Don wrote:
I'm retiring soon and was also looking at the Shopsmith as I'd like
to take up woodworking as a hobby. If I go the dedicated machine
route instead what do you recommend I get?

How much do you want to spend? A shop can be equipped for a couple of
thousand or over ten housand with little hesitation. It also depends on the
projects you want to undertake. Birhouses require much less than making
fine furniture.

A medium budget shop will have:
Contractor saw with good fence and cast iron wing(s) $750 to $900. (Delta,
Jet, Grizzley)
Drill press, at least a 12" bench top $180 (Delta)
Planer $300 to $450 (Delta, DeWalt)
Jointer $300 to $550 (Bridgewood, Delta, Jet)
Router or two $150 and up
Router table $10 for a cheapie home made to $800 with lift, drawers,
etc.
Dust Collector $280
Sander. Either a Ridgid spindle/belt combo or oscillating spindle $200
Bandsaw $500 and up for a 14" model.
--
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome