Frustration with the Latest Special

[algale]

I'm sure a lot of members received Shopsmith's latest special.

https://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/specials/7DV726

The first part of the special is a long list of parts with a buy-one-get-one-free offer. Mostly these are screws, washers, springs and other types of hardware.

My frustration is that in most instances there's no practical way to determine which Shopsmith tool(s) are serviced by the parts. Oh, a few have descriptions after the part number that at least tell which tool the hardware goes to, but for most part numbers only a generic description is provided. Even a search of the Shopsmith site for a part number on the list will only occasionally tell you what tool the hardware goes to. You still have to go find your paper manual for that tool and look through the index for that tool to find out what piece of hardware it is and where it goes. But for the majority of the hardware, a look up of the part number on the Shopsmith site doesn't tell you which tool(s) it is for. You'd literally have to go through every manual of every tool you own to figure if a piece of hardware on sale is one that you could even use let alone need. It's a heck of a way to run a business.

[RFGuy]

I agree...it's why I stopped even reading the Shopsmith "specials" emails anymore.

[JPG]

Good Grief.
That list for some parts would be quite long.
I think to do that is impractical.
MY concern is why they do this sort of thing at all - overstock. . . . . .why does it exist?

[algale]

Good Grief.
That list for some parts would be quite long.
I think to do that is impractical.
MY concern is why they do this sort of thing at all - overstock. . . . . .why does it exist?

If Shopsmith doesn't already have a fully electronic parts inventory that, at a minimum, indicates not only the part number but also the tool(s) the parts fit, that would indicate a level of disorganization that would go a long way towards explaining any number of problems the company has experienced over the years, the least of which is why they have overstocks of hardware.

[mountainbreeze]

Well, the good news is I can get 2 washers for $4.95 instead of just one!

[JPG]

Well, the good news is I can get 2 washers for $4.95 instead of just one!

But you can get a 230v motor for a power station for very cheap also.

Now WHY do they have ANY of those?




And yes a sort by Part # would be desirable!

[edma194]

Been having a hard time sorting through this also. Not sure if the cart is working right as I add items either, probably try again later. Thing is, the parts I'm considering don't cost much anyway and I don't really need two of them anyway.

[dusty]

Good Grief.
That list for some parts would be quite long.
I think to do that is impractical.
MY concern is why they do this sort of thing at all - overstock. . . . . .why does it exist?

Maybe for the same reason that when I go to ACE to buy a half dozen bolts and nuts I come home with a box of each.

The problem for me becomes the fact that when I need one of those I have to sort through a wall full of parts drawers to find them. After a while of luck, I give up and go to ACE to get what I need NOW. Guess what....

[dusty]

Well, the good news is I can get 2 washers for $4.95 instead of just one!

But you can get a 230v motor for a power station for very cheap also.

Now WHY do they have ANY of those?




And yes a sort by Part # would be desirable!

Yes, a sort by part number would be nice but only if there was a part number to component description. Example 554881...screw...item 18C on the DC-3300 to DC-6000 Upgrade Kit parts list. Does anyone have one of these.

[DLB]

Yes, a sort by part number would be nice but only if there was a part number to component description. Example 554881...screw...item 18C on the DC-3300 to DC-6000 Upgrade Kit parts list. Does anyone have one of these.

At least the newer drawings (PowerPro, DC-6000) contain that description for most common hardware items. But 554881 (I think you meant 514881) is an exception. I'm pretty sure I have one but need a description. And that does not mean I could find it. What size hole do they tell you to drill for it, or is it an existing hole? The DC-6000 drawing also yields no clue as to what that screw screws into, almost standard on drawings: viewtopic.php?p=284688#p284688 But IIRC and IIUC it screws into one of the legs. Therefore a sheet metal screw, either with or without a clip.

- David