what do you think about the Shopsmith

[john keyes]

are they any good, does the all in one combo aspect affect the single use capability?

thanks for your replies


 

[stimpylu32]

My little brother has one that I have been trying to talk him out of for some years now , once I used it I knew that it would be mine someday . 

I like the way it can be converted from one tool to another in just a few min. it can go from a lathe to tablesaw to a upright bandsaw and uses very little space .

Not sure I'd spend the $$'s for a new one but a decent priced used one would be very do-able if your into wood working any at all .

stimpy

[DalesCarpentry]

My dad bought me one when I was 18 or so. I did use it some. I guess it was ok. That was a lot of years ago. I have all seperate tools now and I guess I prefer it that way. If you get a good deal on one don't pass it up though. I would consider another. Dale

[WD45]

I have had one for about 30 years now. I can't speak for the current quality but the old stuff was good stuff. One drawback is the size of the table for the table saw is rather small and the drive coupling is prone to trashing out. They are great for small places where you do not have the room to set up seperate machines. If you have the room get seperate machines.

[GRIMJIM]

I have had one for about 30 years now. I can't speak for the current quality but the old stuff was good stuff. One drawback is the size of the table for the table saw is rather small and the drive coupling is prone to trashing out. They are great for small places where you do not have the room to set up seperate machines. If you have the room get seperate machines.

I think that would be my opinion also. I try to stay away from do-it-all types of things. If you really want a quality tool, one that is specialized for a specific job is usually the best way to go. IMO.

Though if you are cramped for space, that might be the way to go for you.