Shopsmith Forums

I'm going to change the subject, but since it's my own thread I hope you won't be upset.

This statement is at the bottom of the Shopsmith web page: " ® Shopsmith PowerPro is a registered trademark of RLFBRANDS LLC". I also noticed the sticker on my new PowerPro with the RLFBRANDS name. Anyone know who RLFBRANDS is and why they hold the trademark for the name?

Edit: After posting this, I think I know the answer, but I'll let anyone answer that knows in case I am wrong.

RLF stands for Robert L. Folkerth who is the current owner and CEO of the company we know as Shopsmith. Several years ago Shopsmith had the unfortunate necessity to reorganize during the economic downturn in order to continue to exist. The new entity became known as "RLFshop" The Power Pro headstock development was finalized after the reorganization and thus belongs to RLFBRANDS LLC.
I am sure that JPG will chime in on this matter as I believe that he may be more familiar with the entire situation than I am.
Bill V

You pretty much said it all. Robert is one of the sons of John who resurrected SS in the 70's.

When RLF Tools LLC was reorganized from SS Inc. great changes occurred simultaneously. Most noticeable was the divesting of much of the 'historical' contents at Poe Ave, and the sale of that building. AAUI, a portion of that building is currently being leased back.

wa2crk wrote:RLF stands for Robert L. Folkerth who is the current owner and CEO of the company we know as Shopsmith. Several years ago Shopsmith had the unfortunate necessity to reorganize during the economic downturn in order to continue to exist. The new entity became known as "RLFshop" The Power Pro headstock development was finalized after the reorganization and thus belongs to RLFBRANDS LLC.
I am sure that JPG will chime in on this matter as I believe that he may be more familiar with the entire situation than I am.
Bill V

Thanks Bill. I had surmised that RLF must have been a Folkerth, but did not know the whole history.