ShopSmith Future Direction

[HopefulSSer]

You keep disparagingly referring to Cupps as "Saint Nick". Are you mocking him as the supposed "saviour of the company" who will destroy it, or are you mocking anyone who's willing to have an open mind and optimism?

[jsburger]

Exactly what I thought the first time I saw that. Glad I am not the only one who thinks that way.

[DLB]

... Still sad to see them discontinue the planer.

Likely a decision made (assuming it has been made) under the previous leadership. Pro-Planer and the alternative stand for the mounted planer were discontinued earlier, I'm thinking a couple of years ago.(?) One can hope that parts support stays around for a while. I like the idea of the continuously variable feed speed. I'm not a fan of Mark-mounted for a planer though, it wouldn't work for me.

- David

[larryhrockisland]

You keep disparagingly referring to Cupps as "Saint Nick". Are you mocking him as the supposed "saviour of the company" who will destroy it, or are you mocking anyone who's willing to have an open mind and optimism?

+ 1

[RFGuy]

You keep disparagingly referring to Cupps as "Saint Nick". Are you mocking him as the supposed "saviour of the company" who will destroy it, or are you mocking anyone who's willing to have an open mind and optimism?

Exactly what I thought the first time I saw that. Glad I am not the only one who thinks that way.

You keep disparagingly referring to Cupps as "Saint Nick". Are you mocking him as the supposed "saviour of the company" who will destroy it, or are you mocking anyone who's willing to have an open mind and optimism?

+ 1

Definitions:
disparage - regard or represent as being of little worth.
mock - tease or laugh at in a scornful or contemptuous manner.

No, I don't believe I once mocked or disparaged him. Many on the forum and in the YT comments of that interview LAVISHED praise on him for taking over, while I am much more guarded because I know what a private equity acquisition means. More than once I have emphasized on my posts on this forum that I sincerely hope he succeeds because I want the company to have a future. I have, however, been honest about what I think the headwinds are for the company in hopes they can course correct. Fanboy'ing over Shopsmith won't save it, but perhaps open and honest dialogue about what the company is, where it intends to go and how to get there just might. I attempted to solicit humor by warmly referring to him as Saint Nick on the forum (in hopes he would save the company), but like many of my posts on this forum, they become misinterpreted, misunderstood, mischaracterized. So, I am done. You guys can have the forum...and by the way, you just created one less Shopsmith customer. Goodbye.

Let the echo chamber resume...
viewtopic.php?p=311851#p311851

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[JPG]

Was the planer too expensive to continue at a reasonable profit? IMO it is far better than the lunch box models.

[algale]

Was the planer too expensive to continue at a reasonable profit? IMO it is far better than the lunch box models.

Does anyone in fact know that it has been permanently discontinued? I recall in the past it would be on the site but "currently unavailable" and then suddenly available again for some period.

It was extremely expensive compared to lunchbox planers including the Dewalt DW735, which is usually considered the top of the heap performance-wise.

[jsburger]

Was the planer too expensive to continue at a reasonable profit? IMO it is far better than the lunch box models.

Correct me if I am wrong but, as I remember it when the SS planer was introduced there were no lunch box planers. It was the only alternative to the large Powermatics et al. It certainly is far superior to the lunch box planers.

[algale]

Was the planer too expensive to continue at a reasonable profit? IMO it is far better than the lunch box models.

Correct me if I am wrong but, as I remember it when the SS planer was introduced there were no lunch box planers. It was the only alternative to the large Powermatics et al. It certainly is far superior to the lunch box planers.

Both you and JPG seem to think it is far superior to lunchbox planers. I only have experience with the DW735. What is it that makes you guys think the SS planer is far superior?

[JPG]

I consider a 1.75 hp induction motor to be more suitable to the task than a universal motor.

That said, I consider the cutter speed of the DW735 to be superior.

The SS mount suffers more so with it's lower speed and hp.

The DW735 elevation screws appear to be more robust, but I think a bit of hyper marketing rather than useful since the pitch seems to be far greater.

The cast iron bed on the pro planer is better than the stamped steel of the DW735(I am assuming this one).

Also the aluminum torsion box casting provides a better base for the SS bed 'skin'.

I admit to very little experience with the SS planer, but also none with the DW375. My other thickness planer is not in the same league, but, is much more stout(cast iron bed and cutter housing).

The SS variable speed range is a big plus IMHO.

The SS mount with cutter speed adjustable with the inclusive torque changes is I think a small but relevant 'feature'.

Cannot ignore the DW735 is 1" wider.



So much for 'perception' induced judgement.

I have ignored 'dust collection', but the DW735 "appears" more viable.



P.S. I am curious re the DW735 bogging down with a full width cut greater than "[1/32"]".