Passing the Torch to a New Generation: A Conversation with Shopsmith's New Owner, Nick Cupps

[@nicholascupps]

Scott, thank you for having me on your show, and introducing me to such a wonderful community! I’ve always been excited about the future of Shopsmith, but having met several of you already, I’m even more excited to continue the legacy of passion, obsession, and craft that Shopsmith has brought to all of you. Here’s to the next 75 years! Thanks again Scott. Let’s do it again soon.

[@PistonHonda87]

Hi nick, I just posted a Covid fevered ramble about my thoughts on Shopsmith from the perspective of a younger woodworker.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Thanks, Nick. We'll do it again after you've had some time to get some traction.

[@ianbrown4242]

Hi from Australia! You may not know, but Shopsmiths were actually available here - first the 10ER's in the 60's, and then the MKV briefly in the 80's... and they're still here! I have a bunch of both of them, and I use them all the time. I'd love to see Shopsmith back here one day...

[@MyGrowthRings]

@@ianbrown4242 Awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@roynielsen1911]

Nick & Scott, this was a great interview/discussion session; thanks for sharing. Nick, when you start looking at the actual base machine and SPTs, please don't be afraid to break with tradition where it makes sense. For instance, having a non-standard width and depth miter slot in the main table "just because that's the way it's always been done for the past 70 years" might be a start. How about a jointer, (6" would be sweet), with an optional carbide insert helical head as an option, even better if you could engineer one for the current jointer design. Is it possible, with the 1-1/8 HP motor, to build a bandsaw with a taller depth of cut for resawing purposes, say 8" or 9"? The belt sander just begs for some way to position it as an edge sander with a table that would run the length and maybe another table or addon to the aforementioned long table for spindle sanding; perhaps an SPT mount could be adapted to clamp to the way tubes on a double tilt machine. Any reengineering needs to include reducing noise wherever possible (loud headstocks, screeching bandsaws, for instance). Then there are some opportunities to better meet existing users' needs. For instance, figuring out an adjustable height system or at least leg extensions would ease a lot of literal back pain for owners taller than whatever the average was in the 1950s; I'm only 6' and even in my late 40s gave up lathe turning on mine due to being too low resulting in several days' of taking Aleve, I can't imagine what someone 6'4" or taller goes through. Related, an adapter mount to allow owners to simply remove the legs and mount securely to a cabinet might be a decent seller. As far as outreach, I saw a lot of people suggesting bringing back traveling demonstrations. I'm not sure if that concept would work in the 2020s, especially post Covid, to reach "younger" potential customers. I'm not sure if the Sawdust session recordings are still out there, but they suffered from having been originally recorded in low resolution. I think what's needed are some new, well-done 4K videos giving a series of virtual demonstrations of the basics and then progressing on to some/all of the SPTs. Follow that up with regular interval sessions using the base and some SPTs to build projects that would resonate with a current audience, emphasize things the SS can do that would be difficult to do accurately short of a specialized single-purpose machine (horizontal boring for instance).

[@freddoseck9342]

Hi Mark 😊congratulations on your recent purchase of Shopsmith 😊I was a sales rep for 29 years from 1976 untill my retirement in 2007 and I enjoyed every day of it! It was an exciting product to demonstrate and sell !! Good luck and Good luck on making new owners .it can be done again 👍I made a living Making new Mark v owners and selling accessories to other owners !! Let s have a new birth of a great product!!!

[@MyGrowthRings]

You may want to edit your comment. The new owners name is Nick.

[@freddoseck9342]

HI NICK MY APPOLOGIES FOR CALLING YOU MARK INSTEAD OF NICK YESTERDAY SORRY MY SPELLCHECK MUST NOT BE WORKING !! GOOD LUCK AGAIN ON YOUR PURCHASE OF SHOPSMITH

[@patrickbranstetter2683]

I am 35 have had a Shopsmith for 12 years and now have two. Looking forward to many generations after me to still be using this great machine.

[@NewLeafEV]

Great conversation! Nick, I recommend that you get the Shopsmith in the hands of KZbinrs and some younger folk. Some clever and personable men and women making small projects might create some real interest!

[@darrylsfarm]

The best things to get a person hooked are 1.) Live demonstrations that make a person say "I can and want to do that." 2.) Up to date project books that show what can be done. 3.) The feeling of sawdust therapy.

[@vinferrante3676]

I agree. I first saw Shopsmith demonstrated at a craft show in the early 80's and was hooked. I bought my Mark V with all the accessories available as a package deal then and there. I saw it and said I can do that and the small space required was perfect. I used it for 10 years on and off while raising my family and then it lay dormant for about 25 years. When I began having time and renewed interest as my kids got older I went to the cellar and fired it up and it all worked as it did when last I used it. Durable, dependable and well made. Amazing what can be done and the demonstrations in person and videos are great to show you that anyone can do it.

[@LowerLights81481]

I’ve always thought live presentations need to come back. I remember going with my dad every time there was a demonstration in the local mall. I would love to see a presentation that shows how someone can buy an old Mark V and upgrade it to the new but also show what a new Shopsmith can do.

[@larryjacquelyndonovan173]

I agree that live demonstrations should come back. I saw my first one in 1978 and then again in1979. I started a savings account so that I could buy one. I finally got mine in January 1980 and I still have it and use it. I have done nothing to except the oiling maintenance and waxing. It is an amazing piece of equipment.

[@roberte.wilson5213]

I was at a Lowe's store in 2017 and they had a guy set up a Shopsmith. He was a company salesman and had a demonstration. He talked about all the good and bad things. The safety updates over the years and it was worth it. Though I already owned a shopsmith, we discussed repair and maintenance. I think I even got the guy a couple sales.

[@jerbear7952]

Ok guys quick question. Where are these live events that all of these young people are going with their Dads? Second question, what's a book? Seriously. I'm not making fun of young people. I am not young and I like books but they are in many ways inferior in the eyes of our newer members. A lot of younger people are in to wood working and in to shopsmiths but I really don't see it making in roads with young people. This needs be marketed to people who buy LL bean and Indian motorcycles. If I owned the company I would unfortunately come to the conclusion that it would need to focus on support, accessories, and possibly a few well thought out acquisitions for free cash flow. I actually see a hand tools Renaissance with the kids these days. Quality, affordable, hand tools could be a good addition to the portfolio. Then we gut the pension...wait sorry I go too far sometimes.

[@hleigh842]

This was a barn burner presentation and captured a bunch of attention. You (Nick and Scott) might want to consider using this format as a Shopsmith formal pipeline for information on an annual or semi annual basis. It would be a communications channel direct from the owner to all of the interested owners and wannabe owners about what is up at Shopsmith. Just a thought.

[@albertbabineaux2449]

As a retired senior I would like to see “targeted” experiences using the Shopsmith. I am alone in my workshop, but never had high school shop and have no one else to lean on for experience and/or advice. I watch a lot of KZbin videos and converse with Woodcraft employees. My take on getting the word out would be to provide a makers objective like a cabinet for your garage and walk you through the different uses of the Shopsmith as you progress through the project. Showing the functions as you make the project and the required tools and materials is a sure fire way to hand feed the value of a single machine that fits in the space of a bicycle. Just my opinion.

[@JoeJorden-g5l]

I am the same as you. I wish I could find other in my area to work with.

[@roberte.wilson5213]

They have Facebook groups for Shopsmith. It may help you find someone locally in your area. Also most cities have a woodworker club of some kind.

[@ggporter99]

@@roberte.wilson5213 55:56 😊

[@eaa2924]

My mother worked for Hans Goldschmidt (founder of Shopsmith) at the Richmond, CA Kaiser shipyards during WW2. She lived just a few blocks away from him and she and my aunt baby sitted for his kids at that time. When Shopsmith was just getting started, my uncle just our of college spent a couple of years working for them. My dad acquired a Mk5 in 1957, the year I was born. I still have it and use it

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's so cool! I've always wondered where the folks from those early days of Magna Engineering went.

[@danasmith8950]

Scott, great interview. I think it could be a game changer to have a non-woodworker with fresh eyes running the company. His final comments seemed most insightful to me. Go after the DIYer not the woodworkers. Put ads in Family Handyman, not Woodsmith. Show SS as a way to get jobs done, not just turn out fine furniture or crafts. Once you get the DIYers hooked, a percentage of those will become woodworkers.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I totally agree.

[@jefflowrythor]

I’m 60 YO, and never needed a Shopsmith but now own 2 of them. I have 40 acres and all the trappings of farm life, tractors, barns, implements and a shop to support these. I began as a contractor many years ago and always wanted a Shopsmith but never owned one. My shop today has every one of a kind tool to do all the things that I need to do, but I found myself wanting a Shopsmith, so I have recently purchased 2 of them and am using them in my shop with all my other tools and I hope to pass them to my grandchildren.

[@closed6769]

It seems like it it wouldn't be that difficult to design a tilt arbor saw that nests on the top way tubes. That would be a huge game changer in my opinion. Been an owner since 1981.

[@leighbratcher1998]

Great interview and discussion. I am not a woodworker, I am a diy'er and tinkerer. I have owned my Shopsmith since the early 80's when I had to worry about space and my wife wanted our vehicles in the garage not parked outside because I had a woodshop in the garage. I have added most of the upgrades when they came out and now have essentially a Mark 7. Only the legs and way tubes' remain from the original. I use the Shopsmith as a table saw when I need one and as a drill press. I have never used my lathe turning tools from the early 80's. I am older than the demographics you talked about (mid 70's) and I am more technically savvy than most millennials and genx. I build my grandchildren's gaming computers, so some of old dudes can handle a tablet control for the Shopsmith if one was offered!

[@John.Gipson]

Here’s an idea: make a set of replacement legs so the ShopSmith height can be easily adjusted.

[@nicholascupps]

Great idea!!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Excellent idea! I think there would be a big market for different length legs.

[@billdean1119]

I recently placed an online order on Sunday evening for several miscellaneous parts I needed. I’m sure I could have gone searching on EBay or Craig’s List and found them after hours or days of searching. But it took fifteen minutes to place my order with Shopsmith. Monday morning I had a confirmation email that my order had been received. Monday afternoon another email the parts had been shipped. UPS delivered them to me on Friday. With service like that it I will continue to support Shopsmith.

[@jerbear7952]

Get outta here. Great idea

[@tompritch56]

Very interesting. I'm from the baby boomer's age. I'm a woodworker. From the very beginning of my life I have always been interested in the idea using this machine in a small environment and have all of the functions in one machine. I bought a used Mark 5 for $450 in the 1980's that included bandsaw, scroll saw and some misc. components. After the purchase I bought missing parts off Ebay. When the power pro came out that was THE game changer. Not having to slow down to turn off was a big thing to me. After that investment I kept going up to the 520. Now after coming across your videos that has brought a new light of understanding the history of the business and a better understanding how the tool works. Over the years I kept upgrading to where I'm at now. I love it. Thank you, Nick, for sharing your new vision of Shopsmith.

[@jasonw4053]

I was lucky enough to be given a full on ShopSmith workshop and I cannot even express how awesome it has been. The support for older machines is absolutely wonderful, I hope that never stops.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Nice! I totally agree that the attempt at reverse compatibility and support of older tools where they can has separated Shopsmtih from most other tool makers.

[@1D10CRACY]

I was so disappointed I missed the registration date for the anniversary event! But this interview made up for it! :D It's good to see someone take the company on with the passion Nick is showing! I will admit that I was toying around with replacing my headstock with the Powerpro. But it sounds like I need to wait and replace it with the Smartmotor... :D

[@chadwilderdyke1275]

I am very pleased with Nick’s vision for Shopsmith. After meeting him last week I didn’t have any concerns about the future of @Shopsmith. I am excited to see what new products they are going to produce. I hope Nick keeps in touch with the owners and the “unofficial social media representatives” such as @My Growth Rings. I felt a good energy from him and also felt it with Jim McCain and Nick Engler in their presentation.

[@nicholascupps]

I’m so excited for the future, not only for Shopsmith, but for this community!

[@vincentizzo8408]

Looking forward to the next chapter of Shopsmith

[@berryconway4296]

Thanks for taking time to introduce us to Shopsmith's next chapter.

[@barryschneider6481]

GREAT INTERVIEW. I BOUGHT A SLIGHTLY USED 10 ER IN 1969. USED IT FOR YEARS IN MY WOODWORKING BUSINESS AS A SECOND TABLE SAW, DRILL PRESS, AND SANDER. IT HAS NEVER BROKEN DOWN. STILL USE IT TODAY. THANK FOR CONTINUING TO MAKE A GREAT PRODUCT.

[@markjanowski1502]

If Shopsmith is looking for user input or feedback on potential new products or advertising I would love to participate. A company sanctioned user group would be a great add in my opinion. I am excited for the future with Nick at the helm. His factory tour showed he is interested in the business and its customers.

[@billlarrabee9436]

I can see a very bright future for Shopsmith!

[@GregulatorOG]

"We want to create a customer experience!" I like this guy. The fact that he cares about and wants to leverage the community is awesome.

[@richardcanon755]

Thanks Scott for introducing us to Nick. Welcome Nick. Scott, I think all of us sort of squirmed a little at your restraint for not correcting some of Nick's historical information or understanding or lack thereof. You were very gracious. I truly hope Nick can take Shopsmith to the next step. SS really needs new blood and life. In my experience, MBA-types are great at many aspects of a business, but can lack lack the lessons of history. We have all witnessed companies under new leadership that forgot to keep the main-thing the main-thing, primarily because their new-thing may not be the main-thing. What is SS's Main Thing? As a 76 year old, 50 year owner/user of SS, and a professional engineer, I think it is: a) make a great product, b) sell at a fair cost, c) if it ain't broke, don't fix it, d) new and improved often is not, e) have fantastic technical support, f) have fantastic service for replacement parks (again at a fair price), g) be innovative but not at the sake of any of the above, h) practice the golden rule ("do unto others", not "measure twice cut once"), and i) keep lines of communication open. Elon Musk has done a pretty good job of this (but sometimes he is harder on the people than he is on the problem, which is reversed). . I started with a Mark V in 1976, upgraded to a Mark V-520 in 2006, and converted to ProwerPro in 2011 (which I love). I use my SS almost daily in a fabrication business. I would not change to stand alone tools unless I had at least a 2,000 sf shop (too late for that). My greatest complaints in order are: ridiculous shipping costs, terrible website, and poor to no communications. Thanks again and good luck Nick. Dick Canon (that's 1NcaNon)

[@richardwurzelbacher4630]

Great conversation! Nick’s point about compact size and portability was key for my new purchase upon retirement a few years ago. Being in San Francisco space is at a premium. The one point I’d make is that with this flexibility comes frequent calibration. To maintain accuracy, particularly the table saw, requires checking and rechecking every time it moves or is reconfigured. This “feature” needs work to make the process easier to manage.

[@jamespierson4324]

Thank you Scott and Mr. Cupps for this interview. I look forward to seeing some fresh new ideas in marketing the Shopsmith to a new generation. Most of us know first hand the challenges of attaching new blood for continued sustainability and growth of nearly every group or organization. I especially liked his thoughts of a collaborative effort between Shopsmith sales and us the user groups to show the next generation the value in owning this machine. I wish him and the entire Shopsmith company much success.

[@drumaganger]

As to the color: Henry Ford said you can have a Model T in any color you want as long as it’s black. Color does not make the car go any faster or operate better but it does affect the cost of the product. Regardless of the color, all of the components need to work with every other previous or future component.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That certainly worked for Ford for quite some time, but you'll notice that Fords come in a rainbow of colors today. Times change.

[@PaulBeaudoin-n4m]

A big fallicy, There's no evidence that Henry Ford ever said that quote.

[@jerbear7952]

They were always available in multiple colors. You can rest assured if a quote is attributed to Ford, its fake.

[@thebeggarswoodshop8756]

This was great to see and hear. It is so good to be part of the Shopsmith community.

[@RYwoodview]

I have never had a Shopsmith and doubt I ever will. But the idea of owning a small, American manufacturer of a classic woodworking machine is just so exciting. Little else of that sort exists anymore. Nick (& you, Sott) conveyed that so well, I am excited to see what happens there as time goes on.

[@jamespowell7196]

Why do you say that you will probably never own a Shopsmith? If cost is an issue, check the used market.

[@RYwoodview]

@@jamespowell7196 Not that. I'm 68, with a fully equipped woodshop with individual machines. No reason for a Shopsmith in any foreseeable future. If I were starting out in a tighter space, a used one would be top of my equipment list!

[@daviddonnelly5981]

Thanks for those conversation, Scott. It's great to hear more about Nick Cupps' vision and plans, and to know that Shopsmith will have a healthy future.

[@maxjr758]

I grew up watching the on site demos and dreaming of one day owning a Shop Smith ! I have an eclectic interest in many different areas of crafting , from woodturning, carving (stock prep), pen making, string instrument building, etc, and my Shop Smith allows to Explore many different interests, without having to buy many different tools. I think the On site Demos are a great to instill THE DREAM of Shop Smith Ownership in young and old craftsmen alike.

[@MyGrowthRings]

They really did cast the vision. Thanks for commenting.

[@englap1]

Nick, nice interview with Matt ! When you mentioned technology, I thought of my Daughter. Your age group is the future of refining new developments. I am very happy to see you are getting more involved with R&D for Shopsmith. Thank you and Matt for this update!! Proud opener for 30 years. Phil

[@MyGrowthRings]

Hey Phil, I'm Scott, not Matt. But I've never really been all that fond of my given name, so no harm, no foul. Scott

[@englap1]

Senior moment ! Thanks for that! I don’t know why I call you Matt. To many conversations with Mike Young. We talk about these providers that all worked for Shopsmith at one time. Scott thank you for sharing this information, knowledge and your My Growth Rings channel and all you have done for this company! Phil England P.S When I was younger, I had classmates with last names London,Britain and me England. Talk about a revolutionary war on our names….

[@johnhoshock9034]

Wow, that was a fantastic interview. Thank you both for taking the time and putting forth the effort to do this. I came away from the 75th Anniversary Celebration with a great feeling about the future of Shopsmith. That enthusiasm has only been reinforced by this interview. My suggestion for advertising is to develop a KZbin Channel sponsored by Shopsmith that would travel around to various Shopsmith owners' shops and show how different users utilize their machines and create different projects. We all enjoy seeing other people's shops and seeing what they can do with their machines. I am certainly no expert, but I would think this could be done very economically. A youthful host with an outgoing personality could attract the next generation. My other thought is to strongly promote the fact that Shopsmiths are Made in America. I truly believe that the next several years of Shopsmith are going to be some of the best ever with Nick at the helm.

[@stewwolfe1]

Scott, this was a great interview. I was pleased to hear that Nick wants to support both the current owners/used market, and look for expanded new market opportunities. He’s right in the money about Europe, and may find some real opportunities there. I would hope that he is able to find ways to support the new owner, probably through video, since in person is much more expensive. I still think that one of the best moves Shopsmith made was to do Nick Engler’s Sawdust Sessions. I eagerly anticipate watching things evolve.

[@ElderlyFatGuy]

Re-creating the Sawdust Sessions in 4K video, available for free on KZbin, would be huge. Especially if you had Nick (or another entertaining old fart) teaching John Malecki (or some other 30-something YT-er with a big following) how to use a Mark 7. John's video with Scott got over 418K views in a little over a month.

[@phoff5850]

​@@ElderlyFatGuy In a similar vein, on the shopsmith owners group on Facebook, someone suggested a dedicated video channel/series with a central host who would then collab with some of the more popular KZbinrs in the woodworking world. I think that would catch like wildfire.

[@TheCanadianJon]

Great interview! I'm excited to see what the future holds for Shopsmith.

[@Lammergeir]

Fascinating interview. Thanks so much. I started using Shopsmith around 1960! I'm still running the original Magna Bandsaw, jointer and jigsaw! How many companies can offer that kind of continuity? My Machine is 1984 Mk V and I also have the mounted planer with hand feed!! (Gives my arm useful exercise!) Shopsmith have long since disappeared from South African stores, but there are a few of us diehards. It's good to know there is a future for the machine.

[@jimfarm483]

Great to hear there is a passing of the torch at the management level of ShopSmith to keep this alive for the next generation. The first thing to fix on the website is to have a .pdf download of the instruction manual for Every accessory ever made for the ShopSmith. Charging a few dollars for a nice printed version is fine as well. Case in point, I purchased a speed increaser and can't find a manual for it. When I comparison shop for anything mechanical, the manufacturer that showcases their machine and the benefits it provides, in a KZbin video, is usually the winner of my purchase. The videos that Shopsmith has from the 1990's where ahead of their time, but they need to be redone for today's audience and made for every accessory made. The video of the accessories that have been replaced by newer methods should show how to use the old product and then show the progression to the newer accessory/method. KZbin is the ultimate sales tool, use it, use it, use it.

[@GaryCrumrine]

Scott and Nick. I am excited to hear this news and agree the key is to attract a new generation.. There are generally millions of new makers as you will, that are looking to get away from the digital world that we have today to back to the future of working with our hands, and solving all the issues and problems that come with working with your hands, and using our brains. I am in my late 60's and fall in this category and am really excited to see ShopSmith move forward into the modern era, yet celebrate their roots. Bring it on Nick.. Lastly, the work "Community" is going to be key.

[@williamgates5401]

great interview. I have enjoyed up grading my two ShopSmiths one is a mark 5 the secondary is a 510. Just rebuilt the bandsaw only because the tires had to be replaced and I wanted the new aluminum table. two machines in a one car garage and the car still fits in winter. Space for machinery is an important consideration. Bill l

[@michaelbratcher3323]

Great interview Scott. Looking forward to a great future.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for letting us know what is going on with our beloved Shopsmith company and community. I wonder if starting up the old demonstrations of the machines at fairs and DIY centers would help sales. It certainly effected me back in the early 1990s. I have been a Shopsmith enthusiast ever since.

[@mnason8995]

Glad to see a glimpse on the new path Shopsmith is exploring. Good interview!

[@jameshall1968]

Thanks so much for this interview. I am very hopeful that Nick's vision will bring new life into Shopsmith. I am 55 years old and purchased my Shopsmith Mark 520 after seeing it demonstrated at Lowes in around 2008. I own most of the accessory tools such as the bandsaw, jointer, strip sander, conical sanding disc, etc. I purchased everything new from Shopsmith, and most around the same time I purchased the Shopsmith. So far I have not been tempted enough to do any further upgrades. While the new headstock (especially 2.0) is a worthy upgrade, what I have now works so I have not been willing to spend the money on that upgrade. However, if Shopsmith started to innovate and add several new things at once like digital depth stops for drilling like the Nova Voyager DVR Drill Press offers, a tilting arbor mechanism for the table saw so the table doesn't have to be tilted, a wireless removable and tilting control tablet (maybe even accessible through an iPad or laptop), some sort of CNC type features for routing, etc., I might be tempted to buy a brand new Mark 7. I know that some of that sounds like pie in the sky, but that's what real innovations involve. But as I said, it would have to include several new innovations at the same time to make it worth my while (and wallet). So I think if several new wow factor items are added it might bring in a whole new audience like Nick said, and it might entice us long-time owners to upgrade. That's just my 2 cents. PS: He is absolutely right about the website. It is terrible with all the broken links, etc.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Lots of great ideas there. Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelbeauchaine6912]

I'm excited to see how this goes forward. Thanks Scott !!!

[@GoodOldDave1]

Great interview, and congratulations. For a younger user base, you might consider the Military, hands-on people who move often, and need machines that are easy to transport. A smaller footprint is appealling, but so is the ability to more easily move and quickly reestablish their shop every few years. That is exacly why I became an owner at age 27.

[@freddoseck9342]

😊

[@steveparmelee4871]

If Nick is looking for ideas I would like to see strategically placed ferrous metal inserts in the aluminum tables that would enable use of aftermarket “magnet based” accessories (i.e. angle finder, dial indicator, Magswitch products).

[@MyGrowthRings]

Ooooooo, I like that idea a lot! #YesPlease

[@jeffw2494]

Looking forward to the enhancement you bring to the table Nicholas.

[@alberttreado3713]

Great interview Scott! I was impressed with Nick doing the factory tour. I have great hope for the future.

[@mikeebowen5676]

Thanks for putting this all together. I have owned a ShopSmith for more than 30 years. I can't tell you all the projects I have completed in that time. They span projects for my toddlers through to my grandchildren, my hobbies through home improvement projects. I will patiently wait for new and more creative ways I can expand my knowledge and equipment. Let the fun continue.

[@MyGrowthRings]

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@mikes-mz5xb]

Bring back public demonstrations

[@malcolmmallett4936]

Great video to watch and I sincerely hope that the rebirth goes well. I will definitely be looking into upgrading my old mark 5. I remember seeing demonstrations at shopping malls as a teenager that piqued my interest and when I had the opportunity to buy a used one in my 30’s I jumped on it. Great quality and fun to use. Thanks for sharing and keep on keeping on.

[@gregsmith4056]

I have had a mark 5 since 1976 and I still use it every day as I am retires engineer and it is amazing what you can do with this thing😊

[@roadking62]

Thanks to Mr. Cupps for meeting with Scott & sharing some of your vision of the future of Shopsmith. I mean, how many company owners would do that? 👍 My "unsolicited advice", as a couple others have said, would be, demonstration is the key. My father in law bought mine when we saw it demonstrated at the local Lowes. We were both hooked. He used it until he couldn't & I have used it since. While I am completely comfortable with it now, it was intimidating, at first, to make any "transformation". NEW videos demonstrating the techniques & it's capabilities would surely help new owners on how to keep it running safely. I'm glad you mentioned that. Maybe Scott will be the new Nick Engler? 🤷 Looking forward to seeing what you do with the company. Best wishes.

[@dawnkubik]

Love this! I bought a Shopsmith about 2 years ago sight unseen because I had been wanting to get into woodworking since High School. My guidance counselor told me it was for boys. I'm now a 51yo female. I didn't know what I was getting but it sounded like a good deal and it was. The previous owner never used the 520S he bought back in 2000 - he only put it together. He also had a brand new unused band saw still in the box. A few parts were missing from the 520S- I loved that I was still able to buy the parts from Shopsmith after all this time. I think that's one of the best things about Shopsmith (can still get parts for older machines) that I hope never changes. I keep the Shopsmith in my garage and wheel it out (so my garage doesn't get too dusty) use it, wipe it off and wheel it back in. It's a hobby for me and the lathe is actually very therapeutic.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Awesome story. My sister Lysol was the first girl allowed to take Shop class in Jr High. She and my dad had to fight the teacher and the principal to allow her to attend. Crazy.

[@dawnkubik]

I chose not to fight, but looking back I wish I had - it was 1989. I met a woodworker when I was in the military '95 and he was super thrilled that I was interested. Assisted me in making a coffee table, dresser (which I designed), chess board. I've found that most woodworkers are so supportive and helpful - it's a shame I can't say the same for guidance counselors.@@MyGrowthRings

[@Thebuckeye-workshop]

It was a very interesting having the new owner of ShiopSmith on your channel. I like his vision, and that is he’s looking at it as a new start up company. To be honest, I’m still on the French with using a ShopSmith. I bought a used Mark V about 3 years ago and I’m still have a hard time setting it up after using stand alone tools for many years. I’m not going to give up and I’m sure that once I use it more, things will get easier and more familiar. Thanks again Scott for the great content and I wish Mr. Cupps great success with ShopSmith.

[@sut2910]

I am glad there will still be a Shopsmith company. I bought a new one in 1978 and am still using it. It is the perfect tool especially if you have a small space. In one of my early apartments, my woodworking tools were stacked on my Shopsmith and rolled in and out of a laundry closet onto a carport to use. Now I have some space but too many hobbies. It doesn’t need a touch screen unless you are adding CNC capabilities, e.g, another module (with a touch screen) to attach for routing, milling, or laser cut/burning. The reason it has withstood the test of time is that there aren’t electronics, it is relatively simple.

[@edwardbatterley9727]

Hi Scott it's nice to see shop Smith looking forward. I have Had shopsmith for 31 years. Don't forget us uk owners we love the machine. Thanks Eddie

[@leongeisberg294]

Thank you. My MarkV is essential in my shop.

[@constitutionalbacker1stame787]

Great interview. I am looking forward to see what the future holds. I am 51 Brought my first SS a greenie made in 1959 4 years ago. I loved the idea that I could add attachments/SPT. I got 2 dust collectors, belt sander, jointer. 2 band saws, Biscuit jointer, Spindle Sander, Molder, Shaper, Air compressor. I wish they start making the Grinder kit again. The 3 Top attachments/SPT's I'd like to see are a 12 inch bandsaw, 6 inch jointer and a Drum Sander. I hope at some point they start offering online training video's showing the finer points of shopsmith. As a new owner the You tube community has been a great help. However it would be awesome to have it at all one location. The academy online. Another thing Scott touched on was the old in person sessions offered at the stores. Maybe Shopsmith could sponsor local user groups. I'd pay to me a member. Perhaps the mothership could demo products at the user groups where users could get some hands on experience with the many options. I need something to do on atleast 1 day a week! In closing Scott has been a god send to me and many others. There are so many more online SS people that have helped share their knowledge Knick Engle, Jacob Anderson, Doug Reid, Woodshop nerdy, Michael Young, and Dave....

[@whhayes]

Good afternoon Nick. Well, I used to live in Ohio. I then moved to Tennessee, back to Ohio, Utah, New York, then Texas. I now live in Pylypovychi, Ukraine. I have a Shopsmith Mark 7 with a bandsaw and jointer. The folks here in Ukraine are absolutely fascinated by the Shopsmith. Please keep Shopsmith strong. Let me know what may be involved in shipping supplies to Ukraine also! 😊

[@whhayes]

Oh, I had a Mark 5 for about 30 years. Before coming to Ukraine, I bought the Mark 7 frankly because it was easily adaptable to 220 volt 50 Hz.

[@WilsonPhotography1]

As a 20+ year owner of a Mark V 500, I’m glad to see that the company has a vision for renewed growth and can continue to support my machine and myself going into the future. Also, as a wood turner, I’d like to make suggestion. Going forward could you make the machines height adjustable. I’m 6’ tall and have to lean over a bit to be in position for turning. This prevents me from turning for long periods of time because my back starts to hurt. I’ve also heard of shorter guys having to build platforms to stand on to be tall enough. Making the machine more ergonomic in this respect could also appeal to many and it would be great if it was also backwards compatible.

[@MatthewSchrenk]

I am 39 and got a shopsmith to make things around the house. I thought some of the features were interesting, but didn't know much about them. The drill press is great and so useful for "makers". The bandsaw is solid. I didn't realize how much fun the lathe is. Sanding with the disc is so useful (need dust collection). I think one of the biggest barriers for new users is tolerances and that one time setup. Switch over gets talked about a lot, but it is easy and fast after a few times. The initial dial in of 90° on fences, tables, and other pieces is a roadblock.

[@laurentdomaingue127]

Scott and Nick, thanks for making this interview. I did not think I would watch the whole thing and ended up rewatching some sections 😂. Nick, glad to hear you’re into making improvements and the brand better known. I did not read all the comments but definitely agree on making more digital content and finding a couple KZbinrs to help promote it (they might need a crash course). I do like some of the suggestions about making it more standard, adding magnetic tabs, faster/cheaper shipping, metrics/data from the smart machines to help understanding machine/tool health (e.g. increase in load could indicate dull blade etc…). My own suggestions: 1. A lathe extension (6-12 in). Might be desired by Mark IV owners. 2. A tool rest mounting cutting tool to help make uniform spindles (e.g. a walking cane or pool stick). Basically similar to the duplicator but by allowing to slide the tool rest it would almost make it like a CNC lathe. 3. A drum sander (similar to the DIY version Scott showcased in one of his videos) 4. Ability to mount tool storage to the legs to minimize having tables and tools laying on floor or building separate storage jigs And probably some other ideas I can’t think of right now but I hope you can make suggestions from users a thing (if it was, I blame it on the website 😂) I have been considering switching to a standalone table saw recently due to the maintenance needs of my 520 I inherited from my wife’s grandfather but I am now excited about what might come out in the coming years and hope you can bring out some cool innovations.

[@OpossumPiper]

Great interview and Nick did a fantastic job answering so many questions that so many people have had. I'm really excited to see what the future holds!

[@1stMrSceptical]

I hope you will have a centre for these great machines in the UK again. Parts are difficult to find.. Good luck with you new venture..

[@joz_tec]

Great conversation. Looking forward to the future Shopsmith Nick!

[@chrisp7957]

Hey Scott, I enjoyed your interview/conversation with nick and it seems that there are some exciting times ahead for Shopsmith . I really hope that he is able to take the right steps in bringing this iconic tool to the new generation. I heard some things that really make since and then I heard ( Or maybe I should say felt lol) some things that kinda kickstarted my spidey senses lol. Thanks for the update.

[@laryengland3048]

I have enjoyed this interview.

[@mmyers4321]

Nick, welcome to the Shopsmith experience! I am glad to see some new blood with this very American company. I have been an owner since 1984 I purchased my original Mark 5, and jointer from the Ohio State fair. I have upgraded my original Mark V many times to become a mark 7with power pro two. I wish I knew about the owners event. I’m not sure how that was communicated to us owners. I hope you have another one. I am a registered professional engineer in mechanical engineering. I love mechanical things maybe that’s why I’m so fascinated with the Shopsmith equipment. I think Jim McCann has done a wonderful job for you guys. My entire shop, with the exception of a router, is Shopsmith. I have all the special purpose tools. I have built everything from wooden pens to a rolltop desk using my shopsmith equipment. I am now in my mid-60s. A suggestion for a product for your aging owners is a special purpose tool lift to help place these on the power end. I had two dream accessories that I wanted for years. One was the planer the other was Lathe Duplicator. I have both. I don’t know how I got along without the planer all of these years. The portable workbench top planers are nothing in comparison to the Shopsmith planer. I think the biggest hurdles in the woodworking industry is teaching how to properly use any piece of woodworking equipment. I’m old enough to have had three years of wood shop in junior high school. Shopsmith used to have this as an Academy, or else was said in the video in their stores I remember those days.

[@MyGrowthRings]

The meet-up was actually started as a grassroots effort of a group on Facebook, but I suspect that Shopsmith will do something more public in the coming year. Scott

[@jimhughes6794]

Great interview and I am glad to see what he plans. Please do another interview with him in a year and see what he has learned.

[@drumaganger]

Love the idea of the removable or rotatable tablet with the videos imbedded.

[@theredtruckwoodshop2722]

Love the thoughts of updating. I have a couple ideas. 1. link the smart motor with bluetooth to your phone. 2. Voice control for settings (maybe via phone). 3. Safety - If it’s linked to your phone, the same way your phone/watch detects if you’ve fallen, maybe an auto shutoff linked to that.

[@aburgh]

I was thinking exactly the same. And publish the protocol so third parties can create the apps. This would could be done quickly and cost effectively to get it on the market faster without a lot of investment by the company. What fuels a lot of enthusiasm with computers is the feeling of access to the machine and the ability to mod it.

[@Old52Guy]

Thanks for this! This will certainly be interesting to watch.

[@roylwilliams3546]

I’m a new owner of a 15-20 year old unit and wish I had bought one a lot sooner thanks for doing this interview. And I’m glad to be in the family so to speak God Bless you all.

[@drumaganger]

Homesteaders would love a machine like this.

[@MyGrowthRings]

True.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

I am a homesteading shopsmith owner. You are correct. Here is another trick, cut two tree stumps at the proper height, mount a board cross them and ditch the legs. Boom level outdoor work shop. (Tarp)

[@frankfowler8295]

I love my Shopsmith!!! I have a small space and I can do everything in 6' of space. I did have a older 80's time frame Mark 5 but just bought a Mark7 last year. I'll use it till I die. Thanks Scott for introducing us to the new owner.

[@christophergadd7551]

Hi Scott, thanks for posting your interview with the new owner of Shopsmith. As a UK owner of a 510 and 520 I was particularly pleased to hear about his proposals for support for European owners. Here in the UK we have only 1 distributor, who works from home. There are no retail premises and the guy that runs it is well beyond our ‘official’ retirement age. We cannot even pay by credit card but have to arrange a separate bank transfer arrangement. We can’t order direct from the Shopsmith website. Don’t get me wrong, he does a great job of supporting UK Shopsmith owners but unfortunately the same cannot currently be said for Shopsmith themselves. I find it an incredulous arrangement in this day an age! Hopefully under the new ownership things will improve. Thanks for your videos, they are a tremendous support for all.

[@Phil-v8u]

A great conversation! It was very encouraging for an old guy who bought himself a MK 7 in 2017 as a retirement present. Lacking any experience with Shopsmith, It has been discouraging to try and sort out the differences in the MK 7 from the old videos of the MK 5 to be able to take full advantage of the MK 7. I am looking forward to the new website and hope it will include a catalog to show more parts details and explain how they work. I bought an alignment gage from Shopsmith several weeks ago that came with Nick Engler's video showing how to properly align the MK. I have been trying since I watched it to obtain the table shims necessary to align my MK 7 but they are not listed in the catalog and phone calls and emails to Shopsmith have so far only resulted in confusion at the order desk and a request to wait for a reply from "the engineer" to identify what I am looking for. I am excited that Shopsmith's future is bright and look forward to expanding my capability to take better advantage of it.

[@MrBeechcrafter]

What a GREAT video and conversation with Nick. I felt that Nick is a real person that understands. I'll be looking for the future of SS Improvements.

[@timbo389]

I likely was the youngest at the event and I am the same age as Nick. Not many of my generation even know Shopsmith exists. But appealing to generations younger than me needs to be the priority. And a lot of it likely boils down to marketing on different platforms.

[@hillbilly21960]

I wanted one since 1983 so this year I bought one that happened to be an 83 model and I have two power stations three bandsaw’s a belt sander, jigsaw,scroll saw, planer with stand. Pretty much have been on a mission to make up for lost time. Sounds like the future may be bright with mr Cupps good luck.

[@roddersauify]

In Australia we have been struggling for decades to buy a ShopSmith style "system"...the closest was a local invention known as the Triton range of "work centres" which enabled hand powertools to be mounted on a bench to allow various woodworking tasks with greater safety and accuracy... The retirement "grey army" of woodworking enthusiasts are spread across our continent and supported by government assistance in what is known as "men's shed" a very targeted community of interest for machinery manufacturers. It will be interesting to follow the "rebirth" and expansion of ShopSmith. Maybe we will see it distributed here in the 240 volt 50 Hz land of Oz...?

[@JimPritchett-v9k]

As a former Atlanta Assistant manager and instructor 1987-till the end, I'm very hopeful after seeing this interview. BTW, my 510 sat unused for years and all it needed was a good cleaning and a bit of oil to start building again. Would like to see the Power Station come back, it was a personal favorite!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I agree, the PowerStation was a hit.

[@rufan2199]

Totally agree that shipping delays and cost needs to be solved.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I am about to inherit my dad's Shopsmith Mark 5 and all it's attachments and move it from Utah to Iowa. It took over 45 years but the time is now. During the decades I've learned guitar and bass and I work on them and enjoy the setup and repair side. Now, I think I'll try making a couple once I get the Shopsmith.

[@MyGrowthRings]

That's great. Congratulations .

[@teaguewhite26]

I gotta be honest, I typically don't sit through an entire episode of yours, but today, I was intrigued. I'm excited that someone from Ohio has dove into tool manufacturing again! And for the record, I'd buy an Ohio State Buckeye "red version" of a ShopSmith. Best of luck and prosperity to the new owner! Looking for great things to come!

[@MyGrowthRings]

I thought buckeyes were brown. :-)

[@teaguewhite26]

@MyGrowthRings When in Rome....Buckeyes are red, Bangles are orange, & Browns are brown. When not in Rome, then yes, you're correct

[@daveschmitt6369]

Great interview! After finding out that Shopsmith has sold I was afraid it was going away out at least not going to support the older machines. I have two 510s. One needs some work. Going to make it into a shop deputy. Almost abandoned the idea because of the change has been toying with the idea of an upgrade and will probably wait to see what comes out. I am really encouraged. Thanks Scott. Again your content is invaluable.

[@davidwork2337]

Great interview! I'm excited to see where the company goes with new ownership! Best wishes for a successful and profitable venture. Thanks for sharing your vision with us!

[@terremolander5243]

I truly enjoyed the interview. I was introduced to ShopSmith by my uncle about thirty years ago. I have made so many projects for my extended family thanks to ShopSmith. I’m looking forward to Nick’s new ideas such as a tablet for the Mark VII. I’m glad he considers himself as a Steward (Patrick) 😆. Can you bring up rebooking up with Incra? Thanks again for the interview.

[@PaulBeaudoin-n4m]

Amazing how someone can mistate by one letter. A Steward (with a "D") as a caretaker. The Star Trek actor was Patrick Stewart (with a "T").

[@anthonybriskie3798]

Hi Nicholas, Welcome you as the new owner of SS. As someone who has had SS products since the early 80's. I can appreciate the challenges you face. One of the biggest is getting people to buy your latest products. I would guess the majority of comments from the SS owners below have purchased resales rather than new from SS. I purchased new from SS approximately two years ago and returned the SS due to too many quality issues. While SS stands behind it's products the cost of fixing quality issues must be substantial. Also I have a issue with calling a 13 year old technology new. Loss of Veterans discount when buying at Lowes significantly increases cost when buying directly from SS. While I understand inflation impacts cost. The same Mark7 purchased from SS today, vs buying through the Lowes demo program two years ago ads about $1500 to the cost. Thanks for listening. I have many issues I would like to discuss with you and share my thoughts, I would like to see SS around for another 75 years. I'm sure SS has my contact info. Sincerely, Anthony B

[@nerknerk8834]

When I made the transition from the drawing board to CAD, the big question was, do you get a computer jockey and make a designer out of him (or her),or do you teach CAD to designers. The object of the exercise is to run and grow a company. Nick has respect for the legacy and the aptitude for innovation. On top of that, he chose this challenge! I wish him success, just for what I how I will benefit, but for the benefit to future woodworkers. We should all stand up and cheer him. No, he is not a woodworker ,he is a business man and that ain't a four letter word. Good luck.

[@trep53]

It needs something like CarPlay connection. I’m just a curious-about-Sop Smith woodworker but very happy to see this ownership transition. Good luck in your endeavors.

[@bobwilkinson6059]

I bought my Shopsmith Mark V in 1979 back when Shopsmith was in its “heyday”. I have never been able to sell my Shopsmith, just can’t bring myself to do it. I have been self employed in the construction trade for over 40 yrs and I have seen many great companies come and go. They are usually bought by corporations that drag them to extinction by cheapening the product at the alter of the bottom line. The bottom line is important but good companies put the product and the customer first and then fit the bottom line to that. Don’t sacrifice the quality for the bottom line, make the product better and if possible figure out how to do that cheaper. You have pricked my interest in using my Shopsmith more and adding a few of the tools, belt sander, bandsaw, wheels etc. that I don’t have. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing what your future holds. Fun stuff!❤

[@MyGrowthRings]

All excellent point. I hope they follow your advice.

[@LowerLights81481]

There were a lot of things that I am super excited about in the interview. Nick I thank you for sharing parts of the vision you have for the future of Shopsmith. I love the idea of taking the Shopsmith across seas, but I would like to see more ideas on how you plan on rebuilding the brand here in the states. One of the things I love are the old live demonstrations. Aside from the fact that my dad used one regularly, I fondly remember seeing these demos at malls and fairs. Both of these led me to own 2 Mark V’s today. Even though malls have become a thing of the past it seems a new trend, or at least in my area in Louisiana, are the farmers markets. People buy, sale, and trade regularly. It could be an opportunity to live demo the wonderful Shopsmith that we all love. There was a discussion about the modernization of the machine. I am 42 and kind of set in the old ways of the original speed control but the ProPower is what will attract most people my age and even younger. And the new one has touch screen. You mentioned having it work along with smart technology. I do think there are some great advantages of that. I’d really like to see an upgradable version that might have safety information. For example, once the machine is plugged in and turned on it might have a message or even speak the message, “Do your 5 Point Check.” And there could be other safety things to put in as well. I really enjoyed listening and hope to hear more soon.

[@da1shark]

I remember seeing a Shopsmith demo at the local mall - that was in the mid80’s. That demo attracted so many people - to bad the big indoor malls are closing down these days. I got my Shopsmith about a year later and the main reason was I could use it in my garage and still tuck it away in order to get both cars into the garage. Glad to see it may make a comeback. It served my needs all these years and is in good shape.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Those were fun days.

[@AscDrew]

Get them into Sam’s Club and Costco with some weekend demo builds in the parking lot. Like the guy with the headset mike selling cleaning products and pots/pans, but someone using the machine in its various functions on a live project.

[@oldmangravely6554]

Enjoyed your interview!! Hope he can partner with some of the big box stores to get logistics and the advertising out there

[@lorriebuxton2041]

Bought an 89 mark last weekend in an unheated leaky shed for six months a little rust on tubes I am a retired GM tech sprayed pb blaster on rust for two days cleaned right up cleaned and applied wax pulled drive head apart have watched half of your videos big help I have run snow mobiles for fifty years so I knew exactly how to check like new inside don't believe there are a hundred hours on machine glad to see company still going one suggestion make new tools planers and such affordable with ads people will come to your company American made is a big draw not a shell with Chinese internals keep up the great videos

[@kenc4104]

I was thinking.....LOL...... one of the items derided is the 4"jointer. I actually think it's a great little jointer, and am pleased to own one, but it is true that most lumber is sold in nominal 6" width which means 5.5" wide. I also own an Inca jointer/planer which is 10.5" wide but mostly aluminum. It is quite light. I think SS should consider designing a 6" wide jointer with aluminum beds, so that it is similar in weight to the 4" but offering 6" face planing capability. Maybe add carbide segemented cutterheads to make it really tops. No one could deride that.

[@Frandalicious66]

I’ll be bringing the NEW guard in. My 30 yr old son is SUPER STOKED to learn this machine . 🙏

[@MyGrowthRings]

What do you mean by that? Where are you going?

[@zerimaryar]

I have been watching this, and rewatching this. It is exciting and engageing and very cool!! I'm excited to see. I would love to help figure out the 'community' aspect. I 'fired up my Mark', this weekend and started on my Christmas projects for the family.

[@Formortis89]

I love this! I have been fascinated with these machines since I was little. I inherited my Shop Smith from my late father in-law and it needs a lot of work to bring it up to speed. When you mentioned color options and the logistics challenges I instantly thought about motorcycles. Lots of brands offer one or two colors but they change every year. I think something along those lines could up the collectability value because then you can date a machine more easily and you have the people who will spring for a new one just to have their favorite color and you can still produce within your current supply limitations.