Chris Dolbow, Ironwood product manager for Stiles Shop Solutions, discusses
the launch of classical eqiupment.


GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Serious weekend woodworkers are on the radar of Stiles Shop Solutions’ marketing plans.

The company called a May 11 press conference to launch the Ironwood series of classical woodworking equipment designed for small wood shops and elite craftsmen.

The initial launch of Genesis jointers and planers, as well as the series of Artisan shapers, mark the entry of Stiles into a new woodworking segment. The machines are being made to Stiles’ specifications in Taiwan and are priced between $5,000 and $30,000.

Stephan Waltman, vice president of Stiles, said the Ironwood classical line gives the company a gateway to reach new customers earlier in their evolution. He said they will potentially purchase other Stiles equipment as they grow.

Waltman added, however, the company does not want to presuppose what the customer base will be. “This type of equipment is not just designed for the guy working out of his garage or a three-man custom shop,” Waltman said. “It could also be used by bigger shops for their prototype departments.”

Chris Dolbow, product manager for Ironwood, said, “Elite craftsmen and hobbyists are a segment of the market we have never tapped before. We will put Stiles’ service and support behind this program. Each machine comes with a two-year warranty and two years of complimentary 24/7 support.”

Dolbow said the initial classical equipment line offering incorporate improved safety guards and limit switches, digital readouts and tolerances measured to one thousandth of an inch. Dolbow said the motto of the Ironwood series is “We deliver value.”

The Ironwood line was first introduced by Stiles in 2009 with boring and drilling equipment and straight line ripsaws. Plans call for the Ironwood products will be expanding by year-end to include cut-off saws and double-sided planers.

Waltman said the new Ironwood Machines would be marketed through multiple channels and ultimately be sold online.

For more information, contact Dolbow at (800) 424-3232 or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Read Stiles Shop Solutions' press release.