The ssug was around before this forum started and was very active in the past but due to some format changes and major problems with the new software they were off the net for a while. This has resulted in few and few posts... and they are supported by users with no help from shopsmith.
This gives them a unique position. One if shopsmith does have to close shop or reduce cost by closing this site that might well be the place go to. It is also out of the controls of shopsmith so.... well you think what that might be about.
They have more areas covered such as the OPR, Joint-Matic, older machines etc. However a good deal of the older material was lost sometime back and has never been recovered. Admin is an unpaided job so you get what you pay for.
I like the forum and have sent $$ to help keep them afloat for a while longer. A lot of the old timers there were part of yet another forum that had some issues with having shopsmith copyrighted items posted that should not have been there. I'm really not sure how all that played out but that forum went away and this is one of the splinter forums/groups that formed.
I still post there from time to time and enjoy the others post that appear at a less hectic rate.
Ed
tmillie wrote:Have any of you checked out this link/forum? (SSUG)
Any input? This one (shopsmith.net/forums) has been great, who's in charge of SSUG and what are your thoughts on it?
Participate there for a while and see for your self. The SSUG is a great bunch and are just as willing to help as are these folks here.
As has been stated, they have had some problems with their system but it is up and running now. They accept donations to defray costs of maintaining the network but there is no fee for joining.
Hope to see you there as well as here.
"Making Sawdust Safely" Dusty
Sent from my Dell XPS using Firefox.
Thanks for all of the links and informations...I never knew Shopsmiths could be so addictive...I will be very depressed if they shut down operations. But I'm assuming that since the models haven't changed too much over the years that we'll always have access to parts.
But a woodworking addiction is healthier than others right...I have so many questions, I'm surfing past forum topics every night...don't tell my family and friends
One thing you will find on this site is that these guys know SS, woodworking and are good, willing teachers. I have probably saved hundreds of dollars by asking for help. First, by following thier advice, I did not do something dumb and break something or hurt my self! Secondly because they are so able to help with repairs or set up. More important to me is the help with the actual wood working. Be sure that you get in on the PTWFE thread, what you have there is a great book, that can stand alone if needed, and a whole staff of the best teachers, all of whom could stand allone as well. As an aside, Nick Engler's legacy (to me) has been that he left many who are capable of teaching his lessons. Welcome to the Forum, and I won't tell about the on line woodworking adiction if you promise to keep mine a secret.
tmillie wrote:Thanks for all of the links and informations...I never knew Shopsmiths could be so addictive...I will be very depressed if they shut down operations. But I'm assuming that since the models haven't changed too much over the years that we'll always have access to parts.
But a woodworking addiction is healthier than others right...I have so many questions, I'm surfing past forum topics every night...don't tell my family and friends
Addiction? Who is addicted? NOT ME. Maybe you are but I'm not!
"Making Sawdust Safely" Dusty
Sent from my Dell XPS using Firefox.
1995 Mark 510 (Purchased at Auction) w/ Dust Collector, Scroll Saw, Band Saw, Belt Sander, Joiner, Planer - Looking for a Power Station and a Strip Sander - 2002 Nebraska State Auctioneer Champion
Dusty is in denial!!! 