I study all the options about the shopsmith and several other multifunction machines before purchasing my 5 hp.Powermatic tablesaw. Seemed like to much of a hassel to set up and re set up those multi machines. Made sense for me to spend the money on a really good tablesaw.....even if you buy one used. One good machine is really the way to go,,,save up and buy another one for Christmas. I'm sure you really dont need every tool the shop smith offers. A good table saw is the heart to your shop....start with a good foundation and you cant go wrong....Even a tablesaw thats not the best with a really good fence such as a Bessmeyer fence sure makes a difference in accuracy. I'd shoot for one good tool at a time, but thats just my opion..... Good luck,,,,,,ANDY