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WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:53 am
by Asbrand
So, for years now, I've had a Mk. V from around 2006 (got it in like 2014 or 15) and signed up for the e-mails from ShopSmith. Over the years, I've ordered various accessories and parts from them, and never had a problem. Until now.
Back in early November 2019 one of their e-mails they sent out was a sale on the bandsaw fence kit. Well, I have the bandsaw, but no fence, etc. So, I ordered one.
Here it is, the end of January...and they STILL have not shipped it. Every time I send in an e-mail asking for an update...they just push out the delivery date by weeks. Now it supposedly will be shipping around February 20th. Three months? Sheesh. I understand they've cut back on production, and some stuff isn't even made until ordered. But, why on earth would you be pushing a sale on a kit that you cannot even supply?
Anyone else having these outrageous order / delivery times?
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 10:30 am
by JPG
Sadly not something 'new'.
Perhaps procurement of the fence extrusion has become a problem since it appears the 510 fence(etc.) is no longer being offered for sale. Volume issue(minimum order) may have reared it's head.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 12:53 pm
by P89DC
Ummmm, they're struggling to survive much as most US based manufacturing concerns due to to NAFTA and two decades of bad laws/regulations.
Either be patient or start buying Chinese stuff.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 1:21 pm
by Asbrand
Far as I know...there isn't any "Chinese" version of accessories for the ShopSmith.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 2:12 pm
by JPG
Asbrand wrote:Far as I know...there isn't any "Chinese" version of accessories for the ShopSmith.
Ever hear of total shop and Harbor freight?
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 3:43 pm
by P89DC
Asbrand wrote:Far as I know...there isn't any "Chinese" version of accessories for the ShopSmith.
Separate chinese drill press, lathe, tablesaw, etc. You can get them with Delta, Powermatic, Grizzly stickers on them. Spare parts are hit and miss as they change factories in a race to the bottom.
I dislike the wait but it's not as if shopsmith is making money hand over fist. I always ask them what's in stock before I place my order.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:47 pm
by algale
I don't think Shopsmith manufactures (as opposed to assembles) much of anything these days.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Sun Jan 26, 2020 11:52 pm
by robinson46176
Kind of makes me appreciate my sizable "parts repository". Of course the first thing to break will be something I don't have...
.
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 5:00 am
by P89DC
algale wrote:I don't think Shopsmith manufactures (as opposed to assembles) much of anything these days.
And your point is?....
Re: WTH is going on with ShopSmith (the company)?
Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 8:10 pm
by JPG
P89DC wrote:algale wrote:I don't think Shopsmith manufactures (as opposed to assembles) much of anything these days.
And your point is?....
I think it stands on it's own legs.
I believe SS did much more parts fabrication in the past than it does now.
For sure they have not in the past nor now create stuff from raw materials.