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| Forum topic by Napaman | posted 575 days ago | 4302 views | 1 time favorited | 36 replies | ![]() |
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575 days ago |
Topic tags/keywords: tool shopsmith mark v 510 520 Finishing up the school year quick—-24 days! And spending my free time building a picnic table and watching a lot of woodworking videos. In one of the video series I have borrowed from the library the hosts use a machine by “Shop Smith” called the “Mark V”. It has a table saw, lathe, drill press, jointer ( i think) and a boring tool… My question is…has anyone used this product and what recommendations or criticisms… The space in my shop is limited…which is one of the advantages to this machine…and the fact that you would be getting five shop tools in one…my concerns are whether this is a gimmick or a quality machine the I will be able to use for many years. Right now my skills are limited but growing. With summer coming I plan to be doing A LOT of building. I am planning to take some classes so I may wait until i take those…but thought I would get all the LJ’s advice… The first set of tools I bought last summer were Ryobi Bandsaw, Ryobi Router Table and Router, and Ryobi Table Saw. One issue I have is that I have a hard time getting the table saw sqare——which obviously is an issue when trying to keep cuts straight. I am not rich—-and this machine would be expensive. But my idea is that I would be able to save money in the long run as my skills would grow and I could utilize the machine…and since I dont have the space for five seperate machines this may be the way to go…Right now I dont have plans use a lathe—-however…as my skills grow I know this would be a fun tool I would love to learn…but all the other tools I could use right away… Ok…thoughts on the Mark V series…or any other tool advice…thanks!! -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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575 days ago |
I have a friend with one. The biggest knock that I know of is the time needed to set it up when you change from machine to machine. Shopsmiths have been around for a long time and have a loyal following. There are a number of LumberJocks that use them. You might try searching LumberJocks for the term shopsmith. Every year at the California State Fair in Sacramento the Shopsmith guys come to town and demo. That would be a good way for you to see the sales pitch. It is perhaps an hours drive for you? Also if you check CraigsList and search for shopsmith. There are normally quite a few for sale and for a lot less than a brand new one. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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575 days ago |
Matt, I was looking at the ShopSmith because I too had very little space to work with in the beginning. I think you should check out my workshop photos. In them you will see the SuperShop built be Smity. It makes the ShopSmith look like a toy. It weighs 450 lbs and is a tablesaw, lathe, horizontal and vertical drill press and overhead router and/or molder(with the purchase of molder bits). I also purchased the 6” jointer(I would suggest a seperate jointer if you can afford and have the space) and 12” bandsaw ( which is fine for crafts, but not resawing). The thing about setup is that you have to learn to complete all functions (sawing, drilling, lathe work, jointing, bandsawing, etc.) before moving on to the next step, otherwise you will spend a lot of time with setup. What I like most about the setup with the SuperShop vs. ShopSmith is that the SuperShop uses a collet to hold the shafts for the saw blade, drill chuck, lathe chucks, etc.; where as the ShopSmith uses allen screws and wrenches. The collet is fast and there’s no slipping with it. The tablesaw table is small on both and since the table adjusts up and down instead of the blade there is little in a permanent fix that you can do, even though it comes with an auxiliary table that goes on either end to help when crosscutting plywood and long boards. The SuperShop is varible speed from 32 to 7200 rpms and uses a DC motor with a three pulley belt arangment for various speed selections. Right now they are having a sale: $2880. You can check it out at, www.Smity.com, go under tools and pick SuperShop for the details. I do not work for or have any connection with SuperShop besides owning one. -- Jesus is Lord! |
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575 days ago |
I have been planning a shop for about 5 years acively and had really considered a shop smith. Considering how full of tools my shop has become I can definatly see the benefit. I will tell you that the reason I did not go that way is the time required to change between tools seemed unworth the effort and a hindrance to getting work done. Overall I would say that the tool is going to be better quality on average than what you already have. AAAAAAAAAAND FINALLY I would say that you need to watch ebay etc as it seems that the cost of a machine with 4 attatched tools is about the same as having 7 tools. I have seen some deals… looks like many times there will be a sale due to a move or a death and the seller oftentimes has no idea what they have. -Drew -- Drew, Pleasant Grove, Utah |
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575 days ago |
I had a Shopsmith for years. Somethings I liked somethings I don’t. I bought the stands for the bandsaw and for the jointer. That way you don’t to put the saw and jointer on the main frame. It take up more room but if you forget to do something or damage something you don’t tear everthing and set up again. The moter is underpowered if you cut oak I overcame that by using a amaller blade. I sold mine but I have a ringmaster that I would like to sell to a Shopsmith owner. The table is too small and too high off the floor. I should have filmed my efforts to use stand and cut a large panel, I could have sent it to America’s funny viveos.LOL -- Morris Wallace Seffner Fl. www.woodwork@tampabay.rr.com |
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575 days ago |
I own 3 shopsmiths, 2 older 10ER models and 1 Mark 5. You’ll probably find a real split between Smith users and separate tool users, and since I use one, I’m going to be biased, but here goes. -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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575 days ago |
Napaman, I forgot to mention that on the SuperShop, it will handle 8”, 10” and 12” blades and it also has the 12” sanding disc. -- Jesus is Lord! |
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574 days ago |
I’ve heard a lot of critics about these machines, but many don’t seem to have a ton of experience with one. Basic Economics teach that when you try to do too many things at once, you don’t have the best quality individually in most instances. I can’t back that up as I have limited knowledge. My gut says that the individual machines would be better as all of the production aspects are focused on one operation. This would definitely be a product I’d have to try before buying. Check the local clubs for a friendly neighbor! If their like me, they like showing off their tools and won’t mind you test driving them. -- Jeff, South Carolina |
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573 days ago |
I picked up the 10ER on Craigslist – the original 1952? prototype model. There are things I love about it, and some things that aren’t as efficient as a dedicated machine. I don’t regret the purchase at all, It has allowed me access to a lathe, tablesaw, disc sander, spindle sander, drill press, scroll saw (unused as of yet) 4” jointer (also unused – can’t figure out how to put it together so that it will operate safely, I may be missing a guard or other key part.) The previous owner who inherited it from his Dad was moving cross country and couldn’t take it with him. He did build his kitchen cabinets with it. There are seemingly lots of people selling off thiers for parts on eBay. What’s nice is that an older model can be bought for the cost of one dedicated machine, so all the other add-ons are a bonus, and you don’t have to feel guilty about using them or not. You can also upgrade an older one with a newer moter unit, or accessories. I mostly use mine as a lathe and a horizontal boring machine, (6’ ceiling a hair to short to be a vertical drill press, but possible if I align it between the floor joists overhead. One disadvantage for lathe use is that you have to slide the heavy motor portion to chuck a spindle, rather than the tailstock. It really doesn’t take that long to switch between accessories and set-ups, but I do find myself not wanting to switch back and forth. Also there are some ergonomic compromises with an all-in-one machine. A hair too high to be a tablesaw, a tad too low for the lathe (If you’re 6’ tall that is). Thankfully I have a tablesaw so I’m not bouncing back and forth between operations all that much. All that said, I still don’t regret the purchase and it is a really well built machine. Runs well, balanced, quiet. I’d keep it for the tasks it can do, and it’s versaitility. It’s helped show me which machines I really need, and which I can get by without. -- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/ |
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573 days ago |
Scott (and others who might own an old 10ER machine), theres a great Yahoo “10ER users group” that’s very useful to help with problems, or to optimize the use of the machine. Just go to Yahoo, then groups, then search for 10ER users. -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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573 days ago |
that’s funny SST… and you’re right. I can manage an hour at the lathe, but beyond that my lower back doesn’t like it much. oh, and thanks for the mention of the Yahoo group. I never looked to see if there was one. -- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/ |
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572 days ago |
I have used the Shopsmith Mark V primarily (though have used the 10ER some, too). I have almost every Special Purpose Tool available. I can’t imagine getting that many separate tools into my shop. A couple of myths: And a couple of valid gripes: (by the way, here’s some pictures my Shopsmith setup if it would help you to see it “in action” – http://lumberjocks.com/jocks/hops/workshop) -- † Hops † |
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572 days ago |
As if we haven’t talked this subject to death, here’s some more. On the lathe being too light, I think that might be an issue on the Mark 5 because they made that model lighter than the old 10ER by going from cast iron to aluminum and thin wall high strength tubes, but the 10ER is not too light, in my opinion, it’s a brute. But, of course, it’s strength is also it’s weakness, as it’s not as easy to move about as the Mark 5. -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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568 days ago |
I added a shelf and drawer for storage and have some wood on it to add to the overall weight of my lathe. I’ve even put 5 gallon buckets of sand to weigh it down.
-- Jesus is Lord! |
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567 days ago |
my opinion you ask? I think you would be happy with a combination machine, whether a ShopSmith, or the one that oscorner has. Both of these machines have been around for a number of years. You can find Shopsmiths in good working condition that were bought in the 1950’s and 1960’s, as well as newer ones. If you want a great combination machine, look at Felder’s. I would love to have one those German made gems. Laguna also makes an excellent combination machine. My opinon for you would be to focus more on the purpose of the tool, and whether you want a combination machine, or separate machines. Once you have made that decision, you won’t look back, or have regrets. Look at this way: if you buy it and don’t like it, you can always sell it. If you buy a used one, like has been suggested to you, you could probably resell it for the same price you bought it for. If you have a small space, need to roll it out and roll it back for storage, then you will be happy with the combination machine, as it will be much better than using saw horses and a Skilsaw to work with, which I have done, ugh! Hey, I quit a good paying job one time to start my business building furniture, and all I owned was a Black & Decker circular saw and a pair of home made saw horses. I don’t recommend that style of business startup, but that is another story. As Mark (oscorner) metioned, there are limitations to the tools, and there limitations to any tool. If you do buy the whole ShopSmith set up, I know you will spend more time doing woodworking than you did before. If you are just starting out, you will learn a lot of skills with the machine, and we’ll enjoy watching your progress. If that is what you want, then you will be happy with the Shopsmith. I know a fantastic professional furniture maker that started his business up about 30 years ago with a Shopsmith. He has grown to where he has a large facility now, and industrial sized Powermatic tools sitting everywhere, but he still uses the original Shopsmith, and keeps a dado blade on it all the time, and uses it for that purpose. I asked him about it back in 1996 when I didn’t have any tools, and he recommended that if I had a small shop, no space, and limited resources, the Shopsmith would be a good investment. He told me that it would get me off of the couch wishing for tools, and into the garage actually using tools. My advice is the same to you. Then, he said as time went along, I could always get a bigger shop, and bigger stationary tools, and if I wanted to sell it, he said that the resale market is strong for them. My advice again to you. I never did buy Shopsmith though. Why? Keep us informed of your decision, there will be many of us watching and waiting to see what you do. I also make no money from any endorsements. (although I am open to it, so email me if you want to pay me)!! -- Mark DeCou - Kansas Flint Hill's Artisan |
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567 days ago |
thanks everyone for al the advice…I have been mulling it over and looking on Craig’s List…for the Bay area—holy cow there are a lot of tools out there for sale…I may jump on one that seems to have a really low price—-bad divorce or something…will let all of you know which way i go…thanks! thanks! thanks! everyword is appreciated…and when i get time i will send a personal reply to all of you since none of you will see this :) !!! -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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567 days ago |
I like Craigs list. Often good deals to be had if you shop carefully. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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567 days ago |
Those were great words of wisdom, Mark…I wish I could have put it that way. Well, that’s why we’re glad that you are here…your experience and wisdom is appreciated. I wish I’d known you when you were in, Baton Rouge. -- Jesus is Lord! |
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566 days ago |
While I have not used craigslist, as there isn’t one in my area, I have shopped a lot on ebay. Not for a machine, but for accessories, because often they are plentiful and reasonable. If you do find a shopsmith, you should be able to “accessorize” it at a reasonable cost. Good luck, which ever way you go. -SST -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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566 days ago |
Wow…all this feedback is great…its like you guys are here with me…I have read all your advice carefully and have spent the last few nights looking at craig’s list and e-bay. There are quite a few on each…and e-bay is loaded with accessories…there is one on ebay down in So-cal for $699 and looks brand new. the people selling it said there are multiple parts still in sealed bags… There are many others on e-bay—-but they are on the eastcoast or midwest and say for “pick-up” only…so only a few choices… ANd there are several on craigslist within driving distance…one is really cheap—-almost too cheap…but I am not sure the person knows what they are selling since she said “my husband bought it a few years ago and never used it’... So…I am in the hunt…may have one this weekend??? May just have to watch the next couple months for the right situation… One set up was listed as a 2001 Mark 520…with $8000 worth of gear for $3500…it is more money—-but it would be a newer machine—-and would set me up with everything… so not sure which way to go…cheaper with older machine—-or newer—with total set up and upgrades…which sounds entriguing…I am not rich…but I could do this…and will use it… ok…I will keep all of you up to date… matt -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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565 days ago |
The 520 is the current”full-boat” machine. They go for about $3000 and accessories beyond the basic 5 tools would be extra. If you go to the Shopsmith website, you can see the table setup on the 520. I think the standard setup is adequate and one of those machines can be had for a ton less.(then, I’m happy with a couple of 55 year old model 10ER’s, so what do I know). A couple of things about used machines. Even though you’re looking at a Mark 5, there has been a series of improvements over time to the basic unit. Here are some things I’m familiar with. (By the way the shopsmith site has a button to click that gives the evolution of the machine, too) The first ones , called “greenies” because of their color, have a variable speed setup that is not current, and unless upgraded, usually have 3/4hp motors and are somewhat under powered. While many have stood the test of time, I’d look for a newer one. They improved the variable drive system, added an additional bearing set to the quill assembly and 1 1/8hp motor. They also increased the table size. If you have other questions, you can always send me a message, I guess. I’ve not tried that on this site, but I see I have a message button, so I guess it’s possible. -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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565 days ago |
I own a Mark510 (the current model is a 520). The only complaint I have with the machine is the table saw. The table is not large enough (22 Inches front to rear) for working with large pieces of wood, and whem the table is tilted, long pieces are difficult to manuver. Another thing you might want to consider is when the table is set for maximun depth of cut the table is 44 inches from the floor. Even with these personal dislikes I enjoy my machine. I purchased it in 1996. You might want to check out the company website. Mike -- Mike M., Flint, Mi |
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565 days ago |
here is the link to the Mark 500 on e-bay which ends in 4 days…the current bid is up to $810… http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140116962650 -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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565 days ago |
I see them in our area all the time on Craigslist. The advantage over ebay would be the ability to inspect the tool before your buy it. Also, you may be able to find one even cheaper that $810. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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565 days ago |
I picked mine up, about an hours drive…. was between $5 and $600 for the ER model. THe guy selling it inhereited it from his father, and his shop was immaculate. If not for his handiwork around the house I’d have thought he never used it. In the use and maintenance overview he told me to make sure I vacuumed it down every night, and so on. Dad and I looked at each other and realized this was a well taken care of machine. Fortunately I got to help dismantle it (to carry it in as few parts as possible out of the basement, and down into mine) is a very heavy machine… you don’t want to pay for shipping. Bring a buddy with you when you find the one. -- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/ |
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564 days ago |
The Mark 5 is a lot lighter than the old 10ER. They replaced a lot of the cast iron with aluminum and, I suppose, other alloys…not really a lot of plastic, thankfully. When I moved my Mark 5, I disassembled in about 10-15 minutes and carried all the parts out to my car by myself, and my back is not particularly sound. By the way, in looking for a used “Smith”, my suggestion is that, unless you’re and old tool buff/collector, you get a Mark 5, not a 10ER. (Check the Shopsmith site for pics) I love my 10ER’s and they are my personal first choice, but the Mark 5 is more user friendly and supported by the company for replacement/repair parts and optional accessories. -- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you |
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563 days ago |
I’d sell you my old Mark V for $300. I’m in the process of taking pictures, etc. for craigslist as we speak. I have the router bit chuck, the jigsaw table, and the newer drill press chuck and drill press lever, and the original setup stuff. It’s not the newer larger table, but if you just want something cheap that works good, it will do the job. It’s an oldie but a goodie. I used it for a long time when I lived in a condo. Now I have all dedicated tools. I wouldn’t get the ER if I were you. It’s a novelty much more than a worthwhile tool. I know some guys that still use them as a workhorse, but the Mark V is so standardized and easy to replace parts on that it’s great if anything ever goes wrong. My least favorite thing about the shopsmith isn’t the setup time (because that’s really not terribly bad) – it’s the fact that many of the extra items you get for the shopsmith have to be purchased from shopsmith. The drill press chuck, lathe accessories, etc. Not a big deal, just a monopoly. I remember I was trying to look up a keyless chuck for my shopsmith and couldn’t find it because shopsmith didn’t make it and most drill presses use an MT2 or MT1 arbor. Shopsmith uses a 5/8” arbor and a set screw. Different setup – thus… you can only buy your drill press chucks from them. However, the things I have ordered from shopsmith have been very easy to find and received quickly. Their customer service is great. P.S. – I’ll be in Victorville, CA mid-June (kindof near your neck of the woods), and I can bring it along if you want to meet half way. -- Thomas Porter, Phoenix, AZ, www.thomasporter.com |
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561 days ago |
As a point of reference, there is one listed on Craigslist tonight for $2500. The listing indicates $7K worth of tool and accessories. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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560 days ago |
Also, I came across this site while looking for something else… http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/shopsmith.htm-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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560 days ago |
If you are still looking for a shop smith I have one that I would sell, It is In Kansas city Mo. I would sell it worth the money if your interested. It is all in good working order and I have alot of the accessories -- vlee2@ford.com |
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555 days ago |
Another one in Sac http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/338494277.html -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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553 days ago |
PROUD NEW OWNER OF A SHOPSMITH 520!!!! Well…thanks everyone…I did it!! I drove 16 hours yesterday and purchased a 2003 Mark V 520 Shopsmith!!! I got a great deal from a really nice gentleman who used it to get started in woodworking and since has built a huge shop and purchased all stand alone tools… In addition to the basic set up I got a bandsaw, jointer, shaper, mortise and tenon set, dust collector, many extra blads, knives and sanding discs, the large extension tables, feather boards. In addition came a cabinet he built from a Shopsmith class he took that fits perfectly under the table… All this would retail for over $5000 and he sold it for $1900!!! He had an amazing shop and just seems like a very good person so I know I got a good deal… Thank you for all your advice…this is probably the most expensive thing I have purchased with cash and I actually researched it thoroughly…I read all your comments carefully and used the website (and subsequent links) that WayneC suggested—-if you are also thinking of a shopsmith that was a great site to read through…and I gobbled up every word… http://www.songofthegreatlakes.com/shopsmith.htm Also—-Mar DeCou’s words kept me going when I kept thinking whether I would regret passing up a machine… Also—-Oscorner, SST, ScotB and so many others in the forum above—-thank you for your advice…seriously—-I would not have had the confidence to make this purchase without all your help!!! I have nine days left in school (I am a high school history teacher) and I cant wait to read all the manuals and get started….I will add photos soon…maybe I will use his phtos from e-bay and put them in my “work shop section”...will try that now… Will be making projects SOOOOON… matt -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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553 days ago |
Congradulations on your find. I’m sure it will serve you well for years to come. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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553 days ago |
Well done Matt. We will enjoy seeing your work over the summer. -- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com |
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552 days ago |
Ok…I got photos up…they arent the best…but go check on my account page under “work shop”...and you will see the machine…thanks again for all the advice… -- Matt, Napa, CA...119 days to sanity... |
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552 days ago |
Looks great Matt. You all can see his new shopsmith here. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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503 days ago |
Any thoughts of using the Lathe on your ShopSmith? I’ve see you express some interest on the turning projects lately. -- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov |
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