Shopsmith Forums

dusty wrote:...Long ago, when I purchased my Shopsmith, I was given a certificate that allowed me to attend a one day introductory training session that covered the operational highlights of the Mark V and the Bandsaw. At that time, a Bandsaw was offered along with any Mark V purchased during these sessions...

I bought mine, through the demonstrator at the Puyallup Fair, in 1995. I do knot remember being offered the introductory training session, but I know that I did not attend one. When I bought mine, the demonstrator offered a choice of a free bandsaw or a free jointer. Even though it was "worth" less, I chose the jointer, as I had a single purpose bandsaw already.

The introductory session being talked about is the Traveling Academy. Not until 2003-2004 did the company offer more than a one-day class. During this class, the instructor raced through and tried to cover everything.

Just before Rick Davis took the helm, the company changed the way the classes were held, and split them into two different types of classes; basics and woodturning. When Rick did take over, it was changed again to three different classes; basics, advanced basics and woodturning.

The company used to give out one-day free tuition certificates to the Traveling Academy when you purchased a new Shopsmith. I do not know if they still offer this or not.

While the TAs are presented as one day segments, I have never known of they only being one day long unless the customer chose to attend only one day.

Yes, the TA used to only be a one day class. Doug Reid was the instructor when I attended this class. They usually would do a class in the same city for two or three days, but it was the exact same class for each of these days. There was no point in going more than once because they taught the exact same things each day.

For me, this was back in 2002. A couple of years later the company changed the classes to different subjects each day in hopes of having more owners attend more than one day. This worked for a while, but that seems to not be working so well anymore. There were only 5 students in my classes a couple of weeks ago, when there used to be 20 or more students in attendance. Maybe its time to add some more subjects/topics to the classes.

We had approx 10-12 the first two days, and some not being the same people from the 1st day. The third day for wood turning we had 15 actual participants.

I wish that I would have been able to attend the Owner's Weekend. Have owners ever given thought to doing something similar but on a more local level and publicize it? Just suggestion.

BPR

Hi BPR,

Yes, some of us have thought of this idea. In fact, I have a couple of polls running right now in the "Community" section of this forum with information on the creation of such an event.

It will be held in central California in early October. But as you probably already figured out, only those who live locally will probably want to attend. If their is enough support from other Shopsmith owners in the area, the event will be a go. So far it is looking good so I need to set an actual date very soon.

I haven't seen or read about anyone else wanting to do this. Maybe they are waiting to see how the one I am planning works out before they step forward.

Maybe it's time for owners to start Shopmith User Groups in areas where they live. I think the Owners weekend is a step forward, however I think that this could be a more efficient way to get the word out. At least its something to think about.

BPR

Here its 2012 and Home Depot, Cedar Rapids, IA had a weekend demo of the Mark7 in the fall. Demo included the Lift for vertical drilling, one finger operation, 3'' wheels one finger moving along with the tool rack. Which I purchased all 3 items, best investment. I talked to the demostrater says ther going to do more of these. Google SS tool demo's... Bobg p.s. I have the 1996 ShopSmith version 510 with the new updates that I recently purchased..

Home Depot!!!!!:eek:

P.S. It is 2013!

Sorry I was referencing the past year 2012 as to my thoughts ShopSmith should have a schedule for 2013 now..
l just had an amputation of upper leg past year, reoganizing my shop to get back to woodworking;)