It's Off To Lowes We Go

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 9:14 am

I gathered up all my unspent Lowes gift cards, my mad money, the digital camera and a blank check. It's off to Lowes for the Shopsmith Demo.

SURE DO WISH IT WAS A TA SESSION.

fiatben · Post by **fiatben** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 10:59 am

You lucky people. I figure we got a snowball's chance of seeing a demo in the backwoods of northwest Arkansas, even if we are the home office to WallyWorld.

SS should post a vid of the typical PowerPro demo online, or offer a live streaming of one.

farley · Post by **farley** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 3:29 pm

the demo was good, guy knew what he was talking about. Could've spoken up louder as there were about 15 people there at 10 on Sat. Couple of people brought stuff. I think I am sticking with my 510.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 5:49 pm

to listen to Mike Young explain the virtues of the Mark 7to a small crowd of about fifteen people.

I am still not an owner (or anticipating owner) of the Mark 7 but but after today there are at least three and maybe five that will have at least a PowerPro headstock.

I must say that I am truly impressed by the Mark 7; especially by the headstock's programmed functionality. I am also quit impressed by how quiet it is. Now I have been told by several members of the forum that it is quiet but until you "don't hear it" you don't realize just how quiet.

I was disappointed that once again Shopsmith has changed their standard gray color; the Mark 7 being darker than any previous version.

I pushed the rip fence back and forth, then I pushed the carriage back and forth and then I pushed the headstock back and forth. I did that because Mike made a point of saying how easily they could be moved. Well, they were a lot easier than mine had gotten to be so when I got home I cleaned and waxed the tubes and rails on mine. Now mine feels just like a new Mark 7 but it makes a lot more noise than a Mark 7.

The best thing that came out of the day though was my meeting some of the local Shopsmith owners. Some of them I already knew but I also met several folks who are every bit as proud of their Mark 5/Vs as I am. I collected several telephone numbers and email addresses. I just may once again try to start up a group of owners here in Tucson.

I am also anxious about my learning that there are a couple wood working clubs already in existence here in Tucson that may be of interest.

All in all, it was a very good day.

Again I must say - I am truly impressed by the Mark 7. Shopsmith has done a great job and I hope they are well rewarded by more sales than they can keep up with.

I do wish they would bring back a printed catalog. The fact that Mike Young carries a 2008 version to the demo's speaks for the value of the printed word.

Please guys - I need reading material for the john. I can't use my laptop in there but I can read.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Sat Jan 28, 2012 7:49 pm

dusty wrote:to listen to Mike Young explain the virtues of the Mark 7to a small crowd of about fifteen people.

I do wish they would bring back a printed catalog. The fact that Mike Young carries a 2008 version to the demo's speaks for the value of the printed word.

Please guys - I need reading material for the john. I can't use my laptop in there but I can read.

Ed suggested a catalog movement today. I responded to him that I support the movement and support you as well. Great review thank you. Jim

backhertz · Post by **backhertz** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 12:21 am

The last demo I was at in a Lowes was back in 2007. It sounds to me like something is different to get a large number of people involved. The day I went I spent a lot of time with the demo guy who showed me things I had never done before on a Shopsmith and then I watched everything when he went out to lunch and not one single person stopped by. It was a busy Saturday and it seemed like people just were no longer interested in a something as big as a Shopsmith. It motivated me to buy up as many parts as I could to totally rebuild three headstocks.

I would like to go to another demo one of these days. I should have my own Mark VII by the end of the week if my double tilt upgrade arrives. I found my missing headstocks and my Power Pro upgrade DVD. My Power Pro went out in the first shipment of Power Pros and has a serial number of 9-2-2009. Anyone have a number earlier (date code I imagine) than that?

I think a new set of casters and I'll be good to go.

2bits · Post by **2bits** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:08 am

It was great to meet some Shopsmith owners here in town. I had bought an older 500 last spring before I had any idea what to look for. I feel I got an ok deal (considering the SPT's) but there was way too much stuff missing. I have been upgrading the SPT's and had hoped to find some bargains to make the rest of the shopsmith operational. I'm sure I could have found all the stuff I needed if I only had more patience.
Unfortunatly:D I met Dusty and his "addiction" was contagious. I weighed the pros and cons then decided to give Shopsmith some business and "bit the bullet" on the Mark7. Now I will try to be patient until the truck shows up for a "Christmas/Happy Birthday to me" all in the wrong months:D

I should be able to create piles of sawdust before the woodworking season ends here in Tucson.
I don't think I would have bought the Mark 7 had it not been for the forum and all of the great info here on how much could be done with the Shopsmith.
My only regret is they don't see the value of how much "free advertising" they could get if they sold hats/shirts with their Logo. I prefer to buy and promote American products.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 4:21 am

2bits wrote:It was great to meet some Shopsmith owners here in town. I had bought an older 500 last spring before I had any idea what to look for. I feel I got an ok deal (considering the SPT's) but there was way too much stuff missing. I have been upgrading the SPT's and had hoped to find some bargains to make the rest of the shopsmith operational. I'm sure I could have found all the stuff I needed if I only had more patience.
Unfortunatly:D I met Dusty and his "addiction" was contagious. I weighed the pros and cons then decided to give Shopsmith some business and "bit the bullet" on the Mark7. Now I will try to be patient until the truck shows up for a "Christmas/Happy Birthday to me" all in the wrong months:D I should be able to create piles of sawdust before the woodworking season ends here in Tucson.
I don't think I would have bought the Mark 7 had it not been for the forum and all of the great info here on how much could be done with the Shopsmith.
My only regret is they don't see the value of how much "free advertising" they could get if they sold hats/shirts with their Logo. I prefer to buy and promote American products.

Congratulations on your Mark 7. Maybe you'll let me push a piece of mesquite through like Mike did that piece of oak. What did you chose for the bonus - dust collector of band saw?

What is the promise date?

dickg1 · Post by **dickg1** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:23 am

backhertz wrote:
. My Power Pro went out in the first shipment of Power Pros and has a serial number of 9-2-2009. Anyone have a number earlier (date code I imagine) than that?

Yes, I do, 9-1-2009. There should be at least 10 of us that have that number.
Dick

tomsalwasser · Post by **tomsalwasser** » Sun Jan 29, 2012 6:46 am

backhertz wrote:...The day I went...not one single person stopped by.

Same with me. And being the only person in that guy's audience is not a pleasant thing

He'd put a used car salesman to shame.

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