Return of a lapsed woodworker

gregf · Post by **gregf** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 2:47 pm

A little history of my relationship with Shopsmith.
Quite a few years ago I co-worker and I drove to Shopsmith on a Saturday morning to pick up our MK Vs.
Memory escapes me as to the year. The serial number (16478) list on the website indicates that it was 1983. Additions that followed were the jigsaw, bandsaw, jointer, then planer. Odds and ends of attachments as they were introduced.
A typo in Shopsmith’s mailing list resulted in a familiar misspelling of my last name. (Fuchs I’m sure you can guess) A couple of letters failed to get a correction. A letter to the president got a quick resolution. (Thanks John).
Sadly, the local Shopsmith store closed with all the others.
The 510 upgrade came later along with the bandsaw table upgrade.

Like many my interests have varied and changed over the years.
For the past several years my SS has quietly waited for my return, knowing I would eventually. A house move and the decision that my kitchen cabinets need refacing.
Looking at the cost for store bought brings the obviouious conclusion “I can make cabinet doors”.
It’s time for a return to the basement to become reacquainted.

A check on the web reveals that Shopsmith is still here. The past few weeks have been spent giving my SS retroactive tlc. It’s a testament to SS quality how well it has faired.

Watching the tips and videos on the website have been a big help. (Thanks Nick & Drew).
The siren song of the 520 upgrade calls.

Greg

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 3:28 pm

Welcome Back, Greg. May you never have to take another break.

chrispitude · Post by **chrispitude** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 4:57 pm

gregf wrote:The siren song of the 520 upgrade calls.

Hi Greg,

My long-neglected 500 recently answered that siren song:

Finally... my 500 to 520 upgrade experience!

As corny as it sounds, it was everything I thought it would be and more.

Welcome back. I recently found this forum myself. I will be starting my first real woodworking project in a week when I come back from my work trip.

- Chris

charlese · Post by **charlese** » Sat Mar 29, 2008 10:50 pm

Hey to you Greg! Good to have you with us! Looking forward to reading about your progress with the Mark V and, of course, your kitchen makeover.

I'm pretty sure you will be thrilled with your up-grade to a 520, whenever that happens.

qtndas01 · Post by **qtndas01** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:04 am

Welcome! There is alot of good knowledge here and we are looking forward to your input. Like yourself I purchased my Shopsmith is 1984 at a demonstration and have made many projects including beds, bedroom suites and numerous cabinets. I really missed the stores (I used to drive close to 50 miles to Philadelphia to the Thursday night sawdust sessions and took a couple of courses there). I knew they were in jeapody when the one person left for greener pastures and things he told me. If I would have lived closer I would have worked there part itme for nothing just to get discounts and knowledge. I never stopped completely making projects but have had some long lapses and absentees, but have done projects for others (A custom staircase, a front porch railing that I matched the antique balasters with my lathe duplicator, and a 24' x 16' wall of cabinets (I designed myself) and shelving. That one almost paid for one college semester for my son. For both of my children I made a bed for a wedding present and additional pieces for Christmas presents. I recently found this forum and watched my first webcast this weekend. My next major projects will be completely new kitchen cabinets out of white oak which seems tohave become my favorite wood.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 5:58 pm

Greg Fuch,
Glad you joined us. Keep us informed on your cabinet door project. Are you going to make raised panel doors? Or what style are you going to make?

8iowa · Post by **8iowa** » Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:02 pm

Welcome back to the Shopsmith community. I also started out with a 500 back in '83. It has now been upgraded to 520. I have also upgraded the bandsaw and jointer through the years. I have never regretted the money spent on these upgrades. In offering these upgrade features, Shopsmith is unique in the woodworking industry. You will also fine their tech and customer service to be very helpful.

The addition of Nick Engler as head of the Academy has given Shopsmith a real "shot in the arm". His instructional videos leave other manufacturers and retailers in the dust. I actually feel sorry for the poor slob who goes to his local "big box" to buy woodworking machinery.

gregf · Post by **gregf** » Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:25 am

I'm probably going to go with a flat shaker panel.
The kitchen is really small, but has 16 doors. I think a raised panel would be too busy.
The cabinets were obviously made by the original own/builder.
I don't think he owned a square.
They are a rough finish plywood, with a dark stain. Really difficult to clean.
I'm going to make torch worked glass knobs for the doors and drawers.

I agree that Nick is a fantastic resource for Shopsmith, and us.
I think things are headed in the right direction with an emphasis on Internet marketing.

Greg