Moving forward with innovation
Doug and Jerry,
Jerry thanks for the link very nice. But it seems as though the answer is what happens after all the tooling is done is the key to a good to great tool. And that that process is an ongoing thing and has to be tested all the time with each batch. Do I have that right? So no toolmaker has any laurels to rest on?
Paulo and Dave, the two of you could chime in should you like and feel you have something to offer this conversation.
Kelly,
As Dr. Wright mentioned, procedures are not born overnight. It takes years of dedication to implement them successfully. I like his analogy:
I also have been involved in the metallurgical analysis of all manner of tools made by all manner of toolmakers over that time period. The outlook that the performance of all 10V or all 15V tools are the same, because the steel is the same, is just plain simplistic. That is like saying that two Black Angus sirloin steaks cut from the same cow and cooked by two different chefs, in two different restaurants taste the same!
Grinding a flute using similar materials is only the beginning.. (even that task alone takes a deep study of geometry.)
When faced with the task of continuing Jerry's work, my goal was to enhance and innovate on his years of research and development. Obviously, I am fortunate to have had Jerry Glaser next to me analyzing some of the innovations we've implemented. Jerry has sold hundreds of thousands of tools throughout the years and that results in customer feedback, which then turns into refinement.
And years of refinement generates more innovation. This timeline illustrates Jerry relentless pursuit of innovation:
1966 -Introduces commercially available high-speed turning tools.
1966 -Introduces milled turning gouges from round stock rather than stamped or hot forged.
1966 -Introduces first commercially available tools truly sharpened and hand-honed ready for use.
1975 -Introduces commercially available †Particle Metals†to woodturning tools.
1980 -First to offer turning tools in an array of specialty steels, including M2, M4, CPM10V & CPM15V.
1982 -Develops commercially available grinding jig with holding and manipulation features. Precursor of all grinding jigs available today.
1985 -Introduces interchangeable turning tools with single handle.
1985 -Introduces commercially made metal turning tool handles loaded with lead shot to dampen vibration.
1985 -Introduces multiple-based Glaser Screw Chuck (three different bases on the same chuck).
1988 -Develops double articulating hollow turning/boring tools.
1989 -Develops first bowl skew.
1995 -Introduces cryogenically treated steel at -300°F for extra toughness.
So, in 1980, this man sees the potential of Powder Metal and decides to use it in a woodturning tool. If I am not mistaken, Dr. Wright was an employee of Crucible when Jerry started inquiring about CPM10V and CPM15V back then. I am sure he can shed a lot more light on the beginning of Jerry's usage of CPM steels than I can. Every time I ask Jerry how he had the foresight to start using superior metals, he smiles and responds:
I wrote a letter to the British manufacturers about it suggesting that they use these superior steels... I never heard back from them, so I decided to make my own...
I was only 26 years old then and getting ready to my big adventure of "Coming to America". I don't know exactly how old Doug and Dave were, but I assure you we were not thinking that CPM steels could be used in a woodturning tool.
My only quest is to continue to innovate based on proven quality and production methods Jerry has developed. Our current AS9100 guidelines and equipment, gives us an advantage on making sure that the procedures are followed properly. Our production guidelines are resident in our server and present in the manufacturing floor, so employees can consult it in case of any questions.
I am positive that all tool manufacturers mentioned on this post want to provide the "best customer service possible" to their existing and potential customers. I have heard great stories from people who are happy with Doug's and Dave Schweitzer's personal touch and attention to their customers, and that only enhances their product, but ultimately, performance and quality play a big part on the customer's decision.
My personal take is that I will never be 100% satisfied with my quality levels and basically "relax". I am obligated to achieve perfection. I will never be able to fill Jerry's shoes, but I can certainly polish them
I do not need to make a living making woodturning tools and I can say that the current financial situation of this country, places us
ALL at peril (woodturners who make a living woodturning and tool and accessory manufacturers). We are all fighting for market share over a "hobby" which is considered a luxury to most. I assure you that if we had just experienced a disaster like what happened in Japan, our main concern would be "survival" and not tools. We would be posting things like:
"Hey, does anybody know where I can get some clean water?
I remember when I owned the biggest shooting range in Los Angeles. Sold $300,000 in memberships
BEFORE I even opened my doors. Got comfortable and extended the lease for another 10 years thinking about the future sellout and then... the Northridge earthquake hit. Membership went from 20,000 members (that's right.. 20,000 people) down to 800... and the rest you can imagine what happened...
Now, I have been handed down a legend and I have the
OBLIGATION to produce something that is BETTER than what Jerry made and fight to make it better than anybody else. That was my commitment to him.
So, in my opinion Kelly, Jerry has plenty of laurels to rest on!
I wish you all health and prosperity. We should always be able to talk to each other. Perhaps Kelly's post was designed to bring everybody closer to work together. So, based on that, Doug and Dave, I wish you guys the best. I have never had the pleasure to meet Dave, but I heard great things about him. I have met and talked to Doug before.. Aside from our differences, I know Doug is an honest and decent person who has worked very hard throughout the years for his family. Married a lovely lady by the name of Pat (great smile), went to West Tech in Cleveland and watches Masterpiece Theater like I do. I also like very much Mary Catherine Gallagher which tells me they have laughed as Karin and I have watching Molly Shannon in "Superstar" ( I love seeing her kiss the tree).
Paulo Marin
ps: sorry for the long reply