I miss the traveling academy

[kalynzoo]

As I was reading the Woodcraft catalog, and placing an order for a pre-made jig (I'm lazy) I realized how much I miss the idea of a Shopsmith Class. Now more retired than previous years, I would be able to travel to a workshop. Perhaps one toward the east and one toward the West for us Left Coast folk. I realize that there would be a major expense involved for SS, but it would also offer those of us who already appreciate the system a chance to see the add-ons, and tools in action. I bet if started again SS could separate me from some of my discretionary capital.
End of the month I am going to attend a bowl turning class at Woodcraft Ventura. Hope to see what I'm not doing quite right. Till then I'm working on a fleet of wooden 4x6" trucks for the twins to play with.
Just a thought. Hope the guys at SS are reading.

[cv3]

I miss traveling training classes also. I was able to go to 2 here in Mobile a number of years back. The first one a friend that had a Mark V took me with him. In fact that was what sold my on getting my SS. I guess they just did not sell enough to make it worth the effort

[rkh2]

Gary, I second your thoughts and definitely would attend one if SS puts them on again. I attended several when they had them and purchased many add on's at them as well. Also just the camaraderie of being with other SS owners for the 3 days was enjoyed as well.

[cocacola1012]

I never got to attend. When I bought my SS I was in the service. So I could never take time off. Now I am retired they don't have it. It would be nice if I knew more about the machine and could teach others. You know how there are scrapbook clubs, knitting circles, poker nights? It would be good to have a SS night. Everyone gather at the closest neighboor and learn new "tricks". That is not always convenant; I guess that is why we have to pay Woodcraft..

Sorry for carrying on so long.

[a1gutterman]

I wood go to another one!:cool:

[cincinnati]

I miss the Sawdust sessions they use to have in their retail stores on Thursday nights. Anyone remember them?

Wonder what ever happened to Duke, Bruce and the gang at the Cincinnati store.

[BigSky]

I have made up my mind that I will never get the opportunity again to attend such a class on the SS. I think the company will survive for years to come but if they train at all it will be on the web. Just an opinion.

[8iowa]

I think the traveling academy and the demo's at "big box" stores are now history that won't be repeated.

After attending a class in Dayton in April '05 and a traveling academy in Florida in February '06, it was apparent to me that there were some significant problems of an "organizational chart" nature that had probably evolved through the years. These problems were not solved when Nick Engler came into the scene.

That was the past. Now to the future. I think it would be possible for someone like Nick to be contracted to do on-line sawdust sessions with participants paying a modest fee. This could lead into an actual "hands on" school, probably in the Dayton area, with of course, a more substantial cost to those attending. Of necessity, these classes would have to have a somewhat broader woodworking scope than the classes and demos of the past in order to attract those outside the Shopsmith family.