Shopsmith Forums

Details of SHOPSMITH 75th Anniversary Celebration Event – October 6-7, 2023
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So, as some of you are aware, I started making some efforts to organize a Shopsmith user event at the Dayton, OH factory location to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the release of the original Model 10-E SHOPSMITH last fall. For a variety of reasons, I was unable to bring this to completion. However, I’ve recently restarted this effort in collaboration with the Folkerth family (owners of Shopsmith, Inc.), and with sufficient progress being made in the planning, I need some input from the community to gauge interest.

So, here are the details:

Date: Friday/Saturday, October 6-7, 2023
Location: Dayton, OH
Activities: the Folkerths have offered to host the attendees in a number of smaller groups at the factory for a combination of factory tour, [new?] product demonstrations, and panel discussion. These sessions are at no cost to attendees, but you’ll likely have opportunities to purchase Shopsmith- branded merchandise and/or products while onsite.
Other activities: depending upon attendees’ willingness to pay for additional activities, we could also organize:

• A cocktail reception on Friday evening (cash bar, and possible contribution to appetizer selection)

• Outing on Saturday (National Museum of the Air Force - https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/- is a great option with no cost [small donations appreciated])

• Closing banquet on Saturday night (still working on potential cost for this; obviously dependent on level of interest)

Timing: a proposed schedule is mapped out on the attached graphic.
Accommodations: the Shopsmith, Inc. team is working on group rates a local hotel. Details TBD.

What I need at this point is to gauge interest, so please comment whether you’re interested in participating so I can start to get an idea of headcount. There is a practical limit to the number of participants based on the capacity of the factory events, but I believe that will be within the scope of those who are willing to commit the time and expense to take part.
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Count me in, plus one. No problem with appropriate charges or fees. Super glad to see this moving forward.

Thanks!
I could do a 1-day road trip from Indianapolis. Perhaps on the Friday, but more likely on the Saturday.

Chris

John,

I really do want to attend but cannot commit right now. We are in the process of purchasing a new home set to close soon but move in not until June 25th. Until our current home sells after the move, funds will be tight.

The good news is the new home has a large 40' x 60' shop building. More space for Shopsmith's.

EDIT:
For Ed's post below - I don't think my wife would be happy with me if I filled that shop with that many Shopsmith's. A few more may be okay.

chapmanruss wrote: ↑Wed Apr 26, 2023 11:52 am The good news is the new home has a large 40' x 60' shop building. More space for Shopsmith's.

You could fit 320 Shopsmiths in that building! Just on the floor, far more with additional means of storage.

John,

I intend to make it to this celebration if at all possible. I would prefer to attend Factory Rotation #2 for more flexibility in travel arrangements, and my general preference to sleep late

I hope to attend.

-Erik

chattyride wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2023 11:47 pm I want to join this celebration event. I'll come on Friday.
-Chatty

Really....All the way from Budapest?

-Chatty is a SPAMer. There is a hidden link in the post. Reported.

jsburger wrote: ↑Mon May 08, 2023 12:33 pm -Chatty is a SPAMer. There is a hidden link in the post. Reported.

How does one find a "hidden link" and why does the mere existence of a link make a post spam?

I say again, John, you would make an excellent moderator. It is a shame that SS has not recruited you.