Shopsmith Forums

Somehow I have a bit of difficulty when these companies get sold off. I keep thinking about the Delta debacle after the sale of that brand name.
Delta is in deep stuff since their sale. Parts not available and exhorbitant prices for replacement components. The knock out bar for the Delta midi lathe is on the website for $77.00 plus shipping. I can get a piece of 1/4 inch steel rod and make a knob for about $5.00.
No information about the speed control electronics for troubleshooting or spare parts. The drive belt is listed at $35.00 plus shipping from Delta but is on the internet for $4.42 cents from a belt supplier.
I think that I sound like I have no confidence in the future of the brands.
Bill V

My own thought process, on this topic, scares me.

Manufacturing, for the most part, is being moved offshore. Reportedly, this is being done because the cost to manufacturer is too high here in the states. OK, move offshore and reduce the manufacturing cost. But then why are the purchase prices for these items built offshore not lower.

Oh yes, you can find lower prices but usually those lower prices are for lesser quality.

Maybe this is an argument for higher prices. I don't like to think about that but that might be the way it is. The problem with this is that when I drop my guard against high prices how do I guard simultaneously against low quality.

Using parts or assemblies built offshore does not necessarily mean low quality but it sure does increase the probability.

wa2crk wrote:Somehow I have a bit of difficulty when these companies get sold off. I keep thinking about the Delta debacle after the sale of that brand name.
Delta is in deep stuff since their sale. Parts not available and exhorbitant prices for replacement components. The knock out bar for the Delta midi lathe is on the website for $77.00 plus shipping. I can get a piece of 1/4 inch steel rod and make a knob for about $5.00.
No information about the speed control electronics for troubleshooting or spare parts. The drive belt is listed at $35.00 plus shipping from Delta but is on the internet for $4.42 cents from a belt supplier.
I think that I sound like I have no confidence in the future of the brands.
Bill V

That why I have stayed with Shopsmith for the past 40 years. I would believe there could be an excellant after market for supplying parts and repairs for the many brands of metal and woodworking equipment that are not supported anymore or has become too costly. I did some very limited repairs on some of the major brands for a few years but found Shopsmith was much easier to work on and get parts for them. I may still have some knowledge on repairing some of the major brands so I will be happy to respond with what I can remember.

I'd be more optimistic if it were a N. American tool manufacturer that bought them, rather than a capital management firm. OTOH, are there any in N. America with the wherewithal to make such a deal?

I'd like to pick up a few Jet parallel clamps. Hopefully they will be discounted somewhere, they are pricy!