Shopsmith has received, and perhaps continues to receive, a bad rap. My first serious woodworking equipment was a Mark V, and I built some quality stuff with it – a Cherry Quilt Rack, intricate knife holders, and even turned some Cedar Christmas Tree Ornaments. To this day, I believe the Drill Press and Sanding capabilities remain the best I’ve seen. I went to work overseas, and sold all of my equipment.
Where the Shopsmith is seen deficient is when you compare it to a $2,500 table saw with a $500 add-on Fence, or virtually any other high-end stationary equipment which by itself costs as much as the Shopsmith. Also, the table top/work surface and related supports are smaller than most woodworkers are accustomed to.
We all have compromises in our shops – the key is to enjoy the woodworking process of dreaming about a projected; then in a very detailed professional manner, executing the steps to completion. During this process, we use the tools we have.
MJCD
-- Lead By Example; Make a Difference
