Shopsmith Forums

Each time I read the announcement I get excited. I sit here trying to decide what dollar figure is affordable for me. I have a feeling when it is introduced I will order one rather quickly. This statement assumes our friends in fantasy land don't legislate me out of business. I have this fear they will continue to make changes that destroy additional segments of our society.

As for Shopsmith's decision to introduce our dream headstock. Fantastic move, I predict they will price it well enough (reasonable) to bring in badly needed cash yet high enough to be profitable. No question it won't be cheap yet it will make our sawdust creation more fun than ever. I like the concept of fewer repairs and if I understand correctly easier use. What a marvelous concept. During the last couple of months I have worked at making a seldom used 50th anniversary 510 usable. It became clear to me this machine was just too big a challange to the prior owner. They had all of the manuals yet still assembled incorrectly. Even with the proper information they didn't have a clue how to service it. A new headstock that is easier to work with opens up a whole new marketplace. Congratulations Shopsmith. I do believe I will be amongst the first purchasers. I too hope for a great current owner special offer. fjimp

Jim I share your enthusiasm. There are too many old Shopsmith's out there for the "classic" headstocks to ever fall out of favor. I love my Goldie and always will - all 3/4 horse of it! That being said, the idea of a 520 PowerPro model makes me swoon! Can't wait to get a gander! Alec

How about a photo of the new baby????

fjimp wrote: ....During the last couple of months I have worked at making a seldom used 50th anniversary 510 usable. It became clear to me this machine was just too big a challenge to the prior owner. They had all of the manuals yet still assembled incorrectly. Even with the proper information they didn't have a clue how to service it. A new headstock that is easier to work with opens up a whole new marketplace. fjimp

I find the above partial quote from Jim to be very insightful. Yes! - I completely agree the new headstock could, and hopefully will, open up a new market for many potential users who may be a little mechanically challenged.
Good observation, Jim!

Additionally, Those who love new stuff, will be waiting with bated breath for it's coming.
For me, however, There is that lingering ????(wonderment)??

I hope they continue making parts for the current machines. Mine is only 25 or 30 years old. For as well-built as they are, that's a mere teenager in SS years! I figure it's got at least 50 more years in it. More than I've got, I'm sure, so I plan on using it for as long as I'm able. I'm sure a lot of you will want to replace your current headstocks for the new ones. But as long as what I have fills my needs, it's hard for me to justify replacing it.

Don't get me wrong--I'll drool over the new one with the best of you. And I think it will bring in a lot of first-time owners, if it is priced and marketed well. That's good for all of us, so I'm thrilled with the news. But I know that I will want to keep my present machine working and busy for many years to come, and I will need certain critical parts from time to time to make that happen.

This announcement could not have been more timely. I just sold off a bunch of my older woodworking tools. I was going to go shopping for replacements. Now I will not do that. The money is going into the kitty for a new headstock. Will power. That is all I need now - will power.

earlmorton wrote:I hope they continue making parts for the current machines. Mine is only 25 or 30 years old. For as well-built as they are, that's a mere teenager in SS years! I figure it's got at least 50 more years in it. More than I've got, I'm sure, so I plan on using it for as long as I'm able. I'm sure a lot of you will want to replace your current headstocks for the new ones. But as long as what I have fills my needs, it's hard for me to justify replacing it.

Don't get me wrong--I'll drool over the new one with the best of you. And I think it will bring in a lot of first-time owners, if it is priced and marketed well. That's good for all of us, so I'm thrilled with the news. But I know that I will want to keep my present machine working and busy for many years to come, and I will need certain critical parts from time to time to make that happen.

Earl,

Please don't misunderstand me. I will most likely update one of my ss 520's to the new headstock. I will likely not mess with the 50th Anniversary model. I like it just the way it is. My budget and my priorities say only one will be upgraded. Hey if for no other reason after I am gone my kids will be left to figure out what was the ole guy thinking. I feel I have a responsibility to leave numerous questions with no answers.:o fjimp

Perhaps more important than the price is its country of origin. If it says Made in USA, I'll be happy to pay more for it. Hopefully Shopsmith has been reading the threads on this site and know that most of us value the Made in USA stamp.

dusty wrote:Are you sure that I am hoping to be wrong? Yes, I would like to be able to buy a new headstock for less than the current headstock sells for but I don't think that will ever happen. Shopsmith's past performance clearly indicates that they are not running any sort of give away program. They chose to release this PowerPro into the market place during this financial crisis. They are not doing that just so you and I can have new, more powerful headstocks in our Mark V. They are hoping for some big return on their investment. That return won't (can't) come from a low ball price tag.

Are you wishing for next years Mark V Model 530, equipped with the new Power Pro Headstock, to sell for less than what a new Mark V Model 520 costs today.

I, along with easterngray, am wondering just how this new item will be marketed. Has anyone seen any evidence of its existence anywhere other than on the forum?

I don't think so! Yes, you are right!! I hope I'm wrong!! I just edited my Christmas WISH LIST to include a PowerPro Headstock.

Dusty
Shopsmith is in trouble because the have out priced the market and no one is buying. The only way they can survive is to produce a machine that will sell for less. The place to start is in the headstock. Make it simple, make it with less moving parts, used new technology that allows for cheaper easier production and price the whole thing at a price that people will jump on it.

Seriously with the economy the way it is how many people that aren't sure if they are going to have a job, pension check or even social security are going to part with big bucks? In my book those that do have more money than brains but in most cases they don't even have the money they will use credit.

The companies that come out of this mess are the ones that will produce a better product for less money. I also guess this headstock is probably from an overseas operation that has variable speed headstock technology. My guess is one of the variable speed lathe manufactures, and the one I'm thinking of sell whole lathes for less than $2000.

I hold to my opinion if it doesn't sell for less than price of a new saws on the market (Ridgid,Sears,Delta and etc) it won't sell enough to save the company.

When I see the price I will do one of two things both based on price. Either order the new headstock as being a reasonable priced tool or sell my SS because the company won't be around to support my tool much longer.
Justaned