Shopsmith Forums

Reading over the latest issue of Woodcraft magazine, an article calls out 10 game changing tools one of which is the DVR motor. It describes the NOVA lathe and upcoming drill press, then mentions that "You can bet you'll see this technology in table saws and other critical machines in the future." (P. 27; Vol 11/no. 62)

I did write to the editor about the Mark 7 using the DVR. I will presume that Mr. Harrold is familiar with Shopsmith and its latest advancements, but think it would have been nice if they had at least given a nod to the Mark 7, even if it's isn't the darling of the woodworking world.

Be well,
Ben

Perhaps that presumption is erroneous. I have no problem thinking Mr. Harrold is totally unaware of the Mark 7.

Or perhaps, (and I think this may be closer to the truth) Woodcraft magazine is going to emphasize products found in Woodcraft stores and not a competitor.
BPOR

I would guess that both ideas are viable and plausible. I wonder if Shopsmith "had" been mentioned if they might have considered spending some advertising money in Woodworking magazine. I guess we will never know.

This seems to me to be a glass half full vs half empty thing, as opposed to a snub. I'd be really surprised if Woodcraft mentioned any product in their magazine that didn't advertise there. It's not like Woodcraft magazine is some neutral unbiased source of woodworking information, so do expect it to be so.

I've wondered why Shopsmith doesn't work with one of the primary woodworking companies to promote their line. It has a legitimate place (as we all know). There's plenty of room to debate the features and functionality of stand-alone tools vs multipurpose tools but again, the reality is you can make some very nice furniture, cabinets, crafts, and wood turnings with the Shopsmith. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. It all comes down to space, expense, and needs, and desires. A lot of folks have opted for a Shopsmith and I can't imagine Woodcraft, Rockler, or one of their ilk wouldn't find Shopsmith to be a good match. If Shopsmith had a long range vision to thrive, not just survive, they'd have a business plan that involved in store sales, service, and accessories.

I don't know (let alone understand) Shopsmith's business plan but what I've seen has sure left me with a lot of questions. My guess is they don't see the advantage to a legitimate retailer supporting their product. Their mail order model really doesn't fit my needs very well - especially considering how long it takes to get some things. Last fall I received something I'd ordered 10 or 11 months earlier! That mirrored a problem I had buying a joiner in 1981. More typical is waiting 7-10 days for parts but if they're not in stock, you'll wait. It would be great to be able go to Woodcraft and pick up something other than bandsaw blades for my Shopsmith.

The really funny thing is, the owner of my local Woodcraft store has told people he thinks the Shopsmith is a good tool. I think he gets it. For the average homeowner wanting to make things, fix things, or remodel stuff around the house, the Shopsmith is hard to beat. I bought a Shopsmith in 1980 and have owned two more over the years, so I think I know what I'm talking about. I don't see Woodcraft snubbing Shopsmith. I just see a couple of self-interested companies acting predictably.

Don

IIUC, Woodcraft at one time did sell SS stuff. Prior to the reorganization from SS to RLF.

JPG wrote:IIUC, Woodcraft at one time did sell SS stuff. Prior to the reorganization from SS to RLF.

They certainly did. That is where I bought my brand new 510 in 1994.

Just a brief update; Mr Harrold did respond to my email by asking for a name and location and asking if my letter (with some editing) could be used in a future issue. I said yes. I'll post more if it appears.

Be well,
Ben

You all have brought up an interesting topic for me since I was there when all the changes happened. There probably are not to many old Shopsmith employees around any more. I was just a couple years out of college when I helped open the Kansas city store it 1989. It was the 42nd store. There was not any other woodworking store system that came close. The old stores sold the SS line of major tools and multiple lines of potable power tools, hand tools and accessories. They also had Woodworking academies with 3 to 4 day classes where you completed a major project, and shorter day and evening seminars. We sold a lot of product through the classes because the customer was educated about the product. A great marketing strategy. SS was really the leader at the time.

They then came out with the Woodworking Unlimited store upgrade which carried stand alone tools as well and a bigger store. It was very impressive. A one stop shop for any woodworker. During that time they also were developing new tools and addons. I was excited to be apart of such a growing and vibrant company.

Then in a matter of about 6 months to a year everything seemed to implode. They laid off all the academy instructors and other very experienced staff for various reasons without much explanation. A short time after that they struck a deal with woodcraft to acquire a bunch of the stores and also sell the Mark V for a period of about 5 years. In most of the stores the SS area gathered dust because very few knew how to demonstrate or use the shopsmith brand and it was no longer used in the classes. From there the company just kind of moved in to what it is today. I was not privy to all the business decisions at the time, but it seem like it was a drastic change of direction. It saddens me to see what is today compared to when I worked for them. It is almost hard to believe.

Well that is my story. I hope some of you find it interesting and maybe sheds some light on trying to sell SS in other stores.

The future is already here

Page 9 of the latest issue of Woodcraft magazine shows a Mark 7 with that headline!!!

Be well,
Ben