It has been awhile since I sent out a newsletter. I am not sure when it transitioned to a yearly update, but somewhere along the way it just happened.  Maybe dad and I are getting slower (a distinct possibility), or maybe I am running out of things to say (unlikely).  For we still dream up new products, get all excited about them and then realize "when are we possibly going to fit that in".  Maybe I should have started with what's old (No not us), I am referring to our machines because in 26 years of business they are really starting to feel the wear and tear.  We seem to be combating new issues every week. Bearings, motors and elements all seem to reaching the end of their life span  We are pushing their limits and will continue to do so! Fortunately, Dad really loves to take apart his machines and fix them, but I seem to take more of the band-aid approach! For instance, I have an allen wrench inserted in my band saw  with duct tape as the key holding the upper drive wheel in place. "Shhh.... don't tell dad", but it  has been working like this for years. Dad, on the other hand just took apart the Logan (a machinist lathe we use for sockets and such) and greased the bearings. His way is certainly better in the long run and just like our traditional methods of creating tools, our tools will last another lifetime with his style of proper care. Now it is up to me to be more like Dad, I am like him in so many ways. Anyone want to replace the elements in one of my kilns? I seem to be putting it off....

 

For Dad's Birthday every year I oil my machines.
It is the gift that keeps on giving!