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Exciting News From Your Friends At Shopsmith

a1gutterman

chrispitude wroteThis sounds like a good move all around. I suspect they have completely rethought speed control, and are going to a variable speed direct-drive motor (no need for the V sheaves). This would also explain the increased motor efficiency aspect. This should be a win-win for Shopsmith - we get a better, more reliable product needing fewer tune-ups, and they get a less complex product with more profit margin.

Shopsmith - PLEASE make the start/stop buttons actual hard buttons and not touchpads. Also please make the stop button more prominent than the start button (stick it out a bit more, etc.) to help in emergency situations. I do not want to stab at a soft touchpad "stop" button and have the machine not stop because finger was not dead center on the touchpad.

- Chris

Hi Chris, glad to see you posting again! Have you seen this? Look at Nick's post of October 7, 2009. It might answer a few of your questions.

JPG

chrispitude wroteThis sounds like a good move all around. I suspect they have completely rethought speed control, and are going to a variable speed direct-drive motor (no need for the V sheaves). This would also explain the increased motor efficiency aspect. This should be a win-win for Shopsmith - we get a better, more reliable product needing fewer tune-ups, and they get a less complex product with more profit margin.

Shopsmith - PLEASE make the start/stop buttons actual hard buttons and not touchpads. Also please make the stop button more prominent than the start button (stick it out a bit more, etc.) to help in emergency situations. I do not want to stab at a soft touchpad "stop" button and have the machine not stop because finger was not dead center on the touchpad.

- Chris

Start and stop etc WILL be membrane type switches(touch pad like).

Emergency stop/off will be the same as present!

chrispitude

JPG40504 wroteStart and stop etc WILL be membrane type switches(touch pad like).

Emergency stop/off will be the same as present!

Ahh yes, there's that friendly red switch hiding in the upper left of the posted picture. Excellent!

- Chris

billmeyer

wlhayesmfs wroteI was thinking the same thing on the bonus this year to use on the new power pro head and maybe a DC motor for one of my ER's but instead I got walking papers after 23 years the company is cutting back so guess that won't happen. Now instead of a bonus I have to find a job by April 9th or no paychecks. Guess it could had been worse they could have called me in and stopped the pay check that day and not give me notice. But in my 60's I guess I might have to find a new line of work. At least my SS's are still here and working great.

Bill,

Sorry to hear this. Didn't you work for that Arkansas based retailer? I heard they eliminated a lot of jobs. 23 years should have held that for you. Of course, losing my job with them was one of the better things that happened to me, but I was a lot younger then.

Bill

ryanbp01

wlhayesmfs wroteI was thinking the same thing on the bonus this year to use on the new power pro head and maybe a DC motor for one of my ER's but instead I got walking papers after 23 years the company is cutting back so guess that won't happen. Now instead of a bonus I have to find a job by April 9th or no paychecks. Guess it could had been worse they could have called me in and stopped the pay check that day and not give me notice. But in my 60's I guess I might have to find a new line of work. At least my SS's are still here and working great.

You know, this sounds like an opportunity to me. Have you ever given thought of being your own boss and make woodworking a new career? Nothing like doing what you love anyway and making it pay!

BPR

keakap

Ed in Tampa wroteStill no mention of price. I wonder if it is that heart stopping?

Guesstimate: 1,250

wlhayesmfs

Bill, it was the same company, but after 6 weeks I am feeling pretty good about getting while the getting is good. I don't think the guys running it right now care about anyone but themselves, Customers or associates just get in their way of change. I am working on my pens and turning. If I can find something to keep me in insurance and supplies I might just keep on with my woodworking like it was suggested. I enjoy the time in the shop. Just finished a stackable truck for the grandson on a neighbor that is turning two saturday.

I like to trade pieces of different wood for pens if anyone want to do some small package trading.

glfnjim

In May 2006 the Admin from Shopsmith said that they were coming out with a Power Pro for the shopsmith. Did they ever do it or was something happen to it?:confused:

a1gutterman

glfnjim wroteIn May 2006 the Admin from Shopsmith said that they were coming out with a Power Pro for the shopsmith. Did they ever do it or was something happen to it?:confused:

It is on the way. I do knot think it will be much longer.:)

ryanbp01

With all of the anticipated arrival of the Power-pro headstock/upgrade, I hope Shopsmith will also provide owners who choose to do either with upgrades to the owners manual as well as necessary revisions to PTWFE.

BPR

JPG

ryanbp01 wroteWith all of the anticipated arrival of the Power-pro headstock/upgrade, I hope Shopsmith will also provide owners who choose to do either with upgrades to the owners manual as well as necessary revisions to PTWFE.

BPR

That sounds like a good job for Nick! Probably won't happen. Would be nice for me to be wrong this time.;)

doug45601

My daughter wants to buy a new Shopsmith for her hubby for their 5th anniv. but is waiting for the new improved model with the Powerhead.. How long she'll have to wait is what?? With that in mind, can't help but wonder how many fence walkers are also waiting? Could this be hurting Shopsmith with current sales??

Would you buy a new shopsmith knowing there is going to be newer model about to hit the market?

I believe Shopsmith may spoken a little too soon causing lots of anticipation, wonder and hesitation to buy the current 520.

dusty

doug45601 wroteMy daughter wants to buy a new Shopsmith for her hubby for their 5th anniv. but is waiting for the new improved model with the Powerhead.. How long she'll have to wait is what?? With that in mind, can't help but wonder how many fence walkers are also waiting? Could this be hurting Shopsmith with current sales??

Would you buy a new shopsmith knowing there is going to be newer model about to hit the market?

I believe Shopsmith may spoken a little too soon causing lots of anticipation, wonder and hesitation to buy the current 520.

I totally agree that Shopsmith's timing on this announcement was poor and has possibly delayed some folks making a decision to buy now. If I was thinking about buying, I would be tempted to wait; however, I am also not keen on being one of the first to invest in a new, untested product.

My guess is that the current delay is caused by them having difficulty finding qualified suppliers for the new parts.

I am confident that you will see the PowerPro as soon as they can forecast availability. Until then, Patience!

Gene Howe

They will undoubtedly continue to offer the "old" iteration, don't you think? If so, there will surely be a price difference.

Will the old powered MKs be lowered in price? Doubtful. The new one will probably be higher in price.

Since I have mine working well now, I'm not sure I'd be interested the new power plant....Well, maybe if Social Security hands out bonuses this year...ha ha.

gregf

The announcement said

" Our initial offering will be for these Headstock Upgrades, followed by complete, new Shopsmith PowerPro Machines, 30 to 90 days later. "

wlhayesmfs

Gene Social Security and Bonus, :D I just hope Social Security keeps going in two years when I need it. Not too sure the way everything is going it they won't raise the age and lower the amount.

kd6vpe

Bill,

Don't say that. That is why I am going to start on it early. I want to get in before they try to up the age. I would hope that once you start if they try to up the age they would not be able to stop paying those that are already recieving even though they are younger than the new age limit. Amyone know for sure??

Jim

dusty

All I know is that I began drawing a social security check before the last modification in qualification requirements (those in effect today) and my check was not effected.

I do regret starting my check early but maybe that is because I am greedy. If I had waited, my entitlement would be greater than it is today. Yes, I know that I have drawn a check for three years longer than if I had waited but I plan to live long enough to make up for that.:rolleyes:

JPG

dusty wroteAll I know is that I began drawing a social security check before the last modification in qualification requirements (those in effect today) and my check was not effected.

I do regret starting my check early but maybe that is because I am greedy. If I had waited, my entitlement would be greater than it is today. Yes, I know that I have drawn a check for three years longer than if I had waited but I plan to live long enough to make up for that.:rolleyes:

Ditto!

How come "Sticky" doesn't stick any more?

reible

JPG40504 wroteDitto!

How come "Sticky" doesn't stick any more?

What "Sticky" doesn't stick anymore?

Ed

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