Shopsmith Forums

I know we have been over this information before in other threads on similar topics, so I am going to address this to the home office: With the upcoming woodworking show in Indianapolis next weekend, is there a reason why Shopsmith is not going to be represented? I just wanted to know.

Thanks,
BPR

I suspect that it is as simple as "They have determined other ways to spend their advertising dollar).

Without knowing the impact of previous woodworking shows on the Shopsmith bottom line, there is no logical way to think about it. Remember, the business operators that attend these events are all looking to the profit margin that results from having been there.

ryanbp01 wrote:With the upcoming woodworking show in Indianapolis next weekend, is there a reason why Shopsmith is not going to be represented?

That's a really good question Ryan. Why wouldn't a woodworking tool company want to be represented at a show full of motivated woodworkers looking to learn and spend money on their hobby? The only answer I can think of is the fact that the Shopsmith is not well regarded in the general woodworking community. We know better, but let's face it, Shopsmith has an image problem. It's expensive to be represented at these shows and SS has not figured out how to make it pay.

Did you get to the WW show in Indy? Attend any sessions you found useful? Found any bargains or interesting new items amongst the vendors? I'm looking forward to the attending the show in St Paul in March.

FYI: The Indy show is next weekend, Jan. 15 to 17.

S Brian wrote:FYI: The Indy show is next weekend, Jan. 15 to 17.

oops! off a week. keep me posted.

I was just there today. Obviously no Shopsmith booth, but nothing really for many big-name stationary tools either. Niche accessories such as Kreg, Woodpeckers, etc., were the focus of many of the vendor booths there. Regarding hand-tools, Lee Valley / Veritas was there, but Lie-Nielsen was not. And "flea market grade" stuff took up 10-20% of the show area in the building. I ended up spending no dollars other than my parking and entrance and a cup of chili soup. I did sit through a nice presentation on wiping-varnishes from one of the Fine Woodworking contributors. It was a good opportunity to get out of the house and stretch my legs: As one recent WW article said, the carpenter's doctor had told him "sitting is the new smoking" with regard to the risks of a sedentary lifestyle .

Chris

They are coming to New England next weekend. On the fence if I will go or stay home. But I do like shinny things!

nuhobby wrote:I was just there today. Obviously no Shopsmith booth, but nothing really for many big-name stationary tools either. Niche accessories such as Kreg, Woodpeckers, etc., were the focus of many of the vendor booths there. Regarding hand-tools, Lee Valley / Veritas was there, but Lie-Nielsen was not. And "flea market grade" stuff took up 10-20% of the show area in the building. I ended up spending no dollars other than my parking and entrance and a cup of chili soup. I did sit through a nice presentation on wiping-varnishes from one of the Fine Woodworking contributors. It was a good opportunity to get out of the house and stretch my legs: As one recent WW article said, the carpenter's doctor had told him "sitting is the new smoking" with regard to the risks of a sedentary lifestyle .

Chris

Interesting! Nothing from the major manufactures tells me they didn't expect to sell anything. No Lie Nielsen again no prospective sales. What is left impluse buys but even they seem limited to flea market stuff.
Sad state of the wood working situation. Gen X and Milleniums seem to want to play with virtual reality, computer games instead of doing anything with their hands.

nuhobby wrote:I was just there today. Obviously no Shopsmith booth, but nothing really for many big-name stationary tools either. Niche accessories such as Kreg, Woodpeckers, etc., were the focus of many of the vendor booths there. Regarding hand-tools, Lee Valley / Veritas was there, but Lie-Nielsen was not. And "flea market grade" stuff took up 10-20% of the show area in the building. I ended up spending no dollars other than my parking and entrance and a cup of chili soup. I did sit through a nice presentation on wiping-varnishes from one of the Fine Woodworking contributors. It was a good opportunity to get out of the house and stretch my legs: As one recent WW article said, the carpenter's doctor had told him "sitting is the new smoking" with regard to the risks of a sedentary lifestyle . Chris

Great analysis thanks Chris. How well attended was it? Last year in Milwaukee it was very busy, which I enjoyed. I found some bargains, but I had to go back and sit down at a table to check prices on my phone to make sure. I had to choose the seminars I wanted to see, there are conflicting times and not all are repeated.

Ed in Tampa wrote:Sad state of the wood working situation. Gen X and Milleniums seem to want to play with virtual reality, computer games instead of doing anything with their hands.

So true in many cases Ed. The Wood Whisperer has a big following in the younger crowd. Every other sentence he mentions that he has corporate sponsors and makes his living with his Guild, which charges woodworkers an annual fee for full access to his videos and online workshops. He's pretty proud of himself, as he should be. Berry asked a while back how he could make money from woodworking. Education is probably the most lucrative way if you've got the right personality for it. I think George Von Driska in Wisconsin is doing pretty well with his Woodworkers Guild of America too.