Shopsmith Forums

Shopsmith has not typically commented on threads generated through the forum because we wanted to treat it as a member owned environment and wanted woodworking thoughts to flow freely. However, since the Sawdust Session had become such an integral part of the forum, and as a result of our decision to discontinue current development of Sawdust Sessions, I thought this may be an appropriate exception. Current economic conditions have significantly impacted the woodworking industry. Shopsmith is no exception. Coupled with limited availability of credit, Shopsmith was forced to look to all areas not providing a positive cash flow to reduce costs. However, in riding the storm, and without going into the specific details, we see a strong future for the Shopsmith product line. So in conclusion, I would like to say, that Sawdust Sessions are an investment in our owner base and play an important role in achieving our mission statement "Enriching Lives Through Woodworking". They will likely be back. Unfortunately, by discontinuing them in the interim, we will likely lose the availability of Nick and Drew. I know of no other team that has the same level of creativity, woodworking skills, and Shopsmith knowledge. They have contributed immensely and will be missed. Bob Folkerth, CEO, Shopsmith, Inc.

admin wrote:Shopsmith has not typically commented on threads generated through the forum because we wanted to treat it as a member owned environment and wanted woodworking thoughts to flow freely. However, since the Sawdust Session had become such an integral part of the forum, and as a result of our decision to discontinue current development of Sawdust Sessions, I thought this may be an appropriate exception. Current economic conditions have significantly impacted the woodworking industry. Shopsmith is no exception. Coupled with limited availability of credit, Shopsmith was forced to look to all areas not providing a positive cash flow to reduce costs. However, in riding the storm, and without going into the specific details, we see a strong future for the Shopsmith product line. So in conclusion, I would like to say, that Sawdust Sessions are an investment in our owner base and play an important role in achieving our mission statement "Enriching Lives Through Woodworking". They will likely be back. Unfortunately, by discontinuing them in the interim, we will likely lose the availability of Nick and Drew. I know of no other team that has the same level of creativity, woodworking skills, and Shopsmith knowledge. They have contributed immensely and will be missed. Bob Folkerth, CEO, Shopsmith, Inc.

Bob!

Thanks for the update. Shopsmith has given me much enjoyment over the years with a quality built tool. I wish Shopsmith the best of luck.

-Dave L.

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Thanks for the comments Bob. If there ever comes a time you need a new team for the Sawdust Sessions, my experience and woodshop is available.

I live in CA, but in producing internet videos, location really isn't that much of a problem. You can produce them just about anywhere with the right equipment and team. I have both.

Mr. Folkerth...
Thanks for making an exception in commenting in the members forum. I sincerely hope that curtailing some programs you have is just a "hiccup" and you will be able to resume them at a later date. I, for one, was convinced to purchase a Mark V in 2006, after attending a demonstration at Lowes here in Tucson, Arizona. Will be looking forward to any updates that you wish to pass on to us SS owners.

Jim in Arizona

admin wrote:Shopsmith has not typically commented on threads generated through the forum because we wanted to treat it as a member owned environment and wanted woodworking thoughts to flow freely. However, since the Sawdust Session had become such an integral part of the forum, and as a result of our decision to discontinue current development of Sawdust Sessions, I thought this may be an appropriate exception. Current economic conditions have significantly impacted the woodworking industry. Shopsmith is no exception. Coupled with limited availability of credit, Shopsmith was forced to look to all areas not providing a positive cash flow to reduce costs. However, in riding the storm, and without going into the specific details, we see a strong future for the Shopsmith product line. So in conclusion, I would like to say, that Sawdust Sessions are an investment in our owner base and play an important role in achieving our mission statement "Enriching Lives Through Woodworking". They will likely be back. Unfortunately, by discontinuing them in the interim, we will likely lose the availability of Nick and Drew. I know of no other team that has the same level of creativity, woodworking skills, and Shopsmith knowledge. They have contributed immensely and will be missed. Bob Folkerth, CEO, Shopsmith, Inc.

Thank you, Mr Folkerth, for taking time to inform us of the conditions at Shopsmith. I understand that during these difficult financial times, plans can not always be carried out. I hope that you are aware of how very important you and the Shopsmith team are to those of us that have wookworking ambitions and are building our shops around the Mark V. I also have aspirations of developing a "Best Ever Workshop" featuring the Shopsmith and getting it published in Better Homse and Gardens "Best Ever Workshops Magazine".

Thank you again for you response. It is really good to hear this sort of news direct from management. Hopefully you will do this on a regular basis.

Mr. Folkerth
I want to thank you for your comments. And I admire your statement of leaving the fourm to us. It was important for you to step in a this time though.
Thank you for the re-assurance you bring to us owners. I still have more of your product to buy and will contnue to support Shopsmith.

Mr. Folkerth,

You are a gentleman sir. When I first read the announcement of recent changes. I was dismayed yet realized business is at best challanging today. Even my small business has been forced to make difficult cutbacks. Your clarification is important and meaningful to all of us, thanks again. As other I wlove my shopsmith tools and will continue supporting you and your fine company as best I can. Fimp

OK!! This is great leadership. Thanks for speaking to us!

You have a strong following here in this forum, and you have built an incredbile base of loyalty in your customers - something any other company would envy. Don't worry about infringing on our space. We welcome your participation once in a while to let us know how it's going.

Paul

Mr. Folkerth,

Thank you for the information. I am a SS user/woodworker in New Zealand and look forward to updating myself on the forum and with the electrtonic hands on sessions. That would be sorely missed.
I was quite surprised by the announcement the other day, and I wish you all the positive opportunities and good luck in the future and will miss Nick, Drew, Rick etc.

Thank you for all your support and help over the years.

I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AND USE THE SHOPSMITH PRODUCT.
BECAUSE IT FITS MY NEEDS.

ALL THE BEST

Sandy Johnston
Auckland
New Zealand