A Brand New Shopsmith is Still a Good Buy

[Gene Howe]

There are very few tool companies that continue to improve their products while supporting their older ones like Shopsmith does.

I'm in no way qualified to comment on their business model or marketing strategy. But, when we talk about cost, I can't help but compare them with Festool. Neither company compromises their quality, both appeal to a niche market, and both seem to be surviving, despite product cost.

It's may be small potatoes but Shopsmith's introduction of their premium sandpaper products to a wider market is a good move. As is their partnering with Incra to serve their base.

I can't agree that Shopsmith isn't adapting to changing times.

[tdorey]

Well seems I struck a nerve.

No worries, I don’t proclaim to be an expert in any field.

I can only comment on what I see and what my experience has been. Like I mentioned before I own a Shopsmith, I like many aspects of it and in no way am I bashing the product. I simply feel the company could do a better job marketing and selling product. Now if that isn’t the goal of the company or the local fanbase prefers it to be a small boutique type brand thats great as well.

Is there stuff well made? Yes. Is it expensive? Some of it is.

Here is where I see the problem, They are likely selling lots of parts, Even though Craigslist and eBay is full of parts, that part of there business must be a strong aspect. They get an B+ for that, Why only a B+? I live in Canada and getting parts is a pain, there are two distributors, they carry very few parts, need to order them, and you pay the currency exchange and shipping twice. So their part distribution could be greatly improved. Not only would it be easier to get parts, I would likely order more upgrades if I could get them through Amazon for example.

The main problem, What is the average age of the typical Shopsmith owner? 20’s 30’s 40’s 50’s? My guess it leans toward an older market. The generation that appreciates the solid US made quality products from the past. Experienced woodworkers that appreciates the flexibility of the SS. The problem with is, of course is you will all DIE. ;-) Me included.

If SS is going to make it for the next 100 years, they need the next generation of SS owners and create another army of passionate brand fans like all of you. How do they do that? Its not easy and I won’t pretend to have the answers.

I think they need to make a bare bones SS with just Powerpro and Table. That has a very minimal function and somehow cut cost. It needs to be the trojan horse, The current mark 7 is too expensive for a person to buy to try out a hobby or do a home renovation. I think they could cut cost by maybe making it 12 shorter, maybe use hard fiber plastic for the legs.

The base unit should be considered a loss leader, and the add ons is where they make the money, Bandsaw, Jointer, etc. This gets more SS in garages.

Also, there marking needs to be directed to younger generation with an up to date professionally done video series. The Saw Dust Sessions? Really? Doug Reid does the best he can but its not enough.

These are just some thoughts, Feel free to tear apart. ;-)

[berry]

I agree. I think a new Shopsmith is a good deal, at least if you're in for the long haul and will use it. My SS and I will celebrate 35 years together next month. I own a 500 upgraded to a 520 with belt sander, jointer, and bandsaw. Purchased the 500 (new) for about $1300 and with all the items I've added over the years I'm in for about $2800-$3000. That comes out to something like $85 a year.

Given the fun I've had and the money I've saved on some projects - it was a steal.

[Ed in Tampa]

I thought I posted this but it is not there so I will try again.

First I believe Shopsmith could cut the cost of the Power Pro upgrade products by half and still make a huge profit and sell a lot more of them.

Second many cite Shopsmith for still supplying parts for early machines this is true but in fact the basic design hadn't never changed. Perhaps a new design should be considered

One with lift assist built in and does not effect other configurations in any way.

One with blade tilt instead of table tilt.

One with flesh sensing technology that prevents injury ( do not use SawStop technology)

I agree the size of the jointer could be increased without increasing weight if certain changes were made.

The bandsaw could be made larger quieter and smoother if new technology was used.

Better dust control is going to be essential in the near future as air quality laws increase.

While Shopsmith has many industry leading safety features, they are going to have to improve in the face of soon coming safety requirements.

[Ed in Tampa]

How many forum members actually purchased their Shopsmith from New from Shopsmith?

My guess not many.

[Gene Howe]

Mine was new in '75 when I bought it. Have recently acquired a used/rebuilt shorty.
My only upgrade to the original was a Jointech Saw Train.

[thunderbirdbat]

My SS was new when my husband got it for me but my son's is used. He is in his early 20's and most of his friends had never heard of SS before he got one for anything other than their sandpaper. I think we will see more from SS as the shipping delay problems are resolved and the partnerships with Lowe's and Woodcraft develop. Right now anyone can log into Lowe's website or walk up to the special order desk and order some of the upgrades and certain packaged accessories. That is a big step from where they were a few years ago. It may be slow but it appears to be headed in the right direction. It would be convenient is Lowe's and Woodcraft carry some of the smaller items like arbors, sanding disks and face plates that many people add multiples of to their collections but it will probably take years before that happens if ever.

[badams1207]

If you've seen the latest Woodcraft sale flyer there is a NOVA drill press with DVR selling for $1299.99, regularly $1499.99 and a NOVA Galaxi DVR lathe selling for $1999.99, regularly $2499.99. If you look at the cost of those 2 products alone that's close to the cost of a Mk7, plus you get the additional features of the Mk7. If you look at it from that standpoint, then Yes, the Shopsmith is indeed a bargain. Now, how many have purchased a new machine? Many purchased 2nd hand machines and upgraded them which would put your costs much lower. My final point, which has been hit on many times, is the parts and service support from the company and user base, you cant put a price on that.

[cincinnati]

Not too sure Shopsmith needs advice how to run their company.
Not too many American tool manufactures can say they have lasted the test of time like they have.

I would have to agree that the Shopsmith customer base is on the older side.
But I would have to disagree that younger kids today are not interested in woodworking. There is a definite Makers movement going on with teens and 20's group. I have guys at work, in their 20's, always asking woodworking questions.

Another group of growing woodworkers is the Hand Tool woodworker. This is a group I think the Shopsmith would be great for. Sometimes you need a power tool just to help you move a project along. The Shopsmith is compact enough it can be moved out of the way.

[Sazerac81]

I personally think they are doing fine. However, if they want to hit a younger market, they should introduce the Trojan horse play like Tdorey states and then really up their social media presence, Facebook, twitter, instagram photos and definitely put out some much higher quality YouTube videos with younger fellas doing the woodworking and presentation, you know really try to put the potential buyer in the shoes of the presenter. I love old and reliable stuff, but I am a rarity for my age, the mid 30's crowd. However, I also love the new and love to keep an open mind and try new things, such as festool products which are very expensive, but most would consider "worth it" after having used it for a while. Their festool domino joiner is possibly one of the coolest joining systems out there. .

Anyways, I think that they are doing fine, but if they want to increase their market share in the 20-40 year old demographic, likely they'll need to really increase social media and YouTube penetration/exposure with compelling material that will grab the attention of the younger folks out there.