Just received the following email from ShopSmith:

 

After more than 70 years of serving makers, builders, and woodworking enthusiasts, Shopsmith has unfortunately reached the difficult decision to suspend operations immediately.

Unless new ownership emerges, this iconic American brand will soon be dissolved. Our lender is preparing to take possession of and liquidate the company’s assets – a move that would dismantle the brand and close a long chapter in American woodworking history.

But it doesn’t have to end this way.

A Unique Opportunity: 
NOW is the time to act. We are looking for a buyer who is interested in acquiring Shopsmith’s assets, brand, and loyal customer base. With the right leadership and resources, Shopsmith can thrive again to continue its legacy of delivering compact, multi-functional, precision woodworking equipment trusted by generations.

Over the last two years, we've rebuilt the supply chain, restored manufacturing, and confirmed what our community already knows: Shopsmith products remain unmatched in their value and versatility. What we lacked was the time and resources to scale awareness and grow our loyal user-base.

For a buyer who understands the power of this brand, the path is open to carry Shopsmith forward to a new generation of makers and entrepreneurs.

During this time, we will continue to process outstanding orders and will communicate shipping details when they are available.

Thank you to our community, customers, and partners for your decades of support. It has been an honor to serve you.

– The Shopsmith Team

Sadly, a sign of the times we live in. Unfortunately we live in a "throw away" society (IKEA comes to mind), lack of a couple generations willing to get their hands dirty or even the desire to do so. Numerous other factors as well; JMHO.

There are a lot of competitive brands these days.   Way-back, you could get Craftsman from Sears and Delta/Rockwell from other independent suppliers or some hardware stores.  Big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards, and even Wal*mart and Amazon did not exist.   So Shopsmith set up demos at fairs, shopping malls, etc.  You could buy there and have delivered or picked up in Dayton.

Very sad, truly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xk3yHPiwHyk

 

 

 

I've seen that last video Keith, know a little about the guy, I think he's wishful thinking.

https://www.popularwoodworking.com/editors-blog/end-of-an-era-2/

shopsmith website is open again, what does this mean?

That’s interesting, I noticed that all the products and accessories are marked “out of stock “. One would think that current owners would be notified if they found a buyer.  Surely we know soon. 

2 hours ago, Gordon said:

That’s interesting, I noticed that all the products and accessories are marked “out of stock “. One would think that current owners would be notified if they found a buyer.  Surely we know soon. 

Hmm, missed that part of it, the site was closed for a bit, and now open, and you are right Gordon, items are out of stock. Perhaps they decided to open it back up for at least contact information.

Sound like good news for you "Smithys"...more to come...

 

 

2 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Sound like good news for you "Smithys"...more to come...

That's so cool Gramps! Thanks for the headsup!

Another update. What question(s) would you like answered by Shopsmith's new CEO?

 

 

I really hope they stay in business! Thank you for all the info!

27 minutes ago, Artie said:

I really hope they stay in business! Thank you for all the info!

Hey Artie. Great to hear from you. We've certainly missed you around here. Hope you and the Mrs. had a blessed Christmas and all is well out your way.

Latest update with the new CEO. I think you Smithy's will be happy to hear his comments.

Video is a little over an hour but I found it quite interesting.

Spoiler alert...he does mention Harbor Freight😉 Sadly, he never mentions donuts though.😆

 

 

9 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Video is a little over an hour but I found it quite interesting.

It was a good interview Gramps, so far so good!

Great interview, @Grandpadave52 thanks for posting