Shopsmith lathe

[Jimmydoug]

Hi , I’m using a shopsmith lathe soon . It’s a multi woodworking machine with 5 different attachments one being the woodturning lathe . Has anyone used or have any opinions on the shopsmith lathe ? Just trying to get an idea before I commit to purchasing.

Thanks

Jimmy

 

[Phil Pascoe]

You've found two machines I've actually owned.
They are a useful machine for many things, but like all multi purpose machines they are not great for anything. On the older ones the table is too small for the saw, they are too slow to use router bits properly and the drive centre is a bit low for use as a lathe as it has to suit the saw as well - which is a bit high. They're bout passable as a morticer and quite handy as a pillar drill. Mine did a lot of work over twenty years, but I wouldn't have bought it had I not won it in a competition.
If you wish to do high class turnery or cabinet work they are not for you.