I read many posts that put down the Shopsmith. When someone owns one and says they don’t care for it – end of discussion. We all have our own opinions. But when I hear someone spewing erroneous information for the sake of putting down the Shopsmith or any other equipment it tends to rub me the wrong way.
I am open for comments, however. Does anyone have any really constructive, meaningful comments about why they would never have a Shopsmith and why I should never purchase one?
Replies
I cannot say that I would never have a Shopsmith since I did have one (circa 1980) for about 21 years. I ended up selling it several years ago since it had pretty much been relegated to lathe use only and I ended up with a Oneway.
Having a Shopsmith has both pros and cons. I will say that during the entire time I had it, it never gave me one lick of trouble and was very reliable. It was also very mobile, compact, and can easily be moved aside for, of all reasons, park a car in the shop. Now I have not idea why anyone would want to do that but it does happen. All multi-function machines have limitations and compromises. Some considerations are:
I don't consider the above discussion items a put-down. The Shopsmith is what it is. I would not be so presumptuous to tell anyone what to buy or what not to buy. That is your choice since only you know what is best for you and your situation.
Steve
For disclosure I have a 520: From your comments I can tell you have had a 500, a lot has changed since then (of course you could have upgraded it).
1. The table is much larger and the extensions and mitre slide solve these issues.
2. They now sell standard 5/8" arbors so you can mount any blade
3. The new fence is much larger and locks front and rear and includes a rip scale
4. There is now extra legs got the from of the drill press to prevent the flex
5 The new fence has T-slots for mounting hold downs and accessories
6. The new blade guard now works with the dust collector and has a dust collection port
7 There are several answers to the, the standard tool rest has replaced the set screws with knobs (no Allen wrenches necessary) and they have a new 35 LBS tool rest assembly () that is as good as any lathe. It moves on multiple axis (without tools) and you can get 3rd part rests because the post is the same size as other common lathes.I respect your decision but I felt it necessary to point out to others reading this that many of this issue people complain about have been solved many years ago and people need to take another look.
Edited 11/10/2007 1:58 am ET by PaulMCohen1
Hi Paul,
You are correct that I had a model 500. I looked at the new table and fence system at a demo about 12-15 years ago. I think this was the model 510. Yes, I could have upgraded but, the approximate $900 pricetag was way too steep for what it was and did not resolve all the limitations. I don't recall whether it had leg supports to prevent table flex at the demo and am pretty sure the lathe tool rest was the same as what I already had. Given the number of lathes I have either owned or used (7 different brands), I am doubtful to the claim that the Shopsmith toolrest is 'as good as any lathe' but respect it as your opinion.
I am glad Shopsmith continues to refine their design and have addressed several of the issues I had with the machine. If I recall correctly, I was not complaining about Shopsmith and just responded to the OP about limitations and experiences that I had with the machine. I do not provide criticism of machines or tools which I have not personally owned or used sufficiently to provide a fair and balanced assessment. While I have no doubt that some of these issues have been resolved in more recent models, it is also important to point out that there is a tremendous used market for the earlier models for which these issues do still exist. Unless Shopsmith undergoes a major redesign, I don't see how they can overcome the limitations of the tilting table. IMHO this is the most severe limitation of the Shopsmith.
Steve
I do understand your comment regarding the tilting table. At first I had problems with that too. Now, however, it is very seldom an issue and if something comes up where it is - I just secure the table to one or both of the extension tables. By doing this, the table is flat, twice as large and solid as a rock.
Whenever I rip sheet materials I set up this way. In so doing, the table is wide enough to accomodate a 48" sheet and with my outfeed table attached, it is also long enough. Roller stands would also work but I don't care for those. The outfeed table is to easy to attach.
When doing sheets goods I also use an extension on my rip fence so that the material is up against a guiding edge for about 24" past the blade.
Yes, Shopsmith is a little pricey but I believe the return comes in "longterm support" and equipment reliability. The quality of the Shopsmith itself makes it possible for the many 2nd, 3rd and 4th generation machines that are out there. In about 10 years, my machine will be a 4th generation machine. My grand kids are trying now to take parts of the shop away for their own use. I find it very interesting when the three girls begin to discuss why the grandson shouldn't get it all.
The picture of the tool rest improvement I was referring to can be found here http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/images/NewLatheToolRest.jpgwith a description herehttp://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/catalog/l_univlathetoolrest.htmThere are two holes to connect the actual rest, 3/4" or 1", the 1" one accepts rests from several different manufactures. I use the modular tool rest system from Packard Woodworkshttp://www.packardwoodworks.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=lathes-acc-toolrst-mtrs
Refer to the thread - "What's your one piece of po....." now running. Several posters refer to the Shopsmith as their favorite tool. You can get some good ideas from both the pros and cons.
Edited 11/9/2007 9:30 pm ET by tinkerer2
Hey, I have one! Its primarily used for sanding and the lathe now, but when I had a super small shop space it was perfect. Its a pain to do the change over, but when you can't hardly turn around, its perfect. I love the horizontal boring feature. And it's as good today as it ever was. I had the Mark V model 510. It was a hassle to reset the leg extensions every time you needed to adjust the blade height. I still say if you don't have much space and only 110, its perfect. I would never buy one new now, because you can pick one up used for less that half price. So no, no bad mouthing, I just have the space and money to have individual pieces of equipment now.
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
I have to second what you say. I don't use mine as much now as I have more room and have added some singular/dedicated tools.
I think for the $ involved today I probably would not buy the Shopsmith again. Their add-ons/attachments are very pricey in my book. Service and quality are top notch and that is a strong consideration.
Getting used to sequences and set up/tear down took a bit of thought but became easier as I grew to know the machine better. ...The unspoken word is capital. We can invest it or we can squander it. -Mark Twain...
Be kind to your children....they will choose your nursing home.
...aim low boys, they're ridin' shetland ponies !!
The Shop Smith is a well made tool. I've been trolling this forum for years and I can't recall anyone doubting its quality or ability. It will do all that it claims to do. The simple truth is that not everyone wants, or needs to make the compromises necessary to base their shop around a Saw Stop. However a lot Saw Stop owners do seem to be overly defensive of their tool, along with Festool, Incra and radial arm saw users.
That ought to stir things up!
Pardon my spelling,
Mike
Make sure that your next project is beyond your skill and requires tools you don't have. You won't regret it.
dw ,
Obviously there are many different vintages and models with different features . Much depends on your needs and the types of works you want to do .
The Shopsmith may not be the tool if you decided to build say kitchen cabinets or a house full of case works .
But , I will tell you this , a friend of mine owned a smallish factory years ago and would drive many hours to find old SSs and essentially he wanted the drill press function . He had multiple drill presses set up to each do one particular operation with no change overs needed .
He told me with the 2 guide rails the SS was by far his favorite and in his opinion the best drill presses he could buy .
btw very nice name you have if I do say so myself
dusty
>> Does anyone have any really constructive, meaningful comments about why they would never have a Shopsmith and why I should never purchase one?
What's the point of this post? Are you actually considering a shopsmith or just trolling?
Pete
We all have our own opinions.
I have MANY opinions.. However, I never got a Shopsmith but I was almost ordering one and then the first child came along and I thought.. I must feed the child to keep the wife happy!
I'd say if you like the tool. Who cares what others think..
I have expensive tools AND alot of inexpensive tools.. I have junk on both sides!
The inexpensive tools are easier to part with!
EDIT: I'm not saying the Shopsmith is either.. Just.. If you like the tool USE IT!
Edited 11/11/2007 4:34 am by WillGeorge
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