How can we help Shopsmith?

[Ed in Tampa]

I agree that this is a marketing issue. The newbie woodworker or the DIYer has to be exposed to Shopsmith. HOW? That is the question, I would think advertising in the woodworking and handyman magazines that the people you want to get to, go to for ideas and how to help. Or advertising on these magazines web sites. I have been a member of the Handyman Club of America for years, and on there forum every day. There are new people joining every day. New people that may be interested in a Shopsmith.
Efmaron
YOu have been a member of the Handyman club for years??? Wow I always thought that was a scam. At the risk of hijacking this thread would you tell us about it? Perhaps start a new thread.
Ed

[sandyj]

Here in New Zealand there are not a lot of shopsmiths here - two I think.
One area I frequent to find out about what is happening in woodworking is the Apple Music Store thru Itunes - and look at podcasts then search for "woodworking".
There are quite a few producers of this that show how to make things - even "juniors". Now if the inclination is to show the world the virtues of the shopsmith - why don't some get together and show what they do using the SS and get the interest out there - my interests are in smaller projects and general repairs that I can put together in my small workshop - that seems to be the niche for quite a few of the owners I see here.
What I think I am trying to get across is get the word out where the masses are. Using new technology to learn useful information and techniques - possiblly building things on the net.
Don't get me wrong - I appreciate 200% the Sawdust session archives - but to see a complete project from start to finish in the smaller sizes - the Train for instance on the wall in the workshop - would be very usefull for beginners.

Enough of my ramblings but I do enjoy using my ss and keeping it simple works for me - most of the time.

Kind regards to all
Sandy in New Zealand

[grayhane]

Perhaps the best thing would be for Shopsmith to help themselves.

This is one of the last Great American Companies, the machine is outstanding and for a vast majority of us, only obtainable via the used market.

They run fantastic sales all the time, but what if they just lay off all the sales and drop the price of the things they sell ? As SS is set up now , would they fold if 100% of all sales where as a result of specials they run ?

I would have loved a machine fresh from the factory, might have had one 20 years ago in fact but cost new is out of keeping with what I can do in stand alone units of similar quality.

Along another line is Television advertising. The ratio of money out to sales generated would probably outpace anything done in demos in malls. I'm not saying buy super bowl time but a spot on Normie's show might sure get a few phones ringing.

I started out with an old 500, half way through rehab, it was put aside because another machine came into view that was cheaper than the needed parts for the older machine. That cycle repeated again and now I have 3, one is mint, one needs a few extras and the first is still in a pile, to be reborn down the line. Sad fact is I still have less than half the cost of a new 510 in everything.

The saddest thing that can be said is that if the company folded tomorrow, the machines will probably be around for another 75 years. Like and old Indian motorcycle not just the loss of a machine, but the loss of a dream.

[woodburner]

Nope, not a hoax.

I've been a member of the Handyman Club for 16 yrs. now and really enjoy the info in their magazine.

They also send you little things like tape measures, Handyman Club patches, and small levels in hopes of keeping you in the club each year. It's fun to get this stuff.

[a1gutterman]

I too am a Handyman Club member...a "Lifetime" member...been one for years. It is my experience with this "club" that they want you to buy product from them. Early on, I had bought some items: First a leather coat that was "included" in my "Lifetime" membership fee. China. Then an cordless drill that failed at it's first use (replaced for free). China. Thirdly, a "zip" tool. China. And lastly a wood/glass display chest. China. I started asking and never received a reply to the question; Where is it made? I quit asking and I no longer buy their product. They do knot like me. Now I see in their literature that a Lifetime Membership may be limited to a certain amount of years. I am sure that one of these days, I will no longer be a "Lifetime" member. I wood rather have quality tools then the er...shtuff they sell, or the "freebies" that they send out with every new offer of product.

[ryanbp01]

Amen Tim!

BPR