Exciting News From Your Friends At Shopsmith

algale · Post by **algale** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:37 pm

emcee wrote:But, unfortunately, the day they announced the availability of the Mark 7, the value of ALL Mark V machines hit the floorboard. Of course Shopsmith doesn't care about that.

When a company introduces a major new model or upgrade that is perceived to be an improvement over what was previously offered by that company, be it a car, computer on smart phone, the prices on the secondary (used) market for the old model drop, often dramatically. But I fail to see why any company, should concern itself with the secondary market for used products originally sold, in some instances, decades before.

If Shopsmith put concerns about the secondary market value of used Shopsmith equipment ahead of introducing new products, there would have been no Mark V 520, no 510, no 500. In fact, we'd all still be using 10ERs (not that they aren't fine machines).

So, I see no shame in Shopsmith developing the Mark 7 -- particularly since they continue to support their prior models. Remember, most companies don't even continue providing technical support or parts for older equipment (Windows XP, for instance is no longer supported; and trying calling Ford for a vintage Thunderbird part). Shopsmith at least continued to provide parts for machines sold decades ago.

lightnin · Post by **lightnin** » Wed May 23, 2012 8:47 pm

emcee wrote:Shopsmith is way out of line with their prices for ANY of their Power Pro Headstock options.

The only complaint I have seen in the forum is over heating in extreme use and then there was no damage.
It must be constructed well overheating did not fry the electronics It is pricey but I don't think out of line..
Try pricing a heavy duty motor speed controller one that don't fry easy and the motor to go with it.
You'll be around a grand right there.

Oh gotta edit this post, two points I forgot to make The first one was already made I just noticed

algale wrote: So, I see no shame in Shopsmith developing the Mark 7 -- particularly since they continue to support their prior models. Remember, most companies don't even continue providing technical support or parts for older equipment (Windows XP, for instance is no longer supported]

The other is that they are back ordering and can't keep up with demand.

Just because I can't afford to order one now doesn't mean it's over priced.
I spent most of my money on booz and women.... the rest I just wasted...

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:04 pm

lightnin wrote:The only complaint I have seen in the forum is over heating in extreme use ....

There is more reading you should do. Suggest you use the search function and look for posts containing PowerPro.

lightnin · Post by **lightnin** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:16 pm

I admit not being in the market for a Power Pro I have not researched them yet
But I did read a thread about
overheating I got the impression somehow PP users considered that the only drawback so far.

emcee · Post by **emcee** » Wed May 23, 2012 9:47 pm

I am very glad it is working out for all of you, for you must be financially blessed. And, you are not telling me anything I didn't know already. But my comments stand. Who would buy a used Mark V 520 machine for the price of a new Mark V 520 machine ($3679.00) or a Mark 7 ($3979.00)?? Only $300.00 difference, and on a large purchase, most people would arrange to pay the extra $300.00 to get a brand new Mark 7 machine. Algale, the shame is in the ridiculous $200.00 Shopsmith allows on a trade-in, when they are going to refurbish that same headstock and then sell it for $1500.00+. Lightnin: You can bet that the upgrade kit doesn't cost Shopsmith $1300.00 (they buy in bulk.) And I did not even see the trade-in option listed on the price page just now! They may no longer offer it.

algale · Post by **algale** » Thu May 24, 2012 8:46 am

emcee wrote:Algale, the shame is in the ridiculous $200.00 Shopsmith allows on a trade-in, when they are going to refurbish that same headstock and then sell it for $1500.00+. **** And I did not even see the trade-in option listed on the price page just now! They may no longer offer it.

Complaining about the price Shopsmith offered on the trade in and that they no longer offer it reminds me of a joke I once heard about a lady overheard complaining to a friend about a new neighborhood restaurant had terrible food . . . and such small portions!:D

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu May 24, 2012 9:21 am

emcee wrote:I am very glad it is working out for all of you, for you must be financially blessed. And, you are not telling me anything I didn't know already. But my comments stand. Who would buy a used Mark V 520 machine for the price of a new Mark V 520 machine ($3679.00) or a Mark 7 ($3979.00)?? Only $300.00 difference, and on a large purchase, most people would arrange to pay the extra $300.00 to get a brand new Mark 7 machine. Algale, the shame is in the ridiculous $200.00 Shopsmith allows on a trade-in, when they are going to refurbish that same headstock and then sell it for $1500.00+. Lightnin: You can bet that the upgrade kit doesn't cost Shopsmith $1300.00 (they buy in bulk.) And I did not even see the trade-in option listed on the price page just now! They may no longer offer it.

This is a fine representation of the free market. If the price is not right - don't buy it. It is really as simple as that. There should be no complaint. It is a personal decision. This is why Festool is absent from my shop. Capitalism - once a way of life in the USA. BTW - Welcome to the forum.The forum where opinions are openly received but not always accepted. I love it. A Freedom of expression.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu May 24, 2012 12:45 pm

This is why I keep making do with my current SS. I'd like to have a new Power Pro but not bad enough to part with the cash required to make it happen. Last I checked this was still the USA and a company has the right to sell their legal product for whatever they feel the market will bear. Since there is a waiting list for these tools, I have to assume that either there is a manufacturing delay or they can't keep up with demand. Either way, it seems like they hit the sweet spot (theirs not mine) on selling price. Thank you Shopsmith for not implementing the notion of "Designed Obsolescence" and stop supporting a product just a couple of years after they were offered. So glad I can still get parts for my 50+ year old machine from the manufacturer and upgrade it if desired.

I don't know how many electronic devices wound up in the recycle simply because they were "No longer supported"

emcee · Post by **emcee** » Fri May 25, 2012 1:57 am

You smart-alecs should instead of boasting, be rather thankful that you have the financial resources to either upgrade or buy the new machine. I do not.

Oh, so now under your rules, I cannot even speak about something that I do not like!! Are you a communist? That's exactly why we have a republic, friend, so I can voice my opinion about excess prices, traitorous presidents, and yes, I won't buy one----because like I have told you already, they are too expensive, unless a larger trade-in amount is offered. You are reading into my words things that I did not say.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri May 25, 2012 1:47 pm

emcee wrote:You smart-alecs should instead of boasting, be rather thankful that you have the financial resources to either upgrade or buy the new machine. I do not.

Oh, so now under your rules, I cannot even speak about something that I do not like!! Are you a communist? That's exactly why we have a republic, friend, so I can voice my opinion about excess prices, traitorous presidents, and yes, I won't buy one----because like I have told you already, they are too expensive, unless a larger trade-in amount is offered. You are reading into my words things that I did not say.

Who / what told you you cannot speak your mind? Reread Dusty's post close by above.

Not being one of those smart-alecs who has(yet) salted away sufficient $ for a power-pro upgrade, I can honestly say I think that sarcasm regarding their opinion of the upgrade/prices is un-called for, yet, you CAN freely say those things. Tis also our option to consider the source!

What in tarnation has 'communist', 'traitorous presidents' got to do with the subject being discussed? Inflammatory irrelevance at best.

Now please explain what was read into your words that you did not actually say?

FWIW Like your freedom to expouse on any opinion you might have, Shopsmith has an equivalent freedom to set their pricing where they think it best suits their interest. You can indeed vote by not purchasing, but not having the $ to do so is not a valid reason for condemning them. I would like to own a $50,000 automobile, but alas my pocketbook is inadequate, but I do not think I have any reason to bash the manufacturer.

Welcome to the luny farm!

PAX!