Shopsmith Forums

As a number of you have noted in Nick’s Adios, the Traveling Academy was probably next. And so it is my friends. I was notified Monday that I would be returning my van to Dayton and that would be the end of the Academy, for now. I guess this is where the tire meets the road, except this time, it had a blow out. I am very sad to see the passing of the two Academy’s. Nick’s in depth knowledge was even inspirational to an old guy with 50 years of woodworking. To the thousands of you that I have personally met and got to know, thank you so much for the kindness and support you have shown me. I hope in some small way I have inspired you to have the confidence to attempt anything on your wonderful Mark V. I know that having met you have renewed my confidence in the will and greatness of our wonderful Nation. I pray all of you are able to weather the storms ahead. May our new leaders show wisdom in the decisions they make that will steer us through this intrepid time. I personally will be continuing my woodworking with a focus on turning.
Well, I guess that’s about it, so I say with sadness, goodbye and just remember,
Planning, Practice and Patience
Form Follows Function

Rick Davis
Traveling Academy Instructor

Dear Rick, now I really feel sad that I missed the Academy in Bakersfield. But never fear, any time you wish to visit Los Angeles, I will gladly host you at my home/shop, and we can invite the many members out west. Keep on making sawdust, and keep in touch. Gary

Rick, I am glad I had the opportunity to be at the TA in Tulsa last March. My wife and I learned a great deal in during the three days we were there and were looking forward to you coming to our area again. I hope you continue to hang around here and inject your words of wisdom.

Rick

I was really looking forward to spending 3 days in your class when you were coming to Nashville, TN in November. I hope you are still planning on pursuing more DVD's that you had talked about producing. Your Shopsmith Journals DVD has been invaluable to me. Wish the best for you.

Rick,

Your 3-day class in Ft. Collins, CO, this year was extremely helpful to me. I was looking forward to your next visit. Take care and make more sawdust.

Rick,
I was fortunate to have one set of academy trainings from you. I was looking forward to more. This is a sad day. I am sure, that if you do knot retire at this time, you will find ample work. After all, did you knot repeatedly tell SS that you didn't need the work? Fare well, friend.

So my big question is. Is this the end for Shopsmith? They now have no way to sell product. Just a way to order. No magazine ads, No videos, no live demos, nothing.

Rick
Sorry to hear this news--maybe they will reconsider. Since I live up the hill (Paradise) from you maybe you'll have something going in Chico where I can stop by and say hello. Many thanks for the great classes.
Steve

Like all of the others, I'm sorry to read of the traveling Academy's demise. I wish to thank you for the one day I was able to spend with you in Las Vegas. It was an excellent turning experience. I'll always remember that day. Since you'll be doing a lot of turning, remember to ride the bevel.

Rick,
This is such a shame. I really enjoyed our time together. As a matter of fact I have learned to really love using my scew. I only scrape now when I'm doing my finishing. HA!! You told me that would happen and it has. You really did inspire me with you knowledge. Now I can only hope that SS keeps this forum going to keep us learning from each other. Best of Luck to you and maybe you will be able to re-brand your videos???