John Ratzenberger Made In America. Shopsmith?

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:01 pm

I managed to register but was unable to initiate a post. I was, however, able to post a reply to cinncinnati's post.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:53 pm

dusty wrote:I managed to register but was unable to initiate a post. I was, however, able to post a reply to cinncinnati's post.

Hi Dusty,
Did you click on the "New" button at the top left of the page? It was really strange. It would not let me start a new thread at first, in fact it was not until my third attempt that it would let me, and then I opted not to start one, I just added under yours.

woodburner · Post by **woodburner** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:06 pm

Hi Everyone,

In the past, a lot of Shopsmith owners have requested that John visit the Shopsmith factory. A big push was made with posts on the "Made In America" website a couple of years ago from other Shopsmith forums (both SSUG & the Yahoo forum) but nothing became of it.
I guess it wouldn't hurt to try again, but I think with the factory not up and running with as many employees lately, I don't think Shopsmith will approve of the show coming by for a visit at the present time.
P.S. Glad to see that the show is coming back in April. I thought it was cancelled, but it turns out that John just needed a break for a while.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:52 pm

woodburner wrote:Hi Everyone,

In the past, a lot of Shopsmith owners have requested that John visit the Shopsmith factory. A big push was made with posts on the "Made In America" website a couple of years ago from other Shopsmith forums (both SSUG & the Yahoo forum) but nothing became of it.
I guess it wouldn't hurt to try again, but I think with the factory not up and running with as many employees lately, I don't think Shopsmith will approve of the show coming by for a visit at the present time.
P.S. Glad to see that the show is coming back in April. I thought it was cancelled, but it turns out that John just needed a break for a while.

After reading the post by woodburner, I went back to http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Made_in_America and created this thread: http://discussions.travelchannel.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/12610244/m/3961990949

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:03 pm

I was going to seach on shopsmith at the site to see if anyone else has posted in the last while but I guess you need to be a member... so maybe someone who is can???

Ed

jmoore65 · Post by **jmoore65** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:04 pm

I followed a link to his personal website - and ran across a page called "Kids Tinkering" - http://www.ratzenberger.com/newscms/kid ... ering.html.

The intro paragraph on the page reads "The mission of Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation is to avert a growing crisis in America, one that is occurring because too few young people now develop the kind of manual skills required by industries, workshops, and engineering practices. Through mentoring programs, education, and media awareness, NBTF will once again introduce young people to the pleasures of tinkering. And in that way, we will create the next generation of artisans, inventors, engineers, repairmen and skilled workers - in short, a self-sufficient, self-sustaining society."

This sounds very similar to what I heard Nick talk about on the Toolmonger podcast.

Jim

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:11 pm

reible wrote:I was going to seach on shopsmith at the site to see if anyone else has posted in the last while but I guess you need to be a member... so maybe someone who is can???

Ed

Hi Ed,
I was able to view any of the posts there, just like anyone can here. I had to register only to create posts. As of this time, the SS posts are at the "top" of their list

and only ryanbp01, cincinnati, dusty and myself have posted so far. Does that answer your question?

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:30 pm

a1gutterman wrote:Hi Ed,
I was able to view any of the posts there, just like anyone can here. I had to register only to create posts. As of this time, the SS posts are at the "top" of their list and only ryanbp01, cincinnati, dusty and myself have posted so far. Does that answer your question?

I was trying to use the search function to see if any were down the list... like months ago, years ago???

I was able to view the current posts too, without the register requirement but when I tried the search it ask me to sign in.

Ed

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:42 pm

reible wrote:I was trying to use the search function to see if any were down the list... like months ago, years ago???

I was able to view the current posts too, without the register requirement but when I tried the search it ask me to sign in.

Ed

Ohhh... I misunderstood you. I will go look. It is easy to register.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 10:50 pm

reible wrote:I was trying to use the search function to see if any were down the list... like months ago, years ago???
Ed

Ok Ed, here you go:

Besides the activity that started today, a search for "Shopsmith" resulted in a list of 11 threads for a total of 16 posts. The oldest one was on April 7, 2004; there were 5 posts in 2004; 7 in 2005; 3 in 2006; and 1 in 2007.

I have a feeling that it will take a show of interest to generate a visit. I would suggest that many posts are needed. It is easy to register. Just do it.