling his seems to fit the bill for the average Shopsmith owner(well made machine,for sale, converting to dedicated machines).

   I own dedicated machines. The one thing I can't stand is to spend 30 minutes setting something up to make one cut, then 30 mintues to make another.

   Bekshun