Message From Shopsmith

[judaspre1982]

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[wlhayesmfs]

OK guys I will do the same and keep a positive attitude on the future on SS. I also appreciate the comment of the group and the SS leaders. I have to trade and fix of old units and sell them to make money to buy more add ons. But as long as the parts are available and I can see new ideas and product for me I will keep this great tool alive for my grandkids to use. I will also miss the teaching and training I got from Drew and Nick but I have learned a lot over the years from the SS owners on groups like this and will continue to do so.
Thanks

[pinkiewerewolf]

Mr. Folkerth, thanks for the message.
I also feel it is important for leadership to keep its supporters informed in times like these.
Shopsmith enthusiast will continue to support the company as we look toward better times for the US economy.

[jamesrpowellmd]

Shopsmith has not typically commented on threads generated through the forum because we wanted to treat it as a member owned environment and wanted woodworking thoughts to flow freely. However, since the Sawdust Session had become such an integral part of the forum, and as a result of our decision to discontinue current development of Sawdust Sessions, I thought this may be an appropriate exception. Current economic conditions have significantly impacted the woodworking industry. Shopsmith is no exception. Coupled with limited availability of credit, Shopsmith was forced to look to all areas not providing a positive cash flow to reduce costs. However, in riding the storm, and without going into the specific details, we see a strong future for the Shopsmith product line. So in conclusion, I would like to say, that Sawdust Sessions are an investment in our owner base and play an important role in achieving our mission statement "Enriching Lives Through Woodworking". They will likely be back. Unfortunately, by discontinuing them in the interim, we will likely lose the availability of Nick and Drew. I know of no other team that has the same level of creativity, woodworking skills, and Shopsmith knowledge. They have contributed immensely and will be missed. Bob Folkerth, CEO, Shopsmith, Inc.

I just posted a similar message under the SS marketing thread...Then I found this message from Mr. Folkerth. I sincerely hope that Nick and Drew will return in the near future. I think they were the best salesmen that Shopsmith ever hired. Unfortunately, they probably were "preaching to the choir" in that the audience that watched the Sawdust sessions were already devoted Shopsmith owners! I am sure that after some of the Sawdust sessions orders increased for the bowl turning accessory, the speed increaser, and the table upgrades. I think that showing how to rebuild an old Shopsmith generated some orders for replacement parts as well.
I know that with a few replacement parts and continued technical support from Shopsmith, my Mark V will probably out live me!

[Woodworker200403]

I just wanted to drop a line to say thank you to Mr. Folkerth for jumping onto this site to let us loyal Shopsmith users know what is going on at Shopsmith durning these hard times. It would be nice to hear from Mr. Folkerth from time to time to hear how the company is doing through these hard times. I work for a big oil company out here on the west coast and we hear from the CEO monthly as to whats going on. I sure hope Shopsmith can weather through these trouble times for all of us. I just love rebuliding my Shopsmith and I can do it myself because it's a great machine to work on and with. Every chance I get I tell people how great the machine is "AND IT'S AMERICAN MADE". Please keep up the good work you do at Shopsmith we all just love the Shopsmith brand.

Dave
Concord CA:D