Speaking of Customer Service

newportcycle · Post by **newportcycle** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 5:08 am

I wanted to share with you my recent experience with ShopSmith. Several months ago I placed an order for a planer sharpening jig, blade setting guide and an emergency stop key. The jig and blade guide arrived as expected in a little less than one week, well packaged as is typical. The key was listed as on back order, no big deal, my screw driver has done an adequate job since I purchased the planer used. Fast forward to yesterday. I arrive home for lunch and find a small package, inside is a brand new key and a hand written note from Robert Folkerth, President, CEO of Shopsmith, thanking me for my patience and apologizing for not having a "viable solution" to the keys manufactuer, the key was provided free of charge. I have been doing business for many many years and have only once received such personalized service. Its refreshing to think there are company presidents out there which take the time out of their day to hand write a note apologizing for an issue.

algale · Post by **algale** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:27 am

Love happy endings!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:54 am

Interesting report and very satisfying news.

But what did you get from Shopsmith that is called an "emergency stop key"?

I might need one of those.

apexsunguitars · Post by **apexsunguitars** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:29 am

I have found their online CS to be very responsive. I received a copy of the oscillating drum sander manual within a couple hours of asking!

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:57 am

dusty wrote:Interesting report and very satisfying news.

But what did you get from Shopsmith that is called an "emergency stop key"?

I might need one of those.

I do need one!

That red thing that makes the power switch work(of which there are two(at least) versions.

billmayo · Post by **billmayo** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 11:24 am

Is this the red Safety Key 513411? I do not know where a emergency stop key would go or what it looks like. I investigated building an emergency stop switch box many years ago without achieving a successful solution like SawStop. I was using an electric rotor lock with power switching diodes and and timers to prevent burning the coils but the noise was quite loud and doubted if was acceptable.

newportcycle · Post by **newportcycle** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 7:26 pm

dusty wrote:Interesting report and very satisfying news.

But what did you get from Shopsmith that is called an "emergency stop key"?

I might need one of those.

Gentlemen I apologize, when writing, one must always consider his target audience, Bill you are quite correct the part I was referencing was #513411, Safety Key. Sorry for the confusion.

e.friedl · Post by **e.friedl** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 8:30 pm

I used to work at a place with a 7-1/2 HP Dewalt Radial Arm saw. We cut aluminum with it. The aluminum saw dust quickly ruined the solenoid brake that it came with. Without it the blade would coast for a long time. In the industrial market there are blade brakes that apply a tightly controlled DC across the motor for a specific time. It worked great but is was not cheap. If you adjusted it for too fast a stop the blade retaining nut's momentum would spin it loose. We adjusted it and added a jam nut. Who wants to see a 20 inch blade coming loose.
Ed Friedl

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:12 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I do need one!

That red thing that makes the power switch work(of which there are two(at least) versions.

If you need one, make it.

It's not that hard to do.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Fri Sep 13, 2013 9:17 pm

[quote="SDSSmith"]If you need one, make it.]

I need one for a power station. Very skinny fingers.

Seed planted! I shall try!:)

Fortunately, I do have a sample(two ps, one switch actuator).