My 2 cents worth...if you're going to get into woodworking beyond little projects I would recommend buying individual components over the Shopsmith. For instance, some would consider the table saw a fundamental component of a wood shop. The Shopsmith is too small and restrictive for ripping large ply, boards or whatever. In making our latest creation we started by gathering together vast amounts of mahogany,poplar and walnut trims that were tossed in dumpsters. The table saw we had was a so-so unit...actually, near the end it was a real POS and we decided to buy a REAL table saw. We eventually got the Dewalt unit (at 2/3 the cost of a unisaw) and ripping the strips became so much easier. I designed and built a router table witha large top with folding wings, so much the better when routing long pieces...all this you couldn't do with the Shopsmith. so, there you go, my opinion...which with a dollar will get you a cup of coffee. Good luck with your decision either way...

tig

: Any guidance from thewoodworkers out there would be greatly appreciated.