Precision machining is a process that is used to produce a large number of both large as well as small objects that we make use of in our daily lives. Each intricate and detailed piece that makes up an object needs the touch of a machinist's skills. Similarly, a machine or tool that is worn down will require the action of machine tool calibration quite frequently. There are also other facilities provided by precision machining apart from calibration. These would be detailed welding or grooving carried out by a precision machinist. Ranging from aircraft aluminum alloy production right till devices for surgically drilling of bones precision machining caters to almost every industry and technology. Put simply, if an object is made of parts, it would have needed precision machining.
While the majority of precision machining companies usually work with one form of CAD/CAM programs or another, they still do often work with sketches that are hand drawn. Although the hand sketches are usually made use of only in the initial phases of a design. Precision machining can be used on a variety of materials that include graphite, bronze, steel, plastics and glass to name just a few. Based on the project size and the materials that are to be used, different kinds of precision machining tools are put to use. Precision machining is indispensable to numerous industries and various kinds of technologies. Without precision machining we would be unable to manufacture a number of detailed and intricate parts of various objects. The detail and accuracy it brings into the manufacturing procedure is what renders precision machining as so indispensable. There is a long list of machining companies that specialize in precision machining and you can use the Internet to locate them and avail their services. Precision machining is an integral part of mechanical and manufacturing industries.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Commercial Elliptical Machines
With the fitness craze that is going on in the world today, the elliptical trainer is becoming more and more popular in the average household. A person needs to do some research and decide what their personal needs are and then execute a purchase from there.
The elliptical trainer is a complex machine that burns fat and calories with a low impact workout. It is designed to provide a smooth, seamless motion that is easier on your knees, joints and ankles than running or jogging. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise as well.
There are many different types of elliptical trainers as well as brand names and options that are available when choosing an elliptical machine. There are home grade elliptical trainers or commercial grade elliptical trainers. What are the advantages of purchasing commercial elliptical machines vs. home elliptical machines? Well the most obvious reason to choose a commercial grade elliptical trainer is the fact that they are built more durable to handle allot of use. They have a commercial grade construction and the components to it are more durable. Commercial elliptical machines are also a great deal more expensive than your home grade elliptical trainer. The home grade elliptical is usually a basic machine and has just a few of the options that a commercial elliptical machine has to offer. It is less expensive, only because of the added durability and options that are offered on a commercial elliptical machine.
The elliptical trainer is a complex machine that burns fat and calories with a low impact workout. It is designed to provide a smooth, seamless motion that is easier on your knees, joints and ankles than running or jogging. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise as well.
There are many different types of elliptical trainers as well as brand names and options that are available when choosing an elliptical machine. There are home grade elliptical trainers or commercial grade elliptical trainers. What are the advantages of purchasing commercial elliptical machines vs. home elliptical machines? Well the most obvious reason to choose a commercial grade elliptical trainer is the fact that they are built more durable to handle allot of use. They have a commercial grade construction and the components to it are more durable. Commercial elliptical machines are also a great deal more expensive than your home grade elliptical trainer. The home grade elliptical is usually a basic machine and has just a few of the options that a commercial elliptical machine has to offer. It is less expensive, only because of the added durability and options that are offered on a commercial elliptical machine.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Best Myspace Tool
Myspace is growing more and more every day and with over 15 million unique users it is getting more and more diverse. There are people from all over the world on myspace. Keeping up with all of your friends can get hectic. A great way to do this is through a myspace tool.
So what is the best myspace tool? Well that depends. I believe that a program called the badder adder is by far the best myspace tool available. So why? The badder adder has certain features that I have not seen from any other myspace tool I have used. You can extract member ID's from basically anywhere! You can go to a group you are interested in and extract all the member ID's from that group and poof! You have a ton of friends who have the same interest as you.
But this is not what I use myspace tools for. I use myspace tools to make money on myspace.
So whether you want to use a myspace tool to make your social life easier on myspace or to make some extra money on the side - the badder adder is the myspace tool that is ahead of the competition in every category, including price.
So what is the best myspace tool? Well that depends. I believe that a program called the badder adder is by far the best myspace tool available. So why? The badder adder has certain features that I have not seen from any other myspace tool I have used. You can extract member ID's from basically anywhere! You can go to a group you are interested in and extract all the member ID's from that group and poof! You have a ton of friends who have the same interest as you.
But this is not what I use myspace tools for. I use myspace tools to make money on myspace.
So whether you want to use a myspace tool to make your social life easier on myspace or to make some extra money on the side - the badder adder is the myspace tool that is ahead of the competition in every category, including price.
Vending Machine Rental - How To Profit From One
If you want to start your own vending business but do not have enough money to buy a machine, you can temporarily make use of vending machine rentals that are made available in your area. Vending machines success has been increasing but even with its increased number, the demand for them are still high.
Vending machine rental can be found everywhere and it can be rented by anyone who wants to start a simple vending business. Vending machines dispense products such as sodas, bottled water, snacks and juices to the people who insert money into the machines.
The modern vending machines of today can give change to paper money. Some vending machines require the buyers to insert coins only. Vending machines are normally rented by a start-up business to create additional profit, which are frequently stocked by the company that makes them available for vending machine rental, such as Pepsi and Coke.
The products that are placed in the vending machines change from time to time because the different products may not be available. The companies that provides vending machine rental frequently keep the statistics such as the popularity of the items at a specific location. They may change the items from time to time in the vending machines to match the need of the customers.
When you have your vending machine contract, you can start to think about the best locations to put your vending machines. In considering this, you need to find the best location for sales. The best way is to find customers, increase your sales and monitor the progress of the sales.
The businesses that are looking for a way to add income often want vending machines in their offices and stores.
Some companies that have break rooms will try a vending machine rental so that their employees will have snacks and drinks during their break and lunch hours. If there is a vending machine in an office, the employees will have a refreshing drink and snack without leaving the office.
A Vending machine rental will be useful and profitable for offices that have long business hours such as 24 hours a day and 7 days a week schedule. It will be able to supply the employees with snacks and sodas.
A vending machine can be rented by anyone who owns a store or rents an office. An entrepreneur who places vending machines at these locations can also own them. When you have acquired the vending machine that you want, you should find a good location for it and keep it supplied with merchandise.
Just remember that the key to being successful in vending machine rental is choosing the best location for your machine. Not all locations are suitable for this type of business. Although there are a lot of vending machines out there, you can still find a profitable spot to place your vending machines.
Vending machine rental can be found everywhere and it can be rented by anyone who wants to start a simple vending business. Vending machines dispense products such as sodas, bottled water, snacks and juices to the people who insert money into the machines.
The modern vending machines of today can give change to paper money. Some vending machines require the buyers to insert coins only. Vending machines are normally rented by a start-up business to create additional profit, which are frequently stocked by the company that makes them available for vending machine rental, such as Pepsi and Coke.
The products that are placed in the vending machines change from time to time because the different products may not be available. The companies that provides vending machine rental frequently keep the statistics such as the popularity of the items at a specific location. They may change the items from time to time in the vending machines to match the need of the customers.
When you have your vending machine contract, you can start to think about the best locations to put your vending machines. In considering this, you need to find the best location for sales. The best way is to find customers, increase your sales and monitor the progress of the sales.
The businesses that are looking for a way to add income often want vending machines in their offices and stores.
Some companies that have break rooms will try a vending machine rental so that their employees will have snacks and drinks during their break and lunch hours. If there is a vending machine in an office, the employees will have a refreshing drink and snack without leaving the office.
A Vending machine rental will be useful and profitable for offices that have long business hours such as 24 hours a day and 7 days a week schedule. It will be able to supply the employees with snacks and sodas.
A vending machine can be rented by anyone who owns a store or rents an office. An entrepreneur who places vending machines at these locations can also own them. When you have acquired the vending machine that you want, you should find a good location for it and keep it supplied with merchandise.
Just remember that the key to being successful in vending machine rental is choosing the best location for your machine. Not all locations are suitable for this type of business. Although there are a lot of vending machines out there, you can still find a profitable spot to place your vending machines.
Forex Trading Machine Review
Many people especially traders are saying that forex trading is the most innovative medium in venturing the world of business. Today, it is the hottest and on top of the rank opportunities, offering businessmen their freedom to overcome financial stability by using this simple tool. Because of its reported achievements, the whole world is recognizing forex trading as the most powerful weapon used to invade any kind of investments. Further, people dealing their business at home relatively discover its significance and marketing power.
Yet, association with forex trading business is not easy. Your learning, experiences and sense of responsiveness in any field of business will not help you. In short, even if you will follow the overall techniques used by successful traders, you will not achieve what you are aiming in forex trading business. Why? Because you will need more unique, effective and original method concerning how will the market react and compliment your business. It is not something about your dream, it is how you make an effort to become successful and be a part of that dream.
If you will be asking some competent trading individuals, forex trading’s finishing line is exceedingly hard to survive because this thing is really what they’re looking for, but they can rarely find it. There is something you need to have - a machine and a system too.
Dealing with forex trading business, you need an income generating machine and unique revolutionary strategy. Success will be made possible using forex trading machine. Discover how you can invest your money profitably without throwing away consistency and systematic way of achieving good market condition. This is also your gateway to generate incredible income everyday, without leaving the comfort of your home.
Forex trading machine is regarded not only because of its helpful hands, but also with the immeasurable knowledge traders can acquire from it. It is an electronic book containing useful pages ideal for business beginners and even for well-experienced traders. It is fully equipped with ideas and information about forex market, a complete recipe ready to be served without chilling. Systems, approaches, methods and even marketing formats can be learned in an easy implementation right after following simple rules. In addition, strategies found in forex trading machine are all mechanical. In short, they can be learned without the use of interpreter, no tiring moment of figuring it out and no time is being wasted for confusion.
Forex trading machine is created ideally for business traders who can’t find time to monitor or determine daily and weekly price swings. To those who are making forex business as a sideline or extra livelihood program, this machine is also offering a system to independently monitor market condition. In addition, there is someone who will take care of your currency parings in your absence. Therefore, having this kind of machine is like enrolling a business course without spending much for tuition fees. Compared to other traditional forex trading strategies, this machine is offering very impressive attacking approach to forex trading business. At the end, you’ll get more than what you’re dreaming from the start.
Yet, association with forex trading business is not easy. Your learning, experiences and sense of responsiveness in any field of business will not help you. In short, even if you will follow the overall techniques used by successful traders, you will not achieve what you are aiming in forex trading business. Why? Because you will need more unique, effective and original method concerning how will the market react and compliment your business. It is not something about your dream, it is how you make an effort to become successful and be a part of that dream.
If you will be asking some competent trading individuals, forex trading’s finishing line is exceedingly hard to survive because this thing is really what they’re looking for, but they can rarely find it. There is something you need to have - a machine and a system too.
Dealing with forex trading business, you need an income generating machine and unique revolutionary strategy. Success will be made possible using forex trading machine. Discover how you can invest your money profitably without throwing away consistency and systematic way of achieving good market condition. This is also your gateway to generate incredible income everyday, without leaving the comfort of your home.
Forex trading machine is regarded not only because of its helpful hands, but also with the immeasurable knowledge traders can acquire from it. It is an electronic book containing useful pages ideal for business beginners and even for well-experienced traders. It is fully equipped with ideas and information about forex market, a complete recipe ready to be served without chilling. Systems, approaches, methods and even marketing formats can be learned in an easy implementation right after following simple rules. In addition, strategies found in forex trading machine are all mechanical. In short, they can be learned without the use of interpreter, no tiring moment of figuring it out and no time is being wasted for confusion.
Forex trading machine is created ideally for business traders who can’t find time to monitor or determine daily and weekly price swings. To those who are making forex business as a sideline or extra livelihood program, this machine is also offering a system to independently monitor market condition. In addition, there is someone who will take care of your currency parings in your absence. Therefore, having this kind of machine is like enrolling a business course without spending much for tuition fees. Compared to other traditional forex trading strategies, this machine is offering very impressive attacking approach to forex trading business. At the end, you’ll get more than what you’re dreaming from the start.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
The Slot Machine Whisperer
There is an urban legend out there about a man who could go into any Casino in any town, walk straight up to a slot machine, whisper something into its slot, tug on its arm and out would pour a jackpot.
He was known as the Slot Machine Whisperer.
Well, I've never met anybody like that. But in nearly every Casino I've been I've heard people talk of this legend.
I've seen people talk to slot machines. I've seen people yell at slot machines. I've seen people smack slot machines. But I've never seen them win the jackpot after doing such a thing.
The first time I heard about the Slot Machine Whisperer I was in a Reno Casino. I was playing blackjack when I heard a buzz go through the Casino. The player next to me, his name was Max, told me that the buzz was because somebody had spotted the Slot Machine Whisperer enter the Casino. Max then went on to tell me the legend of the Whisperer and how he had mastered slot machines.
Shortly after that there were security guards running all over the place. And they were all headed straight to the slot pit.
Max told me this was highly unusual as the Slot Machine Whisperer was a very gentle man. And that he only took the jackpot from one slot machine. He never tried to take a Casino for every slot machine jackpot. Max also told me that the Whisperer also gave half his slot machine jackpots to an orphanage. He wasn't a greedy man.
A few minutes later we saw security hauling a man out of the slot pit. The word was that he was not the Slot Machine Whisperer but some thief who was trying to use an electrical device to cheat the slot machines.
I've never run into the Slot Machine Whisperer. I don't know if he even exists. I think of him as an urban legend or a myth some slot machine player dreamed up.
But the thought of a person who can master slot machines just by whispering to them is sort of romantic. Like a modern day Casino Robin Hood.
He was known as the Slot Machine Whisperer.
Well, I've never met anybody like that. But in nearly every Casino I've been I've heard people talk of this legend.
I've seen people talk to slot machines. I've seen people yell at slot machines. I've seen people smack slot machines. But I've never seen them win the jackpot after doing such a thing.
The first time I heard about the Slot Machine Whisperer I was in a Reno Casino. I was playing blackjack when I heard a buzz go through the Casino. The player next to me, his name was Max, told me that the buzz was because somebody had spotted the Slot Machine Whisperer enter the Casino. Max then went on to tell me the legend of the Whisperer and how he had mastered slot machines.
Shortly after that there were security guards running all over the place. And they were all headed straight to the slot pit.
Max told me this was highly unusual as the Slot Machine Whisperer was a very gentle man. And that he only took the jackpot from one slot machine. He never tried to take a Casino for every slot machine jackpot. Max also told me that the Whisperer also gave half his slot machine jackpots to an orphanage. He wasn't a greedy man.
A few minutes later we saw security hauling a man out of the slot pit. The word was that he was not the Slot Machine Whisperer but some thief who was trying to use an electrical device to cheat the slot machines.
I've never run into the Slot Machine Whisperer. I don't know if he even exists. I think of him as an urban legend or a myth some slot machine player dreamed up.
But the thought of a person who can master slot machines just by whispering to them is sort of romantic. Like a modern day Casino Robin Hood.
The Best Rowing Machine Workout
When using a Rowing Machine you should already know your basics, such as warming up before and then warming down, how to properly use your machine and making sure the machine is adjusted properly. If you are one of those who want or need to add to your exercise regiment then a Rowing Machine is a great additive.
A Rowing Machine not only workouts your thighs and lower back, but also arms, shins and lower back, not too mention your abs. Using a Rowing Machine is great and fun way to add aerobics to your existing program with no major impacts on your joints. Using Rowing Machines are a great way for professional Rowers to keep their bodies toned, and prepared to glide across the water.
There are Rowing Machines designed to work with other machines to give you and your team that necessary component to continue working together. These Rowing Machines are a necessary part to strengthen that bound and keep you and your team working together.
Remember to keep the resistance set to your needs, the longer you use your Rowing Machine the more your body will adjust to the settings and you need to adjust each time. Setting the resistance to high can cause you to become more exhausted and tire out easier. If you are using a Rowing Machine to increase your heavy Strength training you can set your resistance higher and work slower. If you use the rowing machine this way remember you can use a fast pace but a slow steady one.
A Rowing Machine is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles, but an even greater way to keep then toned. Many pro athletes especially those in rowing competitions use Rowing Machines to keep their body in shape. However it is not only them who use Rowing Machines, but many other Pros due as well, such as Baseball players, Body Builders, Physical Therapist and even well known stars.
A Rowing Machine not only workouts your thighs and lower back, but also arms, shins and lower back, not too mention your abs. Using a Rowing Machine is great and fun way to add aerobics to your existing program with no major impacts on your joints. Using Rowing Machines are a great way for professional Rowers to keep their bodies toned, and prepared to glide across the water.
There are Rowing Machines designed to work with other machines to give you and your team that necessary component to continue working together. These Rowing Machines are a necessary part to strengthen that bound and keep you and your team working together.
Remember to keep the resistance set to your needs, the longer you use your Rowing Machine the more your body will adjust to the settings and you need to adjust each time. Setting the resistance to high can cause you to become more exhausted and tire out easier. If you are using a Rowing Machine to increase your heavy Strength training you can set your resistance higher and work slower. If you use the rowing machine this way remember you can use a fast pace but a slow steady one.
A Rowing Machine is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles, but an even greater way to keep then toned. Many pro athletes especially those in rowing competitions use Rowing Machines to keep their body in shape. However it is not only them who use Rowing Machines, but many other Pros due as well, such as Baseball players, Body Builders, Physical Therapist and even well known stars.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
The Slot Machine Whisperer
There is an urban legend out there about a man who could go into any Casino in any town, walk straight up to a slot machine, whisper something into its slot, tug on its arm and out would pour a jackpot.
He was known as the Slot Machine Whisperer.
Well, I've never met anybody like that. But in nearly every Casino I've been I've heard people talk of this legend.
I've seen people talk to slot machines. I've seen people yell at slot machines. I've seen people smack slot machines. But I've never seen them win the jackpot after doing such a thing.
The first time I heard about the Slot Machine Whisperer I was in a Reno Casino. I was playing blackjack when I heard a buzz go through the Casino. The player next to me, his name was Max, told me that the buzz was because somebody had spotted the Slot Machine Whisperer enter the Casino. Max then went on to tell me the legend of the Whisperer and how he had mastered slot machines.
Shortly after that there were security guards running all over the place. And they were all headed straight to the slot pit.
Max told me this was highly unusual as the Slot Machine Whisperer was a very gentle man. And that he only took the jackpot from one slot machine. He never tried to take a Casino for every slot machine jackpot. Max also told me that the Whisperer also gave half his slot machine jackpots to an orphanage. He wasn't a greedy man.
A few minutes later we saw security hauling a man out of the slot pit. The word was that he was not the Slot Machine Whisperer but some thief who was trying to use an electrical device to cheat the slot machines.
I've never run into the Slot Machine Whisperer. I don't know if he even exists. I think of him as an urban legend or a myth some slot machine player dreamed up.
He was known as the Slot Machine Whisperer.
Well, I've never met anybody like that. But in nearly every Casino I've been I've heard people talk of this legend.
I've seen people talk to slot machines. I've seen people yell at slot machines. I've seen people smack slot machines. But I've never seen them win the jackpot after doing such a thing.
The first time I heard about the Slot Machine Whisperer I was in a Reno Casino. I was playing blackjack when I heard a buzz go through the Casino. The player next to me, his name was Max, told me that the buzz was because somebody had spotted the Slot Machine Whisperer enter the Casino. Max then went on to tell me the legend of the Whisperer and how he had mastered slot machines.
Shortly after that there were security guards running all over the place. And they were all headed straight to the slot pit.
Max told me this was highly unusual as the Slot Machine Whisperer was a very gentle man. And that he only took the jackpot from one slot machine. He never tried to take a Casino for every slot machine jackpot. Max also told me that the Whisperer also gave half his slot machine jackpots to an orphanage. He wasn't a greedy man.
A few minutes later we saw security hauling a man out of the slot pit. The word was that he was not the Slot Machine Whisperer but some thief who was trying to use an electrical device to cheat the slot machines.
I've never run into the Slot Machine Whisperer. I don't know if he even exists. I think of him as an urban legend or a myth some slot machine player dreamed up.
The Best Rowing Machine Workout
When using a Rowing Machine you should already know your basics, such as warming up before and then warming down, how to properly use your machine and making sure the machine is adjusted properly. If you are one of those who want or need to add to your exercise regiment then a Rowing Machine is a great additive.
A Rowing Machine not only workouts your thighs and lower back, but also arms, shins and lower back, not too mention your abs. Using a Rowing Machine is great and fun way to add aerobics to your existing program with no major impacts on your joints. Using Rowing Machines are a great way for professional Rowers to keep their bodies toned, and prepared to glide across the water.
There are Rowing Machines designed to work with other machines to give you and your team that necessary component to continue working together. These Rowing Machines are a necessary part to strengthen that bound and keep you and your team working together.
Remember to keep the resistance set to your needs, the longer you use your Rowing Machine the more your body will adjust to the settings and you need to adjust each time. Setting the resistance to high can cause you to become more exhausted and tire out easier. If you are using a Rowing Machine to increase your heavy Strength training you can set your resistance higher and work slower. If you use the rowing machine this way remember you can use a fast pace but a slow steady one.
A Rowing Machine is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles, but an even greater way to keep then toned. Many pro athletes especially those in rowing competitions use Rowing Machines to keep their body in shape. However it is not only them who use Rowing Machines, but many other Pros due as well, such as Baseball players, Body Builders, Physical Therapist and even well known stars.
A Rowing Machine not only workouts your thighs and lower back, but also arms, shins and lower back, not too mention your abs. Using a Rowing Machine is great and fun way to add aerobics to your existing program with no major impacts on your joints. Using Rowing Machines are a great way for professional Rowers to keep their bodies toned, and prepared to glide across the water.
There are Rowing Machines designed to work with other machines to give you and your team that necessary component to continue working together. These Rowing Machines are a necessary part to strengthen that bound and keep you and your team working together.
Remember to keep the resistance set to your needs, the longer you use your Rowing Machine the more your body will adjust to the settings and you need to adjust each time. Setting the resistance to high can cause you to become more exhausted and tire out easier. If you are using a Rowing Machine to increase your heavy Strength training you can set your resistance higher and work slower. If you use the rowing machine this way remember you can use a fast pace but a slow steady one.
A Rowing Machine is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles, but an even greater way to keep then toned. Many pro athletes especially those in rowing competitions use Rowing Machines to keep their body in shape. However it is not only them who use Rowing Machines, but many other Pros due as well, such as Baseball players, Body Builders, Physical Therapist and even well known stars.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Electrical Safety and Power Tools
Power tools are one of the greatest conveniences for getting handyman jobs and professional jobs done quickly, but since power tools often run on electricity, it is essential that safety instructions are followed.
Here are a few quick power tool safety tips.
Tip 1 - Always use the correct power tool for the environment.Power tools that are made for outdoor use have better insulation, heavier wiring and a three way grounded plug.
Tip 2 - Keep your power cord tangle free and away from the tool "action" zone.
Tip 3 - If you get any nicks or cuts in the cord, inspect them immediately. If it severe consider replacing the cord. As a last resort use tape to shield it from the elements for minor nicks.
Tip 4 - Inspect the power cord and all connections regularly for signs of breakage.
Tip 5 - Avoid using electric power tools on wet surfaces as water is a good electrical conductor. In combination with other factors - broken cords, machine malfunctions etc, it can put you at risk of shock.
Tip 6 - Never immerse your power tool in water - seems obvious but has to be said.
Tip 7 - Keep your work area clean - dust can ignite from a spark. Avoid using power tools near flammable liquids or gas.
Tip 8 - Follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer.
Ok, so these are some safety tips, nothing beats a safety consciousness and putting safety as a priority when using power tools. So be safe and enjoy your work.
Here are a few quick power tool safety tips.
Tip 1 - Always use the correct power tool for the environment.Power tools that are made for outdoor use have better insulation, heavier wiring and a three way grounded plug.
Tip 2 - Keep your power cord tangle free and away from the tool "action" zone.
Tip 3 - If you get any nicks or cuts in the cord, inspect them immediately. If it severe consider replacing the cord. As a last resort use tape to shield it from the elements for minor nicks.
Tip 4 - Inspect the power cord and all connections regularly for signs of breakage.
Tip 5 - Avoid using electric power tools on wet surfaces as water is a good electrical conductor. In combination with other factors - broken cords, machine malfunctions etc, it can put you at risk of shock.
Tip 6 - Never immerse your power tool in water - seems obvious but has to be said.
Tip 7 - Keep your work area clean - dust can ignite from a spark. Avoid using power tools near flammable liquids or gas.
Tip 8 - Follow any specific instructions from the manufacturer.
Ok, so these are some safety tips, nothing beats a safety consciousness and putting safety as a priority when using power tools. So be safe and enjoy your work.
Why Purchase A Shrink Wrap Machine?
The shrink wrap machine is a tool that can transform your business. In this simple, even manual process, the product that you are selling is carefully cared for. Yet, there are many more advantages to using these machines. In fact, shrink wrap is something that any business that provides products for sale should consider investing in. It is affordable and reliable as well as a great way to drum up its own business.
First, what in the world does this machine do? A shrink wrap machine will place plastic around an object. Then, the machine will heat the plastic allowing it to get hot enough to melt together. It forms a protective covering for the object. This protective coating then acts as a barrier from outside forces. Water can not get in. Dirt can not get in. It keeps the object clean and shining until it is purchased. It is effective at its job but it also provides for easy removal in the customer’s hands.
Besides protecting your object that you plan to sell, what can shrink wrap possibly do for you? This product can be used to help increase the image of your object as well. Let’s say that you are selling CD’s that you have recorded. If you just hand out a CD in a case, you are likely to have others thinking that you burned it yourself. If you add the shrink wrap to the outside, not only does you CD case stay nice and clean and crisp, but it also keeps your customer happy and thinking that they just purchased high quality merchandise.
You can purchase these machines in a number of sizes. There are those that run several thousand of dollars for home business use. Then, there are those that are for commercial use and will cost much, much more. In either case, you will want to choose quality and affordability in whatever you choose. Consider the shrink wrap machine for your product needs.
First, what in the world does this machine do? A shrink wrap machine will place plastic around an object. Then, the machine will heat the plastic allowing it to get hot enough to melt together. It forms a protective covering for the object. This protective coating then acts as a barrier from outside forces. Water can not get in. Dirt can not get in. It keeps the object clean and shining until it is purchased. It is effective at its job but it also provides for easy removal in the customer’s hands.
Besides protecting your object that you plan to sell, what can shrink wrap possibly do for you? This product can be used to help increase the image of your object as well. Let’s say that you are selling CD’s that you have recorded. If you just hand out a CD in a case, you are likely to have others thinking that you burned it yourself. If you add the shrink wrap to the outside, not only does you CD case stay nice and clean and crisp, but it also keeps your customer happy and thinking that they just purchased high quality merchandise.
You can purchase these machines in a number of sizes. There are those that run several thousand of dollars for home business use. Then, there are those that are for commercial use and will cost much, much more. In either case, you will want to choose quality and affordability in whatever you choose. Consider the shrink wrap machine for your product needs.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Importance Of Cutting Tool Sharpening
Cutting tool sharpening can be done on the premises or shipped out to a firm that specializes it this service. Cutting tool sharpening is done when the cutting tool becomes too dull to perform the job it is intended for. Cutting tool sharpening is cheaper than reconditioning the cutting tool and may be more economical then the more intensive reconditioning if the cutting tool is used for high tolerance cuts. For example, when you are using the cutting tool for the purpose of making smaller portions of stock for further machining.
If your cutting tool becomes dull, it also becomes dangerous to use anymore. This is when cutting tool sharpening is called for. Dull cutting tools will not cut your material properly and may bind up in the material. If it binds up in the material you are cutting, the possibility of the cutting tool breaking and injuring your operator becomes a real hazard and should be prevented at any cost. A little preventive medicine of sharpening the cutting tool may save your workers and you time and money. Cutting tool sharpening is definitely less expensive than purchasing new cutting tools every time your cutting tool grows dull.
Cutting tools are precision made instruments designed to make precision cuts on material to manufacture parts with specified tolerances. These parts will have tolerances that vary, depending on the size of the space they are supposed to fit. For low tolerance parts, it is important that your cutter be of a precise shape and sharpness to make the cuts needed. For higher tolerances, such precision is not as critical and simply sharpening the tool may be more economical than reconditioning it every time it grows dull. An example of this would be a table saw devoted to ripping stock into long strips for further manufacturing. The saw blade could be sharpened every time it grows dull until it will not take sharpening anymore. At that point, it is more economical to replace the saw blade rather than attempting to sharpen it again.
Machines for cutting tool sharpening are relatively inexpensive and will make a useful addition to a machine shop that does a lot of simple parts where tolerances are high and sharpening cutting tools is more economical than reconditioning. When you are sharpening cutting tools on a daily basis, it would be more productive to train a worker to do your sharpening for you than shipping the cutting tools to a specialty shop. Cutting tool sharpening is a fairly simple and rather straightforward operation for many cutters. Simply line up the cutter at the proper angle and grind off a small portion to regain the sharp edge the cutting tool had when you purchased it. Machines that perform cutting tool sharpening are rather small compared to other types of machining equipment and will not take an enormous amount of space in your workshop. So when considering your cutting tool sharpening needs, take into account all the factors of how the cutting tool is being used before making a decision on which avenue to take regarding sending the cutting tool to a specialist or doing the work yourself.
If your cutting tool becomes dull, it also becomes dangerous to use anymore. This is when cutting tool sharpening is called for. Dull cutting tools will not cut your material properly and may bind up in the material. If it binds up in the material you are cutting, the possibility of the cutting tool breaking and injuring your operator becomes a real hazard and should be prevented at any cost. A little preventive medicine of sharpening the cutting tool may save your workers and you time and money. Cutting tool sharpening is definitely less expensive than purchasing new cutting tools every time your cutting tool grows dull.
Cutting tools are precision made instruments designed to make precision cuts on material to manufacture parts with specified tolerances. These parts will have tolerances that vary, depending on the size of the space they are supposed to fit. For low tolerance parts, it is important that your cutter be of a precise shape and sharpness to make the cuts needed. For higher tolerances, such precision is not as critical and simply sharpening the tool may be more economical than reconditioning it every time it grows dull. An example of this would be a table saw devoted to ripping stock into long strips for further manufacturing. The saw blade could be sharpened every time it grows dull until it will not take sharpening anymore. At that point, it is more economical to replace the saw blade rather than attempting to sharpen it again.
Machines for cutting tool sharpening are relatively inexpensive and will make a useful addition to a machine shop that does a lot of simple parts where tolerances are high and sharpening cutting tools is more economical than reconditioning. When you are sharpening cutting tools on a daily basis, it would be more productive to train a worker to do your sharpening for you than shipping the cutting tools to a specialty shop. Cutting tool sharpening is a fairly simple and rather straightforward operation for many cutters. Simply line up the cutter at the proper angle and grind off a small portion to regain the sharp edge the cutting tool had when you purchased it. Machines that perform cutting tool sharpening are rather small compared to other types of machining equipment and will not take an enormous amount of space in your workshop. So when considering your cutting tool sharpening needs, take into account all the factors of how the cutting tool is being used before making a decision on which avenue to take regarding sending the cutting tool to a specialist or doing the work yourself.
Elliptical Trainers Versus Treadmills - Shocking Fitness Facts
Many people who are considering a workout regimen often have a tough decision between whether they should use an elliptical trainer or a treadmill. Both machines can be an effective tool for weight loss, improved fitness and overall better health.
Deciding on which machine is best for you can be a daunting task and you can get many different answers depending upon whom you talk to. Certain fitness professionals will recommend that elliptical trainer over a treadmill while other professionals will clearly recommend a treadmill for what they feel is obvious reasons.
Personally I feel an elliptical trainer is the better choice. Elliptical trainers provide more of a well rounded work out, allowing you to do more in less time. Treadmills on the other hand are basically just an indoor running machine, allowing you to mimic running without having to deal with the normal hassles of dodging traffic and weather conditions.
From a pure price standpoint treadmills are more affordable than elliptical trainers. If you are tight on a budget and yet want a piece of equipment which can work out on indoors then a treadmill might be best for you. On the other hand if you want a more well-rounded machine and elliptical trainer is the perfect choice for you.
On a final note, some people prefer going to the gym to work out. The gym offers more of structured regimen where working out at home can get sidetracked by distractions such as family, friends or the telephone.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences, budget, fitness goals and desires. Only you can decide which machine if any at all are best for you. Be sure not to take this lightly as you do not want to waste money on a machine you may not use or a gym membership that she may not take advantage of.
Deciding on which machine is best for you can be a daunting task and you can get many different answers depending upon whom you talk to. Certain fitness professionals will recommend that elliptical trainer over a treadmill while other professionals will clearly recommend a treadmill for what they feel is obvious reasons.
Personally I feel an elliptical trainer is the better choice. Elliptical trainers provide more of a well rounded work out, allowing you to do more in less time. Treadmills on the other hand are basically just an indoor running machine, allowing you to mimic running without having to deal with the normal hassles of dodging traffic and weather conditions.
From a pure price standpoint treadmills are more affordable than elliptical trainers. If you are tight on a budget and yet want a piece of equipment which can work out on indoors then a treadmill might be best for you. On the other hand if you want a more well-rounded machine and elliptical trainer is the perfect choice for you.
On a final note, some people prefer going to the gym to work out. The gym offers more of structured regimen where working out at home can get sidetracked by distractions such as family, friends or the telephone.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences, budget, fitness goals and desires. Only you can decide which machine if any at all are best for you. Be sure not to take this lightly as you do not want to waste money on a machine you may not use or a gym membership that she may not take advantage of.
CNC Machines Get The Job Done
If you need a machine that will improve your speed and accuracy then try a CNC machine when you are getting large jobs done or doing very repetitive tasks. You can get a used one for half the cost of a new one since most individuals wouldn’t want to spend their money on a new one. CNC equipment can be found in woodworking shops or industrial settings. Add them to your collection that includes a milling machine as well.
If you need to drill holes than consider a CNC router. Some of them can hold more than one tool too. This makes it possible to do more than one procedure at a time. This will help you cut back on the tie you spend working and help you become more accurate.
Computer Numerated Control is the full name for CNC. In the 1970’s this technology was first created. These machines are easy to run and operate after they have been initially set up. They also need to be set up correctly and programmed before they are operated.
They can be made so you can drill a hole automatically. This can be much more accurate and quicker than manual drilling. You will get more uniform results. If you have a large job that needs a lot of drilling then this can be a good choice for you. You might get more inconsistent results when you are doing manual drilling and if the operator gets tired.
If you want a good thing to cut wood with then try a CNC lathe. You can buy one that ranges from 15-40 horsepower. You will choose the lathe power you need depending on the type of wood you use. You can get a model that comes with more than one mode. You can one that is totally manual or CNC. You can rig each machine for your individual project.
If you want the best in milling technology then try a Bridgeport mill. You can find a mill in both a small shop or a large one. If you want a mill that will last forever than try a Bridgeport mill. They are very pricey and more so than most people can afford.
A CNC mill use a special type of instrument that uses a combination of robotics and computer programming. You will get great results better than anyone could ever want. These are the kind of mills that the airline companies use. The CNC decides which tool is need for an operation and changes as it goes.
Since CNC equipment is so pricey it means most people can’t afford it. If you get a used machine you may find that you can afford it. You may be able to save about half on a used machine compared to a new one.
If you need to drill holes than consider a CNC router. Some of them can hold more than one tool too. This makes it possible to do more than one procedure at a time. This will help you cut back on the tie you spend working and help you become more accurate.
Computer Numerated Control is the full name for CNC. In the 1970’s this technology was first created. These machines are easy to run and operate after they have been initially set up. They also need to be set up correctly and programmed before they are operated.
They can be made so you can drill a hole automatically. This can be much more accurate and quicker than manual drilling. You will get more uniform results. If you have a large job that needs a lot of drilling then this can be a good choice for you. You might get more inconsistent results when you are doing manual drilling and if the operator gets tired.
If you want a good thing to cut wood with then try a CNC lathe. You can buy one that ranges from 15-40 horsepower. You will choose the lathe power you need depending on the type of wood you use. You can get a model that comes with more than one mode. You can one that is totally manual or CNC. You can rig each machine for your individual project.
If you want the best in milling technology then try a Bridgeport mill. You can find a mill in both a small shop or a large one. If you want a mill that will last forever than try a Bridgeport mill. They are very pricey and more so than most people can afford.
A CNC mill use a special type of instrument that uses a combination of robotics and computer programming. You will get great results better than anyone could ever want. These are the kind of mills that the airline companies use. The CNC decides which tool is need for an operation and changes as it goes.
Since CNC equipment is so pricey it means most people can’t afford it. If you get a used machine you may find that you can afford it. You may be able to save about half on a used machine compared to a new one.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Coffee Hot And Fast With An Automatic Espresso Machine
For the passionate coffee lover – those who love their coffee pure and rich and strong - not much rivals the automatic espresso machine in terms of convenience. Whether you visit your local coffee shop where the air comes alive with the hiss and heat of steam or you invest in an at-home automatic espresso machine where you’re free to tinker with the perfect coffee recipe, the results are the same – the perfect cup of coffee and a very, very happy coffee lover.
The automatic espresso machine comes in two varieties; semi automatic and full automatic. Using a semi automatic espresso machine requires partial participation on the part of the user. Whoever is operating the machine must start it at which point the automatic espresso machine takes over. When the brewing process is complete, the user then shuts down the machine. The full automatic espresso machine does not require any operator participation. This is usually a larger and pricier automatic espresso machine due to its heightened complexity; but it brews completely on its own coordinating a system of water, grinders, and extractors.
Deciding which automatic espresso machine would best suit your needs depends on its intended use. For commercial use, a full automatic espresso machine makes more sense; there’s more space for a larger machine and the demand for multiple cups of espresso would make the need for heavy operator participation inefficient.
For at home use, a semi automatic espresso machine would be sufficient for private brewing. Its smaller size takes space issues into consideration and it is normally less pricey than its larger counterpart.
To find the model that works best for you, start your research on the Internet. You will be able to access thousands of consumer report records that will tell you which of the machines you are interested are performing the best.
Whether it’s in the local coffee shop – or in your home - an automatic espresso machine can readily brew the highest quality cup of coffee available.
The automatic espresso machine comes in two varieties; semi automatic and full automatic. Using a semi automatic espresso machine requires partial participation on the part of the user. Whoever is operating the machine must start it at which point the automatic espresso machine takes over. When the brewing process is complete, the user then shuts down the machine. The full automatic espresso machine does not require any operator participation. This is usually a larger and pricier automatic espresso machine due to its heightened complexity; but it brews completely on its own coordinating a system of water, grinders, and extractors.
Deciding which automatic espresso machine would best suit your needs depends on its intended use. For commercial use, a full automatic espresso machine makes more sense; there’s more space for a larger machine and the demand for multiple cups of espresso would make the need for heavy operator participation inefficient.
For at home use, a semi automatic espresso machine would be sufficient for private brewing. Its smaller size takes space issues into consideration and it is normally less pricey than its larger counterpart.
To find the model that works best for you, start your research on the Internet. You will be able to access thousands of consumer report records that will tell you which of the machines you are interested are performing the best.
Whether it’s in the local coffee shop – or in your home - an automatic espresso machine can readily brew the highest quality cup of coffee available.
Sewing Machine Shops
Sewing machine shops are popular shops for people who enjoy sewing. They have various models, from low end to very expensive models. The stitching quality of a particular machine depends on the features such as the needles, thread, tension, sewing technique and the operator.
Many seamstresses prefer a simple sewing machine, with a zigzag stitch and a buttonhole attachment. Generally, most seamstresses make use of straight, zigzag and blind hemstitches. An eighteen- stitch or computerized sewing machine is really not needed for the normal stitching requirements. However, it is seen that some of the older versions of machines cannot handle many of the new fabrics and materials.
When the buyer goes in for a sewing machine, the person should at least have a basic idea of the set features to look for. The person would like to know where to get a good bargain on a new machine or if a used machine is in good shape. If the buyer is able to get a new machine from an authorized dealer, a warranty of three to five years should be available on the product.
It has been observed that most people are not happy with cheap sewing machines, as they tend to be difficult to thread and fine-tune. They are also in general not tough for mending jeans and other thick materials.
A used sewing machine would be an excellent buy for many people who are looking for a good deal. When trying out an old machine, it is advisable to carry a variety of clothes to sew, such as old jeans or drapes. The prospective buyer should also take an experienced person along for their opinion on the machine. It is important to note that if a used machine skips stitches, it should be avoided.
Berninas, Vikings, Husqvarna's, White's, and Singers are some of the popular brands of sewing machines that are available.
Many seamstresses prefer a simple sewing machine, with a zigzag stitch and a buttonhole attachment. Generally, most seamstresses make use of straight, zigzag and blind hemstitches. An eighteen- stitch or computerized sewing machine is really not needed for the normal stitching requirements. However, it is seen that some of the older versions of machines cannot handle many of the new fabrics and materials.
When the buyer goes in for a sewing machine, the person should at least have a basic idea of the set features to look for. The person would like to know where to get a good bargain on a new machine or if a used machine is in good shape. If the buyer is able to get a new machine from an authorized dealer, a warranty of three to five years should be available on the product.
It has been observed that most people are not happy with cheap sewing machines, as they tend to be difficult to thread and fine-tune. They are also in general not tough for mending jeans and other thick materials.
A used sewing machine would be an excellent buy for many people who are looking for a good deal. When trying out an old machine, it is advisable to carry a variety of clothes to sew, such as old jeans or drapes. The prospective buyer should also take an experienced person along for their opinion on the machine. It is important to note that if a used machine skips stitches, it should be avoided.
Berninas, Vikings, Husqvarna's, White's, and Singers are some of the popular brands of sewing machines that are available.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Carbide Cutting Tool
Carbide cutting tools are used when your regular high speed steel cutting tools are not removing enough material in the time allowed for the job. Carbide cutting tools are a bit more expensive then regular steel cutting tools, but make up that by lasting longer and removing more material per cut. Making a carbide cutting tool strictly from carbide is prohibitively expensive. The usual method is to braze carbide onto the steel cutting surface. Carbide is harder than steel and holds an edge longer under harder use than plain steel.
An example of a carbide cutting tool is the blade on your circular saw. Most saw blades for circular saws are carbide tipped for more cutting capacity and for longevity purposes. A carbide cutting tool just lasts longer than plain steel. Carbide cutting tools cut through the material you are cutting so much faster that ordinary high speed steel cutting tools do, that most cutting tools today come with carbide tips on them. if high speed steel will cut the material you are handling, then a carbide cutting tool will cut it faster and more economically. A carbide cutting tool does not need to be sharpened as often as high speed steel does.
In the metal machining industry carbide cutting tools have become the standard for most cutting situations. The hardness of a carbide cutting tool and the longevity that it brings to the cutting surface simply makes it more economical to use than the high speed steel cutting tools. Productivity is the key to successful business and the time saved in not changing cutters or in resharpening cutters more than makes up for the higher cost of carbide cutting tools. Also being able to carry a smaller inventory of cutting tools due to the longevity of carbide cutting tools means a lessor investment in the overhead of a metal machining business.
When cutting a very hard material with a carbide cutting tool, a cooling system is used to keep the temperature of the blade and material lower. This keeps the material being cut from warping or in the case of heat treatable material, it keeps it from hardening and possibly changing the temper of the material. It also prolongs the life of the carbide cutting tool by retaining the carbide tips. When a carbide cutting tool starts to remove less material or otherwise shows signs of dullness, it is very easy to sharpen. Sharpening is just a matter of removing a very slight amount the carbide to return the carbide cutting tool to it's former shape and cutting ability.
When you go to the store to get replacements for your cutting machine, be it a saw or a complex milling machine, your first choice should be a carbide cutting tool. The slightly higher expense over a high speed steel cutting tool will, in the long run, turn out to make the carbide cutting tool less expensive both because or the greater productivity and the longer lifespan of the carbide cutting tool over an ordinary high speed steel version.
An example of a carbide cutting tool is the blade on your circular saw. Most saw blades for circular saws are carbide tipped for more cutting capacity and for longevity purposes. A carbide cutting tool just lasts longer than plain steel. Carbide cutting tools cut through the material you are cutting so much faster that ordinary high speed steel cutting tools do, that most cutting tools today come with carbide tips on them. if high speed steel will cut the material you are handling, then a carbide cutting tool will cut it faster and more economically. A carbide cutting tool does not need to be sharpened as often as high speed steel does.
In the metal machining industry carbide cutting tools have become the standard for most cutting situations. The hardness of a carbide cutting tool and the longevity that it brings to the cutting surface simply makes it more economical to use than the high speed steel cutting tools. Productivity is the key to successful business and the time saved in not changing cutters or in resharpening cutters more than makes up for the higher cost of carbide cutting tools. Also being able to carry a smaller inventory of cutting tools due to the longevity of carbide cutting tools means a lessor investment in the overhead of a metal machining business.
When cutting a very hard material with a carbide cutting tool, a cooling system is used to keep the temperature of the blade and material lower. This keeps the material being cut from warping or in the case of heat treatable material, it keeps it from hardening and possibly changing the temper of the material. It also prolongs the life of the carbide cutting tool by retaining the carbide tips. When a carbide cutting tool starts to remove less material or otherwise shows signs of dullness, it is very easy to sharpen. Sharpening is just a matter of removing a very slight amount the carbide to return the carbide cutting tool to it's former shape and cutting ability.
When you go to the store to get replacements for your cutting machine, be it a saw or a complex milling machine, your first choice should be a carbide cutting tool. The slightly higher expense over a high speed steel cutting tool will, in the long run, turn out to make the carbide cutting tool less expensive both because or the greater productivity and the longer lifespan of the carbide cutting tool over an ordinary high speed steel version.
The Best Rowing Machine Suppliers
Have you been looking for Rowing Machine Suppliers? Then look no farther. Here you will find a comprehensive list of providers, which machines they carry and even some prices involved. Finding the right Rowing Machine Suppliers is as important as buying one. Knowing where to look is only half of the battle.
The first Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Jih Kao Enterprise Co Ltd; they carry the Foldable Rowing Machine, and are located in Taiwan. You will find that they have over 59 products available along with some reviews as well. Next is the TMC Fitness located in China, they have the T-bar Rowing Machine, made from 2.00 mm Steel Tubes, with over 65 products available.
The next Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Body Sculpture International Ltd in Taiwan, supplying you with 74 products and a Adjustable Rowing Arms Rowing Machine. Shanghai Double Wing Fallow Products Co Ltd in China is next with 99 products. TMC Fitness is next with 65 products, located in China.
If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to the United States, then you have a few options here as well. The first on the list is The Comfort Store in Ohio, with a reasonable price of $449.00 and free ground shipping as well. The Stamina Specialist in Cambridge, Massachusetts is next they have the Stamina GlideMaster 1210 Conversion Rower for only $160.00, free Ground Shipping and occasionally nice gifts like Gift Certificates and Tool Kit for easy assembly. The Rowing Machine Supply Store has the LifeCore Fitness R900 Rower; this Rower is at an affordable price of $1199.00 at and can come with great incentives such as Cash Back, Tool Kit, heart monitor, and Free Ground Shipping.
With over 30 Stores carrying more than 20 different Brands and styles you are sure to find the Rowing Machine Suppliers for you. You can shop from places such as Affiliate Fitnes, Amazon.com and Amazon.com Marketplace Used, Big Fitness, GNC, Target and more you can find a Supplier near you. The wide variety of Brands available such as Bowflex, Champion, Quantum and Schwinn you are sure to find one that fits your needs.
The first Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Jih Kao Enterprise Co Ltd; they carry the Foldable Rowing Machine, and are located in Taiwan. You will find that they have over 59 products available along with some reviews as well. Next is the TMC Fitness located in China, they have the T-bar Rowing Machine, made from 2.00 mm Steel Tubes, with over 65 products available.
The next Rowing Machine Supplier on the list is Body Sculpture International Ltd in Taiwan, supplying you with 74 products and a Adjustable Rowing Arms Rowing Machine. Shanghai Double Wing Fallow Products Co Ltd in China is next with 99 products. TMC Fitness is next with 65 products, located in China.
If you are looking for somewhere a little closer to the United States, then you have a few options here as well. The first on the list is The Comfort Store in Ohio, with a reasonable price of $449.00 and free ground shipping as well. The Stamina Specialist in Cambridge, Massachusetts is next they have the Stamina GlideMaster 1210 Conversion Rower for only $160.00, free Ground Shipping and occasionally nice gifts like Gift Certificates and Tool Kit for easy assembly. The Rowing Machine Supply Store has the LifeCore Fitness R900 Rower; this Rower is at an affordable price of $1199.00 at and can come with great incentives such as Cash Back, Tool Kit, heart monitor, and Free Ground Shipping.
With over 30 Stores carrying more than 20 different Brands and styles you are sure to find the Rowing Machine Suppliers for you. You can shop from places such as Affiliate Fitnes, Amazon.com and Amazon.com Marketplace Used, Big Fitness, GNC, Target and more you can find a Supplier near you. The wide variety of Brands available such as Bowflex, Champion, Quantum and Schwinn you are sure to find one that fits your needs.
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Mini CNC Machine
The mini CNC machine gives the manufacturer a way to reduce cycle time. The mini CNC machine helps the manufacturer to avoid a long void between the end of one operation and the start of the next operation. The manufacturer who decides to purchase a mini CNC machine has chosen to apply the principles of cycle time to the area of production machinery.
The nature of the mini CNC machine creates three ways by which miniaturization can pave the way for cycle time reduction. This article will list three ways by which a manufacturer can reduce cycle time. It will also provide details concerning how the mini CNC machine permits the manufacturer to apply the principles of cycle time reduction to the operation of the mini CNC machine, and ultimately to the process of machine production.
The effort to reduce the manufacturers cycle time begins with an attempt to minimize the amount of time that operators spend loading and unloading various materials. The operator of a CNC machine will work more efficiently if he or she is able to minimize the workplace loading and unloading. This minimization is achieved through use of the mini CNC machine.
The operator of the mini CNC machine can save time by using large bed sizes and a small footprint. The operator of a mini CNC machine will save money by loading into the machine a wide piece of material and then limiting each process (cutting, engraving, routing, and drilling) to a small footprint.
The operator of a CNC-based piece of equipment can reduce cycle time by reducing the tool maintenance time. Such a reduction is made possible by the mini CNC machine. The small size of the miniaturized machines facilitates the creation of multiple design options. The large number of options leads to creation of a generous number of spare parts. Meanwhile the surplus of spare parts guarantees the ready replacement of any malfunctioning parts.
The operator of a mini CNC machine also reduces cycle time by decreasing the program execution time. The clamping of small elements to the mini CNC machine and the automation of the tiny machine parts leads to a lowering of operator intervention. Whenever operators can afford to devote less time to matching the quality of a previous result, then the manufacturer saves money.
It thus becomes obvious that the characteristics of the mini CNC machine guarantee the application by the operator of the principles of cycle time. Three aspects of any CNC program fall under the control of the product manufacturer.
1) The time required for workplace equipment to accomplish the loading and unloading of the material that requires a transformation (a cutting, drilling, routing or engraving),
2) The length of the program execution time,
3) The length of the tool maintenance time.
The ability of a mini CNC machine to substantially alter any of the above three aspects could lead to a reduction in cycle time. A reduction in cycle time could improve performance of the process machinery.
The nature of the mini CNC machine creates three ways by which miniaturization can pave the way for cycle time reduction. This article will list three ways by which a manufacturer can reduce cycle time. It will also provide details concerning how the mini CNC machine permits the manufacturer to apply the principles of cycle time reduction to the operation of the mini CNC machine, and ultimately to the process of machine production.
The effort to reduce the manufacturers cycle time begins with an attempt to minimize the amount of time that operators spend loading and unloading various materials. The operator of a CNC machine will work more efficiently if he or she is able to minimize the workplace loading and unloading. This minimization is achieved through use of the mini CNC machine.
The operator of the mini CNC machine can save time by using large bed sizes and a small footprint. The operator of a mini CNC machine will save money by loading into the machine a wide piece of material and then limiting each process (cutting, engraving, routing, and drilling) to a small footprint.
The operator of a CNC-based piece of equipment can reduce cycle time by reducing the tool maintenance time. Such a reduction is made possible by the mini CNC machine. The small size of the miniaturized machines facilitates the creation of multiple design options. The large number of options leads to creation of a generous number of spare parts. Meanwhile the surplus of spare parts guarantees the ready replacement of any malfunctioning parts.
The operator of a mini CNC machine also reduces cycle time by decreasing the program execution time. The clamping of small elements to the mini CNC machine and the automation of the tiny machine parts leads to a lowering of operator intervention. Whenever operators can afford to devote less time to matching the quality of a previous result, then the manufacturer saves money.
It thus becomes obvious that the characteristics of the mini CNC machine guarantee the application by the operator of the principles of cycle time. Three aspects of any CNC program fall under the control of the product manufacturer.
1) The time required for workplace equipment to accomplish the loading and unloading of the material that requires a transformation (a cutting, drilling, routing or engraving),
2) The length of the program execution time,
3) The length of the tool maintenance time.
The ability of a mini CNC machine to substantially alter any of the above three aspects could lead to a reduction in cycle time. A reduction in cycle time could improve performance of the process machinery.
Tools - Machine Tools
The definition of a machine tool, if you look in the dictionary, is a powered machine used for cutting or shaping or finishing metals or other materials. This actually applies to a wide variety of tools such as a broach, drill, gear shaper, hobbing machine, lathe, milling machine, shaper, and grinder.
Of course this definition doesn't really describe the usefulness of these type of tools. So we'll try to do just that in this article.
Most machine tools, also by definition, are tools that are tools that use a power source. In other words, not operated manually. But there are some tools that are considered machine tools that are operated by hand.
The first, what were considered machine tools, were actually made for the purpose of making other tools. These tools removed the human element from the process of stamping these tools by hand. Instead they were now stamped by machines.
The first lathe machine tools were invented in 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson. He was the very first to mount the cutting instrument of the tool on a mechanically adjustable head. This took the tool out of the hands of the operator.
Machine tools can actually be powered by a number of sources. Aside from human and animal power, the energy for these tools can be captured from waterwheels and steam engines, in the early days, and finally electricity today. The Industrial Revolution had a huge impact on the progress made with machine tools.
Machine tools can be manually operated or automatically controlled. The very early machine tools used flywheels to stabilize their motion. They also had complex systems of gears and levers to control the machine and whatever piece it was that it was working on.
After World War II a new advanced machine was made called the numerical control machine. This machine used a series of numbers punched on paper tape or punch cards that controlled their motion.
In the 1960s, computers were then added to the function of making these machines work. These computers gave more flexibility to the process. These machines became known as computer numerical control machines and they could repeat the same set of instructions over and over similar to an assembly line. These machines could produce pieces that were much more complex than anything produced by even the most skilled tool operator.
It wasn't long before these machines could automatically change the cutting and shaping tools that were being used in the process. To give an example, a drill machine might contain a magazine or cartridge with a number of drill bits. These bits could be used for producing holes of different sizes. Before it was automated, operators would have to manually change the bit in order to drill a different size hole. Today, we have the technology to create a machine that can alternate the drill bits by computer program control.
Of course this definition doesn't really describe the usefulness of these type of tools. So we'll try to do just that in this article.
Most machine tools, also by definition, are tools that are tools that use a power source. In other words, not operated manually. But there are some tools that are considered machine tools that are operated by hand.
The first, what were considered machine tools, were actually made for the purpose of making other tools. These tools removed the human element from the process of stamping these tools by hand. Instead they were now stamped by machines.
The first lathe machine tools were invented in 1751 by Jacques de Vaucanson. He was the very first to mount the cutting instrument of the tool on a mechanically adjustable head. This took the tool out of the hands of the operator.
Machine tools can actually be powered by a number of sources. Aside from human and animal power, the energy for these tools can be captured from waterwheels and steam engines, in the early days, and finally electricity today. The Industrial Revolution had a huge impact on the progress made with machine tools.
Machine tools can be manually operated or automatically controlled. The very early machine tools used flywheels to stabilize their motion. They also had complex systems of gears and levers to control the machine and whatever piece it was that it was working on.
After World War II a new advanced machine was made called the numerical control machine. This machine used a series of numbers punched on paper tape or punch cards that controlled their motion.
In the 1960s, computers were then added to the function of making these machines work. These computers gave more flexibility to the process. These machines became known as computer numerical control machines and they could repeat the same set of instructions over and over similar to an assembly line. These machines could produce pieces that were much more complex than anything produced by even the most skilled tool operator.
It wasn't long before these machines could automatically change the cutting and shaping tools that were being used in the process. To give an example, a drill machine might contain a magazine or cartridge with a number of drill bits. These bits could be used for producing holes of different sizes. Before it was automated, operators would have to manually change the bit in order to drill a different size hole. Today, we have the technology to create a machine that can alternate the drill bits by computer program control.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Vending Machine Supplier - How To Choose One
Are you planning to start a vending machine business? If you are planning to start a vending machine business, it is important for you to know where to get the vending machines. You should do research to find the best place to get them. Of course, you will want to start your business right by choosing a quality vending machine. But how are you going to know where and how to get it? Where should you get one? If you want to know the answer to these questions, read this article and be enlightened. You will know more about vending machines.
The vending machine supplier will be the one to sell you the equipment that you will need in your vending machine business. You can find the different vending machine suppliers anywhere and they will sell all kinds of vending machines available in the market today. If you are just starting a small vending machine business, you need to know what kind of product the people around your area want and need. You should know the things that these people need, so you will have a clue on which products will give you the most revenue.
The hottest items in the market today are cold foods. You can sell cold food in vending machines. People prefer getting something in an instant, so if you will be placing these cold foods in the vending machine, furnish the answer to this need. You can also try putting cookies in your vending machines because people, children and adults alike, like to eat cookies.
If you go to the vending machine supplier, you should ask for a manual about starting a vending machine business. In the program, you will learn about the basics of starting a business. You will also know the advantages and disadvantages of the vending machine and the different ways to earn more money from it.
If your vending machine needs maintenance, the different vending machine supplies and parts will be available from your vending machine supplier. They can give you all the parts and service you might need in your vending machine business.
Vending machine suppliers usually know where you can buy bulk products like candies, gum and cookies. You can save huge amounts of money if you buy products from the vending machine product wholesalers. It is easier for you to refill an empty vending machine by purchasing bulk products from vending machine product wholesalers.
You need to know whether a supplier has a good reputation. There are also frauds in the vending machine business. For you to avoid them, you should check a particular vending machine supplier’s reputation before you try purchasing vending machines from them. Ask some of the people you know, especially those who have successfully operated a vending machine business.
Before you purchase a vending machine from vending machine suppliers, have it tested first. You will know whether the machine is working well before you actually purchase it. For more information and relevant ideas about the different vending suppliers, you can check some of the websites available over the internet. It will be a great tool to start your career as a vending machine businessperson. Start your search now and start your vending machine business the right way.
The vending machine supplier will be the one to sell you the equipment that you will need in your vending machine business. You can find the different vending machine suppliers anywhere and they will sell all kinds of vending machines available in the market today. If you are just starting a small vending machine business, you need to know what kind of product the people around your area want and need. You should know the things that these people need, so you will have a clue on which products will give you the most revenue.
The hottest items in the market today are cold foods. You can sell cold food in vending machines. People prefer getting something in an instant, so if you will be placing these cold foods in the vending machine, furnish the answer to this need. You can also try putting cookies in your vending machines because people, children and adults alike, like to eat cookies.
If you go to the vending machine supplier, you should ask for a manual about starting a vending machine business. In the program, you will learn about the basics of starting a business. You will also know the advantages and disadvantages of the vending machine and the different ways to earn more money from it.
If your vending machine needs maintenance, the different vending machine supplies and parts will be available from your vending machine supplier. They can give you all the parts and service you might need in your vending machine business.
Vending machine suppliers usually know where you can buy bulk products like candies, gum and cookies. You can save huge amounts of money if you buy products from the vending machine product wholesalers. It is easier for you to refill an empty vending machine by purchasing bulk products from vending machine product wholesalers.
You need to know whether a supplier has a good reputation. There are also frauds in the vending machine business. For you to avoid them, you should check a particular vending machine supplier’s reputation before you try purchasing vending machines from them. Ask some of the people you know, especially those who have successfully operated a vending machine business.
Before you purchase a vending machine from vending machine suppliers, have it tested first. You will know whether the machine is working well before you actually purchase it. For more information and relevant ideas about the different vending suppliers, you can check some of the websites available over the internet. It will be a great tool to start your career as a vending machine businessperson. Start your search now and start your vending machine business the right way.
How To Use A Sizzix Machine
If you are new to scrap booking, card making or any type of crafting you may not have heard of a sizzix machine. A sizzix machine is made by the company elision and is a wonderful tool that is use to create stunning die cuts.
The sizzix machine has a lever and a sliding cutting mat. You place a piece of card with the die face down onto the cutting mat underneath the pressure point then simply pull down the lever and you will have the perfect die cut.
The sizzix machine comes with full instructions and do not worry they are really easy to read and understand. The machine its self is heavy stopping it from moving around when in use it is also extremely sturdy.
The cutting part is done quickly and easily by simply pulling down the lever. The cut is perfect and precise. You will be amazed at how many different dies sizzix has produced it really will cover every hobby passion or theme.
You can also adapt the sizzix machine to use additional templates called sizzlits. The converter is easy to install and easy to purchase giving you access to loads more dies that are available.
The sizzix machine can be expensive and the average cost is about $65 it is also heavy and quite a large tool however it is one you will use time and time again due to its versatility.
The dies that you can purchase for your sizzix machine can vary in size but they come in a neat little box that can be stored easily.
The sizzix machine can not only cut through paper and card it can also cut through rubber, felt, metal and many other materials.
The die you produce from your sizzix machine can be used for embellishments, toppers and may other things.
One of the most popular sizzix dies is the alphabet, although you may feel they are a big expenditure once you have purchased the die you will be able to cut any word you wish, this is perfect for scrap booking and card making.
Over all the sizzix machine is a versatile easy to use addition to any crafters tools the cutting is easy and the adapter means you really can create anything you want. Storage may be a problem but it is worth clearing out that cupboard for this stunning machine.
Having used a sizzix machine for a few years now I would strongly recommend that this is a great buy, something that will be used over and over again. It is also something you can use with your children, although it is wise to supervise as the blades in the dies themselves can be extremely sharp.
The sizzix machine has a lever and a sliding cutting mat. You place a piece of card with the die face down onto the cutting mat underneath the pressure point then simply pull down the lever and you will have the perfect die cut.
The sizzix machine comes with full instructions and do not worry they are really easy to read and understand. The machine its self is heavy stopping it from moving around when in use it is also extremely sturdy.
The cutting part is done quickly and easily by simply pulling down the lever. The cut is perfect and precise. You will be amazed at how many different dies sizzix has produced it really will cover every hobby passion or theme.
You can also adapt the sizzix machine to use additional templates called sizzlits. The converter is easy to install and easy to purchase giving you access to loads more dies that are available.
The sizzix machine can be expensive and the average cost is about $65 it is also heavy and quite a large tool however it is one you will use time and time again due to its versatility.
The dies that you can purchase for your sizzix machine can vary in size but they come in a neat little box that can be stored easily.
The sizzix machine can not only cut through paper and card it can also cut through rubber, felt, metal and many other materials.
The die you produce from your sizzix machine can be used for embellishments, toppers and may other things.
One of the most popular sizzix dies is the alphabet, although you may feel they are a big expenditure once you have purchased the die you will be able to cut any word you wish, this is perfect for scrap booking and card making.
Over all the sizzix machine is a versatile easy to use addition to any crafters tools the cutting is easy and the adapter means you really can create anything you want. Storage may be a problem but it is worth clearing out that cupboard for this stunning machine.
Having used a sizzix machine for a few years now I would strongly recommend that this is a great buy, something that will be used over and over again. It is also something you can use with your children, although it is wise to supervise as the blades in the dies themselves can be extremely sharp.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Trion Mini Mist Eliminator Protects Employees and Equipment
Trion, a division of Fedders Corporation, has developed an innovative mist collector called the Mini Mist Eliminator (Mini M.E.). Virtually all screw machines, CNC machines, surface and centerless grinders use water-soluble, synthetic and petroleum coolants to protect cutting tools and parts. The mists associated with these coolants can be harmful to the health of the machine operator through inhalation and contact with the skin and eyes. Based on potential health risks, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established recommended exposure limits for oil mist.
The Mini M.E. removes oil mist from the air by utilizing the principle of electrostatic precipitation. This principle involves drawing the oil mist through an impinger which removes a majority of the mist, especially large droplets. The remaining mist is drawn through an ionizing section, charging the remaining mist particles which then pass through oppositely charged collector plates. The charged mist particles are attracted to the collector plates like a magnet. These particles then drip back down to be recaptured or drained away. The dirty collector plates can be simply washed clean, eliminating costly filter replacements.
The Mini M.E. also eliminates the need for extensive duct work because it can be easily mounted on the machine, platform or ceiling. This also helps to free up floor space. The Mini M.E. can help save on energy costs by being wired directly to the machine tool control, operating only when the machine tool does. It also helps to reduce maintenance costs by protecting equipment from oil mist.
This quality unit not only traps and removes the oil mist, but also the smoke associated with cutting tools and grinders. The Mini M.E. cleans and recirculates indoor air with up to 95% efficiency rate on 0.3 micron particles. It also offers a great advantage in that it can be seamlessly integrated into pre-existing machine tool systems.
Trion is one of the most trusted names in air purification systems. Trion has produced high quality products for industrial, commercial, military and residential markets since 1947.
The Mini M.E. removes oil mist from the air by utilizing the principle of electrostatic precipitation. This principle involves drawing the oil mist through an impinger which removes a majority of the mist, especially large droplets. The remaining mist is drawn through an ionizing section, charging the remaining mist particles which then pass through oppositely charged collector plates. The charged mist particles are attracted to the collector plates like a magnet. These particles then drip back down to be recaptured or drained away. The dirty collector plates can be simply washed clean, eliminating costly filter replacements.
The Mini M.E. also eliminates the need for extensive duct work because it can be easily mounted on the machine, platform or ceiling. This also helps to free up floor space. The Mini M.E. can help save on energy costs by being wired directly to the machine tool control, operating only when the machine tool does. It also helps to reduce maintenance costs by protecting equipment from oil mist.
This quality unit not only traps and removes the oil mist, but also the smoke associated with cutting tools and grinders. The Mini M.E. cleans and recirculates indoor air with up to 95% efficiency rate on 0.3 micron particles. It also offers a great advantage in that it can be seamlessly integrated into pre-existing machine tool systems.
Trion is one of the most trusted names in air purification systems. Trion has produced high quality products for industrial, commercial, military and residential markets since 1947.
Collet Chuck Is Inclusive Of Chuck
A collet is the device used which forms part of the work holdings. Collet forms part of chucks and it is specifically designed and produced has a type of chuck. True length collet chucks, manual collet chucks, pull back collet chucks, collet reference are the different types of collet chucks are it is considered generally as unit which consist of tapered receiving sleeve. A collet is generally classified under work holdings chuck device which forms part a collar around the object, so that he can be hold and exerted a strong clamping force on the object. Collet chuck can be used to hold a work piece or tool. Generally collet chucks comes up with the advantage and provides ample services to the customers who using it.
The main advantage we derive from collect chuck machine tool accessories is that it manages to combine all the traits in to one chuck. This is the main reason why people tend to use collet chucks and it will be more benefit to the environment of repetitive part production. Collet chucks is the combination of speed, accuracy and productivity which is considered as important for certain jobs. Collet chucks or its devices can be used for and suits for wide applications. Collet chucks can be used for wood work, metal work, craft hobbies, semi conductor work and internal combustion engines. Collet chucks forms part of the work holding machine tool accessories and it is the alternative of the work holding device and which forms a type of chucks.
Collet chucks can be used for wide and different applications. Collet chucks are designed specifically to meet the requirements of the customers around the world. Large number of people is hindering the services provided by collet chucks and they finds to be economical. Collet chucks are produced and sold for reasonable price consideration and collet chuck finds to be more economical and competitive in nature. The main purpose of designing and producing collet chuck is that it can be used for turning applications. Collet chuck is said to the better choice for turning application, especially during high levels of spindle rpm.
Collet chuck fetches good demand among the customer i.e. under user for fair prices and it is also said that it is more profitable. Collet chuck relates to mass of chuck and centrifugal force. Collet chuck applies in the circumference a clamping force in selective contact areas to make the application effectively. Collet chucks can be used for normal operations and it provides more secure and safe at the time of use. Chuck machine tool accessories are coming in large number and they are under more number of types, while it that collet chuck attracts the attention of people and fetch the demands among the market for reasonable price consideration.
The main advantage we derive from collect chuck machine tool accessories is that it manages to combine all the traits in to one chuck. This is the main reason why people tend to use collet chucks and it will be more benefit to the environment of repetitive part production. Collet chucks is the combination of speed, accuracy and productivity which is considered as important for certain jobs. Collet chucks or its devices can be used for and suits for wide applications. Collet chucks can be used for wood work, metal work, craft hobbies, semi conductor work and internal combustion engines. Collet chucks forms part of the work holding machine tool accessories and it is the alternative of the work holding device and which forms a type of chucks.
Collet chucks can be used for wide and different applications. Collet chucks are designed specifically to meet the requirements of the customers around the world. Large number of people is hindering the services provided by collet chucks and they finds to be economical. Collet chucks are produced and sold for reasonable price consideration and collet chuck finds to be more economical and competitive in nature. The main purpose of designing and producing collet chuck is that it can be used for turning applications. Collet chuck is said to the better choice for turning application, especially during high levels of spindle rpm.
Collet chuck fetches good demand among the customer i.e. under user for fair prices and it is also said that it is more profitable. Collet chuck relates to mass of chuck and centrifugal force. Collet chuck applies in the circumference a clamping force in selective contact areas to make the application effectively. Collet chucks can be used for normal operations and it provides more secure and safe at the time of use. Chuck machine tool accessories are coming in large number and they are under more number of types, while it that collet chuck attracts the attention of people and fetch the demands among the market for reasonable price consideration.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Vending Machine Consumer Perceptions
A recent vending machine industry-wide survey revealed that the vending machine industry is losing many potential consumers due to a lack of consumer education. The study surveyed 2,223 people over the Internet. The objective of the new vending machine industry study was to determine vending machine consumer motives for purchase decisions. The study also examined potential areas to expand vending machine use and the general public's awareness of new vending machine technology and products.
The key findings of the vending machine industry survey are listed below.
- Reasons for vending machine purchases. Vending machine consumers cited convenience and ease as the top reasons for making vending machine purchases.
- Vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases mainly because of poor selection and a misconception that vending machines do no offer healthy options.
- Brand recognition is vital to vending machine sales. Vending machine consumers expressed a high brand loyalty. Most vending machine consumers browse vending machines prior to purchase and select a familiar item.
- Potential vending machine consumers think vend prices are high in comparison to other retail outlets. Vending machine consumers are unaware that sales tax and bottle deposits must be included in the price of vending machine products.
- Most vending machine customers are unaware of new vending machine technology. New vending machine technology like cashless payment options appealed to a good portion of those surveyed. Also, vending machine consumers did not know about new technology that ensures product delivery.
Most potential vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases because of a belief that vending machines do not offer healthy or fresh products and a perception of high vending machine prices. Vending machine customers expressed a desire to read nutrition labels prior to purchase. Also, potential vending machine consumers felt they could not trust the freshness of vending machine items.
If vending machine operators can make nutritional information accessible, and alert consumers to the freshness of items in vending machines, they can expand their consumer base. The vast majority of vending machine consumers browse selections before making a choice. Therefore, point of sale promotions, like digital displays are a great way of capturing impulse vending machine sales.
Vending machine operators can use this information to improve the vending machine industry. There is no doubt that better advertising and consumer education are needed to improve vending machine consumer confidence.
The key findings of the vending machine industry survey are listed below.
- Reasons for vending machine purchases. Vending machine consumers cited convenience and ease as the top reasons for making vending machine purchases.
- Vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases mainly because of poor selection and a misconception that vending machines do no offer healthy options.
- Brand recognition is vital to vending machine sales. Vending machine consumers expressed a high brand loyalty. Most vending machine consumers browse vending machines prior to purchase and select a familiar item.
- Potential vending machine consumers think vend prices are high in comparison to other retail outlets. Vending machine consumers are unaware that sales tax and bottle deposits must be included in the price of vending machine products.
- Most vending machine customers are unaware of new vending machine technology. New vending machine technology like cashless payment options appealed to a good portion of those surveyed. Also, vending machine consumers did not know about new technology that ensures product delivery.
Most potential vending machine consumers were hesitant to make vending machine purchases because of a belief that vending machines do not offer healthy or fresh products and a perception of high vending machine prices. Vending machine customers expressed a desire to read nutrition labels prior to purchase. Also, potential vending machine consumers felt they could not trust the freshness of vending machine items.
If vending machine operators can make nutritional information accessible, and alert consumers to the freshness of items in vending machines, they can expand their consumer base. The vast majority of vending machine consumers browse selections before making a choice. Therefore, point of sale promotions, like digital displays are a great way of capturing impulse vending machine sales.
Vending machine operators can use this information to improve the vending machine industry. There is no doubt that better advertising and consumer education are needed to improve vending machine consumer confidence.
Repairing Your Own Machine Components
Many industrial concerns have workshops of their own. For the repair of worn shafts, the lathe machine is excellent. Keyway slots can be machined by using a milling machine, while a shaping machine can do machining of large flat areas. A drilling machine does drilling of holes.
A skilled Maintenance Engineer should know how to use all these machines in order to make his own repairs in a safe manner. Very often he has to supervise machinists. The information below should be useful for that purpose.
Lathe Machine
The lathe machine uses a single-point-cutting tool for a variety of turning, facing, and drilling jobs. Excess metal is removed by rotating the work piece over the fixed cutting tool to form straight or tapered cylindrical shapes, grooves, shoulders and screw threads. It can also be used for facing flat surfaces on the ends of cylindrical parts.
The work piece is clamped onto a horizontal rotating shaft by a 3-jaw or 4-jaw chuck. The latter chuck can be used to cut off-centered cylinders. The rotating horizontal spindle to which the chuck is attached is usually driven at speeds that can be varied.
The cutting tool is fixed onto a tool rest and manipulated by hand. It can also be power driven on straight paths parallel or perpendicular to the work axis. This is useful for screw cutting.
Internal turning known as boring results in the enlargement of an already existing hole. The holes are more accurate in roundness, concentricity, and parallelism than drilled holes. A hole is bored with a single-point-cutting tool that feeds along the inside of the work piece.
Shaping Machine
The shaping machine is used to machine flat surfaces, grooves, shoulders, T-slots, and angular surfaces with single-point tools. The cutting tool on the shaper oscillates, cutting on the forward stroke, with the work piece feeding automatically toward the tool during each return stroke.
Drilling Machine
The drilling machine is used to cut holes in metal with a twist drill. By changing the cutting tool, they can be used to do reaming, boring, counter boring, countersinking, and threading.
Milling Machine
The milling machine uses a rotating cutting tool to cut flat surfaces, grooves, and shoulders, inclined surfaces, dovetails, and T-slots. Cutters of many shapes are changed to cut different grooves.
Cutting Tools
Metal-cutting tools are classified as single point or multiple point. The lathe and shaping machine use single point cutting tool while the milling and drilling machines use multiple-point-cutting tools.
Metal is cut either by moving the work piece like in the lathe or by moving the tool like in the shaping machine, drilling or milling machine. Clearance angles must be provided to prevent the tool surface below the cutting edge from rubbing against the work piece. Rake angles are often provided on cutting tools to cause a wedging action in the formation of chips and to reduce friction and heat.
Tool Materials
In order to remove chips from a work piece, a cutting tool must be harder than the work piece and must maintain a cutting edge at the temperature produced by the friction of the cutting action.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel tools even though comparatively inexpensive tend to lose cutting ability at temperatures around 400 degree F (205 degree C).
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel, containing 18 percent tungsten, 4 percent chromium, 1 percent vanadium, and only 0.5 to 0.8 percent carbon, permits the operation of tools twice or three times the speeds allowable with carbon steel
Cast Alloys
Cast-alloy cutting-tool materials containing cobalt, chromium, and tungsten are effective in cutting cast iron and retaining their cutting ability even when red hot.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide
The hardness of Tungsten Carbide approaches that of a diamond. Tungsten carbide tools can be operated at cutting speeds many times higher than those used with high-speed steel.
Oxides
Ceramic, or oxide, tool tips consist primarily of fine aluminum oxide grains, which are bonded together. These are very hard.
Cutting fluids
An overheated tool can become blunt and soft very fast. Therefore very often, cooling fluids cools the cutting points of the tool. This serves to lubricate and cool.
Water is an excellent cooling medium, but it corrodes ferrous materials. Sulfurized mineral oil is one of the most popular coolants as it can both cool as well as lubricate. The sulfur prevents chips from the work from melting on to the tip of the tool.
A skilled Maintenance Engineer should know how to use all these machines in order to make his own repairs in a safe manner. Very often he has to supervise machinists. The information below should be useful for that purpose.
Lathe Machine
The lathe machine uses a single-point-cutting tool for a variety of turning, facing, and drilling jobs. Excess metal is removed by rotating the work piece over the fixed cutting tool to form straight or tapered cylindrical shapes, grooves, shoulders and screw threads. It can also be used for facing flat surfaces on the ends of cylindrical parts.
The work piece is clamped onto a horizontal rotating shaft by a 3-jaw or 4-jaw chuck. The latter chuck can be used to cut off-centered cylinders. The rotating horizontal spindle to which the chuck is attached is usually driven at speeds that can be varied.
The cutting tool is fixed onto a tool rest and manipulated by hand. It can also be power driven on straight paths parallel or perpendicular to the work axis. This is useful for screw cutting.
Internal turning known as boring results in the enlargement of an already existing hole. The holes are more accurate in roundness, concentricity, and parallelism than drilled holes. A hole is bored with a single-point-cutting tool that feeds along the inside of the work piece.
Shaping Machine
The shaping machine is used to machine flat surfaces, grooves, shoulders, T-slots, and angular surfaces with single-point tools. The cutting tool on the shaper oscillates, cutting on the forward stroke, with the work piece feeding automatically toward the tool during each return stroke.
Drilling Machine
The drilling machine is used to cut holes in metal with a twist drill. By changing the cutting tool, they can be used to do reaming, boring, counter boring, countersinking, and threading.
Milling Machine
The milling machine uses a rotating cutting tool to cut flat surfaces, grooves, and shoulders, inclined surfaces, dovetails, and T-slots. Cutters of many shapes are changed to cut different grooves.
Cutting Tools
Metal-cutting tools are classified as single point or multiple point. The lathe and shaping machine use single point cutting tool while the milling and drilling machines use multiple-point-cutting tools.
Metal is cut either by moving the work piece like in the lathe or by moving the tool like in the shaping machine, drilling or milling machine. Clearance angles must be provided to prevent the tool surface below the cutting edge from rubbing against the work piece. Rake angles are often provided on cutting tools to cause a wedging action in the formation of chips and to reduce friction and heat.
Tool Materials
In order to remove chips from a work piece, a cutting tool must be harder than the work piece and must maintain a cutting edge at the temperature produced by the friction of the cutting action.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel tools even though comparatively inexpensive tend to lose cutting ability at temperatures around 400 degree F (205 degree C).
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel, containing 18 percent tungsten, 4 percent chromium, 1 percent vanadium, and only 0.5 to 0.8 percent carbon, permits the operation of tools twice or three times the speeds allowable with carbon steel
Cast Alloys
Cast-alloy cutting-tool materials containing cobalt, chromium, and tungsten are effective in cutting cast iron and retaining their cutting ability even when red hot.
Cemented Tungsten Carbide
The hardness of Tungsten Carbide approaches that of a diamond. Tungsten carbide tools can be operated at cutting speeds many times higher than those used with high-speed steel.
Oxides
Ceramic, or oxide, tool tips consist primarily of fine aluminum oxide grains, which are bonded together. These are very hard.
Cutting fluids
An overheated tool can become blunt and soft very fast. Therefore very often, cooling fluids cools the cutting points of the tool. This serves to lubricate and cool.
Water is an excellent cooling medium, but it corrodes ferrous materials. Sulfurized mineral oil is one of the most popular coolants as it can both cool as well as lubricate. The sulfur prevents chips from the work from melting on to the tip of the tool.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tool Inspection
Have you ever wondered how tool inspection on a presetter can reduce setup times in a manufacturing process. What is tool inspection? Tool inspection is a way a company can check their tools or inserts prior to placing them in their CNC machines. Using various size of magnification 12x, 20x 50x and 100x companies can view tools through a camera checking for quality of the insert or tool for; wear, abrasion of carbide tips, cracks, broken tools etc.
"I have a laser or probe that will tell me if my tools are broken." I have heard this numerous times when a customer explains why a presetter isn't necessary. Can your laser or probe check for cracks in the middle portion of the tool or the insert? Will your laser or probe check for cracks, wear, or quality from your outside suppliers or the tools you receive?
Tool edge inspection can be used to inspect tools received from outside suppliers, as you have a quality plan, you should check your suppliers as well. Have you had an operator place a tool in the machine only to run 1 or 2 parts and then the tool cracks or a quality problem arises. Checking this prior to the production run can benefit your bottom line greatly allowing that machine to continue producing chips and maximizing its efficiency.
Remember a tool presetter offers more functionality than just setting heights and diameters. Inspection before and after will help you to reduce machine downtime and decrease tooling costs and increase your revenue.
"I have a laser or probe that will tell me if my tools are broken." I have heard this numerous times when a customer explains why a presetter isn't necessary. Can your laser or probe check for cracks in the middle portion of the tool or the insert? Will your laser or probe check for cracks, wear, or quality from your outside suppliers or the tools you receive?
Tool edge inspection can be used to inspect tools received from outside suppliers, as you have a quality plan, you should check your suppliers as well. Have you had an operator place a tool in the machine only to run 1 or 2 parts and then the tool cracks or a quality problem arises. Checking this prior to the production run can benefit your bottom line greatly allowing that machine to continue producing chips and maximizing its efficiency.
Remember a tool presetter offers more functionality than just setting heights and diameters. Inspection before and after will help you to reduce machine downtime and decrease tooling costs and increase your revenue.
Band Saws
Band saws are saws that are made of flexible metal in the shape of a strip, looped into a circle, and arranged around a turning apparatus, so that when you turn the machine on, the band saw rotates at a very high rate. The sawing machine is a tool designed to cut material to desired lengths or shapes. The band saw is a common type of sawing machine used to cut metals in workshops. It is faster and easier to use than handsaws. It enables you to accurately create the shapes you want that you would not be able to do with handsaws.
Although this tool can make the job much easier, the fact remains that it is more dangerous. Specific safety precautions come with the tool and are easy to follow. Many accidents still occur when using the machine due to careless mistakes or simple negligence.
Safety measures include always keeping your hands away from the blade when operating the saw. This is obviously the foremost rule, yet users sometimes lose concentration and the unexpected happens. The result is often tragic.
The band saw is not commonly found in a workshop, because it is bulky and expensive. People who own one are professionals who own a machine shop. In most instances, the use of the machine is left to those who are properly trained to operate it. If you are not familiar with this tool, make sure someone who knows its proper use supervises you. After all, following a safety adage on accidents, prevention is always better than a cure.
Although this tool can make the job much easier, the fact remains that it is more dangerous. Specific safety precautions come with the tool and are easy to follow. Many accidents still occur when using the machine due to careless mistakes or simple negligence.
Safety measures include always keeping your hands away from the blade when operating the saw. This is obviously the foremost rule, yet users sometimes lose concentration and the unexpected happens. The result is often tragic.
The band saw is not commonly found in a workshop, because it is bulky and expensive. People who own one are professionals who own a machine shop. In most instances, the use of the machine is left to those who are properly trained to operate it. If you are not familiar with this tool, make sure someone who knows its proper use supervises you. After all, following a safety adage on accidents, prevention is always better than a cure.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Value Add Negotiating for Sales Professionals
Imagine this scenario. You are a sales representative for Baker distributing. One of your long-time customers, Albertson Metals, operates a mill that produces high nickel alloy ingots. Each year, this mill purchases approximately $500,000 worth of MRO products such as bar conditioning wheels, flap wheels, grinding belts, cutoff wheels, steel shot and grit, and other products for the mill’s laboratories. Unfortunately, you are usually able to obtain only about 30% of this business.
During the last six months, you have been working intensively with the mill’s management to convince them of the value of developing an integrated supply arrangement with you. They have reacted positively to your ideas and you have developed a proposal that you believe fits their needs perfectly. Among other things, you will:
* manage Albertson’s inventory.
* stock all items with sufficient buffer stock to assure JIT availability.
* supply Albertson with OSHA-certified safety seminars on appropriate topics to be mutually agreed upon.
* provide 24 hour emergency delivery.
* invoice biweekly for items drawn from consignment.
You have submitted your proposal at a price that you believe fairly compensates you for your high level of service and for the special features included.
A week later you call the plant and are told, "We got your proposal and it’s excellent. However, we have to refer anything of this magnitude to Corporate Purchasing." You call the Purchasing Department and speak to the buyer responsible for this contract. He says, "You’ve submitted an excellent proposal, and obviously you have done your homework. Unfortunately, we have something of an embarrassment of riches here. Two of your competitors also submitted excellent proposals. You should be aware that your pricing is extremely high compared to your competitors. As a result, at this time your proposal really is not competitive."
You explain to the buyer how you’ve worked with the plant for the last six months to develop this proposal. You discuss at length your excellent service record and how you have gone the extra mile to meet the plant’s needs. The buyer acknowledges this but says, "Your competitors also have excellent service records but are willing to meet our needs at a much lower cost."
Did you see this coming? You worked hard to meet your customer’s needs. You solved problems with your customer. You anticipated a win/win for everybody. Your goal was to avoid a price negotiation by differentiating yourself and focusing on your services and your added value to the customer. Now, at the last minute, price rears its ugly head. In fact, the purchasing agent says that price is the determining factor.
What do you do now? What should you have done throughout the sales process to prepare for the possibility of a serious price negotiation?
In our sales negotiation training programs we stress four key steps that will greatly improve your chances of making that sale while successfully negotiating to maintain your margins.
1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet.
2. Think like the buyer.
3. Be brutally honest with yourself as to what your added value is really worth.
4. Be aware that the negotiation starts when you say hello.
Let’s look at each step.
1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet. As buying organizations have become more sophisticated, many realize that the key factor is not price but total cost. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to avoid price negotiations if the customer sees enough value. We know of one manufacturer who was approached by an automobile company to take over production of certain parts because their current supplier was not meeting expectations. The manufacturer called in its machine tool distributor with whom they had had a very good relationship. They said to the machine tool distributor, "We promised the automobile manufacturer that we could do it. Now it’s up to you to make it happen. We’re not here to negotiate the price — just make it work." The distributor sold $10 million worth of machine tools at list price, including a full turnkey operation and the placement of a full time technician at the manufacturer’s location.
There’s a lesson to be learned: If you think there is a possibility that you can make the sale based on your added value and services, try to leave price out of the discussion. Don’t start with price concessions or discounts but focus on the added value.
On the other hand, with today’s ferocious pressures to reduce costs, buyers never forget that price is an important component of cost. Usually, buyers will want to have the best of both worlds. They want you to solve their problems, add value, reduce their costs, and in addition, give them a better price, which further reduces their costs. Don’t be surprised, don’t be shocked, and don’t be hurt. That’s just the way the game is often played. As you start the process, you need to move forward in such a way that while you don’t invite a price negotiation, if there is one, you’re prepared.
2.Think like the buyer. To negotiate effectively, take up residence in the buyer’s mind. Say to yourself, what might actually be going on vs. what they’re telling me? What they say may be the least important information. What they say to each other and what they’re thinking is the key.
Let’s go back to Albertson. We could imagine three different scenarios.
Scenario 1 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two who say they can do it and have offered a much lower price, but their services really aren’t there and we don’t believe they can produce the cost savings." Purchasing: "Would you mind if I use the fact that you got two competitive lower cost quotes to try to bring Baker’s price down?" Plant: "No problem, as long as you promise that we will get a contract with Baker without losing any of the services and added value they have promised us." Purchasing: "You have my guarantee."
Scenario 2 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors. They’re almost as good as Baker and they are cheaper." Purchasing: "How much more do you think Baker is worth than the best of the two competitors?" Plant: "We think they’re worth about 10% more." Purchasing: "O.K. We’ll try to get Baker down so that they’re no more than 10% above your best competitor, and of course we’ll try to get them even lower than that. If we can’t get them down, then we’ll go with your No. 2 choice." Plant: "Sounds good to me."
Scenario 3 -- Plant: This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors that can do the same thing Baker can. They all appear to have the same quality and would produce the same cost savings." Purchasing: "Then you don’t care which one we go with as long as we get the best price." Plant: "Yes, they’re basically the same, so go with the best price."
The buyer will almost always want you to believe that Scenario 3 is happening. But is it really? The profitability of your sale may depend on your ability to determine which scenario really is in operation.
3. Be brutally honest about the worth of your added value. If it comes down to a price negotiation, your added value is worth only what the buyer is actually willing to pay for it. Say, for example, that the only difference between you and your prime competitor is that you have a better reputation in the marketplace. Is that of value? Of course. Is it important? Absolutely. Is it worth anything? That depends on the buyer. If a one buyer says, I’m willing to pay 2% more to go with Company A because of their better reputation, then it’s worth 2% to that buyer. On the other hand, if another buyer says, I’m not willing to part with any hard, cold cash because of Company A’s reputation, then for that buyer it is not worth anything."
For each sale where you have one or more potential competitors, you need to do a value-added analysis in order to figure out the most the buyer would pay you vs. your competitor. Let’s make up a simple example where you have just one competitor, Company A, and let’s assume there are just four different components of value: service, reputation, delivery, and problem solving ability.
Based on your knowledge of the customer and the competition, you believe the customer thinks that you have a better reputation, provide better service and have better problem solving capabilities, but that your competitor is a little better on delivery. Furthermore, although your customer likes your reputation, they won’t pay more for it. They like your service and feel that’s worth up to 2% more. They believe that your problem solving capability has helped them overcome significant difficulties and that that’s worth 4% more. On the other hand, you have had some delivery problems. While not fatal problems, the customer would be willing to pay your competitor up to 2% more for their better delivery.
Your value-added analysis would look like this:
Value Added Item Vs. Company "A" and The Most Your Customer Would Pay Extra for That Added Value
Reputation 0%;
Service 2%;
Problem Solving 4%;
Delivery (-2%)
Under this scenario, your customer would be willing to pay you up to 4% more than your competitor. Of course your customer will often say, as our Albertson purchasing agent did, "You guys are all the same. You all provide good quality except your delivery isn’t very good. You’ve got to get much more competitive with your pricing." If you’ve done the value-added analysis and it’s accurate or reasonably accurate, you can see behind the purchasing agent’s mask to what is really going on.
4.The negotiation starts when you say hello. At this point you may be saying, "Everything you say is true but if I’m the Baker sales representative talking to the Albertson purchasing agent and he says to me, ‘Your competitors are lower and you have got to cut your price,’ what do I do now? That purchasing agent isn’t going to tell me their real scenario, what they said to each other, or what they really think our added value is worth vs. our competitors."
Correct. If the first time you thought that there might be a price negotiation was when you were talking to the Albertson purchasing agent, it’s too late. You don’t have the information you need, and it’s going to be difficult to get it.
And that takes us back to our first point. Be prepared for a price negotiation while you try to avoid one. The negotiation starts when you say hello. The time to start finding out who potential competitors might be, how your customer views them vs. you, the problems they’ve had with competitors, whether anybody can do as good a job as you can, etc., etc., is from the very beginning of your discussions with your customer.
Have as many contacts with your customer and with as many people in your customer’s shop as possible. Ask direct questions, indirect questions, feel people out gently, and try to get a picture of their whole situation.
During the last six months, you have been working intensively with the mill’s management to convince them of the value of developing an integrated supply arrangement with you. They have reacted positively to your ideas and you have developed a proposal that you believe fits their needs perfectly. Among other things, you will:
* manage Albertson’s inventory.
* stock all items with sufficient buffer stock to assure JIT availability.
* supply Albertson with OSHA-certified safety seminars on appropriate topics to be mutually agreed upon.
* provide 24 hour emergency delivery.
* invoice biweekly for items drawn from consignment.
You have submitted your proposal at a price that you believe fairly compensates you for your high level of service and for the special features included.
A week later you call the plant and are told, "We got your proposal and it’s excellent. However, we have to refer anything of this magnitude to Corporate Purchasing." You call the Purchasing Department and speak to the buyer responsible for this contract. He says, "You’ve submitted an excellent proposal, and obviously you have done your homework. Unfortunately, we have something of an embarrassment of riches here. Two of your competitors also submitted excellent proposals. You should be aware that your pricing is extremely high compared to your competitors. As a result, at this time your proposal really is not competitive."
You explain to the buyer how you’ve worked with the plant for the last six months to develop this proposal. You discuss at length your excellent service record and how you have gone the extra mile to meet the plant’s needs. The buyer acknowledges this but says, "Your competitors also have excellent service records but are willing to meet our needs at a much lower cost."
Did you see this coming? You worked hard to meet your customer’s needs. You solved problems with your customer. You anticipated a win/win for everybody. Your goal was to avoid a price negotiation by differentiating yourself and focusing on your services and your added value to the customer. Now, at the last minute, price rears its ugly head. In fact, the purchasing agent says that price is the determining factor.
What do you do now? What should you have done throughout the sales process to prepare for the possibility of a serious price negotiation?
In our sales negotiation training programs we stress four key steps that will greatly improve your chances of making that sale while successfully negotiating to maintain your margins.
1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet.
2. Think like the buyer.
3. Be brutally honest with yourself as to what your added value is really worth.
4. Be aware that the negotiation starts when you say hello.
Let’s look at each step.
1. Be prepared for a price negotiation but don’t lead with your wallet. As buying organizations have become more sophisticated, many realize that the key factor is not price but total cost. Therefore, it is sometimes possible to avoid price negotiations if the customer sees enough value. We know of one manufacturer who was approached by an automobile company to take over production of certain parts because their current supplier was not meeting expectations. The manufacturer called in its machine tool distributor with whom they had had a very good relationship. They said to the machine tool distributor, "We promised the automobile manufacturer that we could do it. Now it’s up to you to make it happen. We’re not here to negotiate the price — just make it work." The distributor sold $10 million worth of machine tools at list price, including a full turnkey operation and the placement of a full time technician at the manufacturer’s location.
There’s a lesson to be learned: If you think there is a possibility that you can make the sale based on your added value and services, try to leave price out of the discussion. Don’t start with price concessions or discounts but focus on the added value.
On the other hand, with today’s ferocious pressures to reduce costs, buyers never forget that price is an important component of cost. Usually, buyers will want to have the best of both worlds. They want you to solve their problems, add value, reduce their costs, and in addition, give them a better price, which further reduces their costs. Don’t be surprised, don’t be shocked, and don’t be hurt. That’s just the way the game is often played. As you start the process, you need to move forward in such a way that while you don’t invite a price negotiation, if there is one, you’re prepared.
2.Think like the buyer. To negotiate effectively, take up residence in the buyer’s mind. Say to yourself, what might actually be going on vs. what they’re telling me? What they say may be the least important information. What they say to each other and what they’re thinking is the key.
Let’s go back to Albertson. We could imagine three different scenarios.
Scenario 1 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two who say they can do it and have offered a much lower price, but their services really aren’t there and we don’t believe they can produce the cost savings." Purchasing: "Would you mind if I use the fact that you got two competitive lower cost quotes to try to bring Baker’s price down?" Plant: "No problem, as long as you promise that we will get a contract with Baker without losing any of the services and added value they have promised us." Purchasing: "You have my guarantee."
Scenario 2 -- Plant: "This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors. They’re almost as good as Baker and they are cheaper." Purchasing: "How much more do you think Baker is worth than the best of the two competitors?" Plant: "We think they’re worth about 10% more." Purchasing: "O.K. We’ll try to get Baker down so that they’re no more than 10% above your best competitor, and of course we’ll try to get them even lower than that. If we can’t get them down, then we’ll go with your No. 2 choice." Plant: "Sounds good to me."
Scenario 3 -- Plant: This proposal from Baker is great. We’re going to save all kinds of costs and solve all kinds of problems. I know they appear a little pricey, but the cost savings are worth it." Purchasing: "Have you looked at any competitors?" Plant: "We’ve looked at two other competitors that can do the same thing Baker can. They all appear to have the same quality and would produce the same cost savings." Purchasing: "Then you don’t care which one we go with as long as we get the best price." Plant: "Yes, they’re basically the same, so go with the best price."
The buyer will almost always want you to believe that Scenario 3 is happening. But is it really? The profitability of your sale may depend on your ability to determine which scenario really is in operation.
3. Be brutally honest about the worth of your added value. If it comes down to a price negotiation, your added value is worth only what the buyer is actually willing to pay for it. Say, for example, that the only difference between you and your prime competitor is that you have a better reputation in the marketplace. Is that of value? Of course. Is it important? Absolutely. Is it worth anything? That depends on the buyer. If a one buyer says, I’m willing to pay 2% more to go with Company A because of their better reputation, then it’s worth 2% to that buyer. On the other hand, if another buyer says, I’m not willing to part with any hard, cold cash because of Company A’s reputation, then for that buyer it is not worth anything."
For each sale where you have one or more potential competitors, you need to do a value-added analysis in order to figure out the most the buyer would pay you vs. your competitor. Let’s make up a simple example where you have just one competitor, Company A, and let’s assume there are just four different components of value: service, reputation, delivery, and problem solving ability.
Based on your knowledge of the customer and the competition, you believe the customer thinks that you have a better reputation, provide better service and have better problem solving capabilities, but that your competitor is a little better on delivery. Furthermore, although your customer likes your reputation, they won’t pay more for it. They like your service and feel that’s worth up to 2% more. They believe that your problem solving capability has helped them overcome significant difficulties and that that’s worth 4% more. On the other hand, you have had some delivery problems. While not fatal problems, the customer would be willing to pay your competitor up to 2% more for their better delivery.
Your value-added analysis would look like this:
Value Added Item Vs. Company "A" and The Most Your Customer Would Pay Extra for That Added Value
Reputation 0%;
Service 2%;
Problem Solving 4%;
Delivery (-2%)
Under this scenario, your customer would be willing to pay you up to 4% more than your competitor. Of course your customer will often say, as our Albertson purchasing agent did, "You guys are all the same. You all provide good quality except your delivery isn’t very good. You’ve got to get much more competitive with your pricing." If you’ve done the value-added analysis and it’s accurate or reasonably accurate, you can see behind the purchasing agent’s mask to what is really going on.
4.The negotiation starts when you say hello. At this point you may be saying, "Everything you say is true but if I’m the Baker sales representative talking to the Albertson purchasing agent and he says to me, ‘Your competitors are lower and you have got to cut your price,’ what do I do now? That purchasing agent isn’t going to tell me their real scenario, what they said to each other, or what they really think our added value is worth vs. our competitors."
Correct. If the first time you thought that there might be a price negotiation was when you were talking to the Albertson purchasing agent, it’s too late. You don’t have the information you need, and it’s going to be difficult to get it.
And that takes us back to our first point. Be prepared for a price negotiation while you try to avoid one. The negotiation starts when you say hello. The time to start finding out who potential competitors might be, how your customer views them vs. you, the problems they’ve had with competitors, whether anybody can do as good a job as you can, etc., etc., is from the very beginning of your discussions with your customer.
Have as many contacts with your customer and with as many people in your customer’s shop as possible. Ask direct questions, indirect questions, feel people out gently, and try to get a picture of their whole situation.
Choosing the Right Baseball or Softball Pitching Machine
A pitching machine is a tool that, when used properly, can benefit a player enormously as well as improve the quality and efficiency of baseball or softball hitting drills.
Whether refining a player's baseball or softball hitting technique or working on fielding practice, a pitching machine can literally function as an extra coach. That having been said, most consumers are quickly overwhelmed by all of the variations of baseball and softball pitching machines available.
Questions of age appropriateness, features, the many different balls, etc are all important and need to be addressed. First off, a baseball or softball pitching machine, when used for hitting practice helps refine the swing, no matter the age of the player. However, the particular skills and interest level of the player is an important factor. Too much of a machine can prove frustrating as can unreasonable expectations. This is true for players coming out of coach pitch or T-Ball. Some are comfortable with the challenge of a faster, more realistic pitch while for others are intimidated.
Two things to bear in mind:
1. Hitting a baseball or softball is one of the most difficult skills in all of sports. A young player accustomed to rainbow pitches in coach pitch will, naturally, find the speed of even the entry level machines challenging. However, a lobbed pitch actually instills bad habits, such as upper-cutting, trying to lift the ball and thus the sooner the batter learns to practice with a realistic pitch, the better.
2. The pitching machine you choose should be capable of speeds of at least 45mph+ from the standard Little League distance of 45 ft. from the batter. Assuming that a realistic pitch can be thrown at less speed from this distance is simply not true. Any slower speed would require lofting the ball, thus producing an arch that would have you essentially back at a pitch similar to coach pitch...and as such will be of no practical use.
Apart from batting practice, a pitching machine is can be an excellent practice tool for fielding flies and grounders. It's like having an expert coach that never fouls a ball off or wiffs a toss and thus practice is that much more valuable. If a player is very young, their hitting skills will improve with time. But if they're having difficulty adjusting to the faster pitch, take it easy and stress the fielding aspect of the machine.
Using a pitching machine at the highest speed, straight down the pipe every time is actually a bad practice. It encourages an unrealistic atmosphere for what the batter will face in actual game situations. It also encourages mindlessly swinging at every pitch. Better to practice and to use the targeting aspect of the machine to work on the inside and outside corners, to train the batter to think at the plate in terms of game situations, e.g. a runner on second doesn't need to have the ball hit in front of him or her, therefore the batter should be looking for an outside pitch to take to the opposite field, hitting behind the runner and so forth.
Choose a pitching machine that can be targeted up and down and on the corners and most importantly, use these features. With the more advanced pitching machines (those that allow curves and sliders) you can hone the batter's skills for every imaginable baseball or softball hitting situation. A machine that features an adjustable head to simulate either left or right-handed pitching makes for a truly versatile, real game experience.
A pitching machine is a great addition to any team or ballplayer's practice. Correctly used, they offer efficient, demonstrable results that make the game more rewarding and fun.
Whether refining a player's baseball or softball hitting technique or working on fielding practice, a pitching machine can literally function as an extra coach. That having been said, most consumers are quickly overwhelmed by all of the variations of baseball and softball pitching machines available.
Questions of age appropriateness, features, the many different balls, etc are all important and need to be addressed. First off, a baseball or softball pitching machine, when used for hitting practice helps refine the swing, no matter the age of the player. However, the particular skills and interest level of the player is an important factor. Too much of a machine can prove frustrating as can unreasonable expectations. This is true for players coming out of coach pitch or T-Ball. Some are comfortable with the challenge of a faster, more realistic pitch while for others are intimidated.
Two things to bear in mind:
1. Hitting a baseball or softball is one of the most difficult skills in all of sports. A young player accustomed to rainbow pitches in coach pitch will, naturally, find the speed of even the entry level machines challenging. However, a lobbed pitch actually instills bad habits, such as upper-cutting, trying to lift the ball and thus the sooner the batter learns to practice with a realistic pitch, the better.
2. The pitching machine you choose should be capable of speeds of at least 45mph+ from the standard Little League distance of 45 ft. from the batter. Assuming that a realistic pitch can be thrown at less speed from this distance is simply not true. Any slower speed would require lofting the ball, thus producing an arch that would have you essentially back at a pitch similar to coach pitch...and as such will be of no practical use.
Apart from batting practice, a pitching machine is can be an excellent practice tool for fielding flies and grounders. It's like having an expert coach that never fouls a ball off or wiffs a toss and thus practice is that much more valuable. If a player is very young, their hitting skills will improve with time. But if they're having difficulty adjusting to the faster pitch, take it easy and stress the fielding aspect of the machine.
Using a pitching machine at the highest speed, straight down the pipe every time is actually a bad practice. It encourages an unrealistic atmosphere for what the batter will face in actual game situations. It also encourages mindlessly swinging at every pitch. Better to practice and to use the targeting aspect of the machine to work on the inside and outside corners, to train the batter to think at the plate in terms of game situations, e.g. a runner on second doesn't need to have the ball hit in front of him or her, therefore the batter should be looking for an outside pitch to take to the opposite field, hitting behind the runner and so forth.
Choose a pitching machine that can be targeted up and down and on the corners and most importantly, use these features. With the more advanced pitching machines (those that allow curves and sliders) you can hone the batter's skills for every imaginable baseball or softball hitting situation. A machine that features an adjustable head to simulate either left or right-handed pitching makes for a truly versatile, real game experience.
A pitching machine is a great addition to any team or ballplayer's practice. Correctly used, they offer efficient, demonstrable results that make the game more rewarding and fun.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The First Thing We Do, Let's Kill all the Bean Counters
INTRODUCTION
Nope, its not the lawyers; its the "bean counters" that are ruining business. Let me give you an example, I know of a large machine-tool operation in the Midwest who used to be heralded for producing quality products. To this end, the company established an in-house school who taught their machinists how to build products, not just any old way, the company's way. The school was led by the senior craftsmen of the business who took pride in their workmanship and passed this on to the new employees. When an employee graduated from the school, a machinest not only knew his job, but took pride in his work and became loyal to the company due to its reputation. Even if an employee dropped out and went elsewhere, he would always recommend his former company's products because he knew they were built with quality. This school went on for a number of years and became a part of the corporate culture. However, in the 1980's the company hired a team of MBA's to look over their operations and make recommendations for improvement. You must remember, this was a time when cost cutting was the norm. After looking over the financial statements of the business, the management consultants concluded the school represented a costly overhead and convinced the company to close it down.
Shortly after the school's closure, the company started to experience a drop in morale, absenteeism and tardiness began to rise, and craftsmanship began to deteriorate. Product quality dropped significantly and the company began to lose customers, so much so, they eventually sold off their machine-tool operations and went into a totally new line of business. Keep in mind, prior to this the company was a leader in the machine-tool industry and generated substantial profits from it.
Obviously this story isn't unique as we have witnessed several such changes in the corporate landscape during the 1980's and 1990's. The point is, the bean counters have taken charge of business which has triggered sweeping changes in how we deal with our customers, our vendors, and our employees.
LOSING THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Under the bean counter approach to business, numbers are all that matter. Of course, paying attention to the bottom-line is always important, but this should not result in a callous way of operating a business. To me, studying the numbers is analogous to watching the dials and gauges of a machine. It is like watching the speedometer of an automobile. But if I observe an emergency vehicle approaching or see a drunk driver nearby, I am going to ignore the gauge and do what is proper. I am going to make a human decision and do what is best for my passengers and myself, as well as the other surrounding vehicles. If I only did what the dials and gauges told me, I would probably harm others.
The bean counter approach to business represents a very mechanical way of operating. Let me give you an illustration. I have a friend here in Florida who is the state sales manager for a home health business (a lucrative business for a retirement state like Florida). The company was recently purchased and a new management team put into place run by bean counters. After studying sales figures, management found a salesman who wasn't making his quota and, consequently, instructed my friend to terminate his employment. My friend knew the salesman in question and realized he was experiencing some personal problems. After considerable discussion with corporate management, he convinced them to let him (the Sales Manager) work with the salesman a while longer to see if he could help him. He pointed out to management, the alternative was to start the laborious and costly process of recruiting and teaching a replacement. Management acquiesced and granted the salesman a stay of execution. Over the next few weeks, the Sales Manager was able to work with the salesman, helped him overcome his personal problems and rebuilt his confidence. Since then, the salesman has gotten back on track and has been exceeding quota ever since.
Bean counters do not understand or appreciate the true business of a company. They make knee-jerk reactions based strictly on numbers, not on human intuition or social interaction. It is no small wonder the corporate world has become dehumanizing. I know of a medium sized semiconductor business in the Southeast who also experienced a similar phenomenon. The company was founded by a man with little formal education, but a lot of "street smarts." He took a hands-on approach to the startup of the company which grew in leaps and bounds. As the company settled into maturity, the founder began to slow down and brought in a new management team to take over the reins. His new management team had some pretty slick business school credentials but, inevitably, they were nothing more than bean counters. Under their watch, corporate growth was arrested and the company's stock diminished radically. Today, a company that was at one time a robust and thriving business with loyal customers and dedicated employees is a mere shadow of its old self.
Conducting business is more about our interpersonal relations with customers, vendors and employees, than it is about watching dials and gauges. As the famed W. Edwards Deming once said:
"Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them."
Keep in mind, Deming understood the need for statistical analysis and watching the bottom-line, but he also realized they were nothing more than the dials and gauges of the business.
CONCLUSION
Under the bean counter approach we have lost the personal touch for conducting business. Companies have become cold and calculating, certainly not the types of businesses we want to work for or with. Always remember that bean counters believe conducting business is simply manipulating numbers, not in building products or servicing customers. Yet, for some unfathomable reason, we have put them on a pedestal and expect them to competently guide our companies. But the only thing I see them guiding is our foreign competitors who take over our market share.
Nope, its not the lawyers; its the "bean counters" that are ruining business. Let me give you an example, I know of a large machine-tool operation in the Midwest who used to be heralded for producing quality products. To this end, the company established an in-house school who taught their machinists how to build products, not just any old way, the company's way. The school was led by the senior craftsmen of the business who took pride in their workmanship and passed this on to the new employees. When an employee graduated from the school, a machinest not only knew his job, but took pride in his work and became loyal to the company due to its reputation. Even if an employee dropped out and went elsewhere, he would always recommend his former company's products because he knew they were built with quality. This school went on for a number of years and became a part of the corporate culture. However, in the 1980's the company hired a team of MBA's to look over their operations and make recommendations for improvement. You must remember, this was a time when cost cutting was the norm. After looking over the financial statements of the business, the management consultants concluded the school represented a costly overhead and convinced the company to close it down.
Shortly after the school's closure, the company started to experience a drop in morale, absenteeism and tardiness began to rise, and craftsmanship began to deteriorate. Product quality dropped significantly and the company began to lose customers, so much so, they eventually sold off their machine-tool operations and went into a totally new line of business. Keep in mind, prior to this the company was a leader in the machine-tool industry and generated substantial profits from it.
Obviously this story isn't unique as we have witnessed several such changes in the corporate landscape during the 1980's and 1990's. The point is, the bean counters have taken charge of business which has triggered sweeping changes in how we deal with our customers, our vendors, and our employees.
LOSING THE PERSONAL TOUCH
Under the bean counter approach to business, numbers are all that matter. Of course, paying attention to the bottom-line is always important, but this should not result in a callous way of operating a business. To me, studying the numbers is analogous to watching the dials and gauges of a machine. It is like watching the speedometer of an automobile. But if I observe an emergency vehicle approaching or see a drunk driver nearby, I am going to ignore the gauge and do what is proper. I am going to make a human decision and do what is best for my passengers and myself, as well as the other surrounding vehicles. If I only did what the dials and gauges told me, I would probably harm others.
The bean counter approach to business represents a very mechanical way of operating. Let me give you an illustration. I have a friend here in Florida who is the state sales manager for a home health business (a lucrative business for a retirement state like Florida). The company was recently purchased and a new management team put into place run by bean counters. After studying sales figures, management found a salesman who wasn't making his quota and, consequently, instructed my friend to terminate his employment. My friend knew the salesman in question and realized he was experiencing some personal problems. After considerable discussion with corporate management, he convinced them to let him (the Sales Manager) work with the salesman a while longer to see if he could help him. He pointed out to management, the alternative was to start the laborious and costly process of recruiting and teaching a replacement. Management acquiesced and granted the salesman a stay of execution. Over the next few weeks, the Sales Manager was able to work with the salesman, helped him overcome his personal problems and rebuilt his confidence. Since then, the salesman has gotten back on track and has been exceeding quota ever since.
Bean counters do not understand or appreciate the true business of a company. They make knee-jerk reactions based strictly on numbers, not on human intuition or social interaction. It is no small wonder the corporate world has become dehumanizing. I know of a medium sized semiconductor business in the Southeast who also experienced a similar phenomenon. The company was founded by a man with little formal education, but a lot of "street smarts." He took a hands-on approach to the startup of the company which grew in leaps and bounds. As the company settled into maturity, the founder began to slow down and brought in a new management team to take over the reins. His new management team had some pretty slick business school credentials but, inevitably, they were nothing more than bean counters. Under their watch, corporate growth was arrested and the company's stock diminished radically. Today, a company that was at one time a robust and thriving business with loyal customers and dedicated employees is a mere shadow of its old self.
Conducting business is more about our interpersonal relations with customers, vendors and employees, than it is about watching dials and gauges. As the famed W. Edwards Deming once said:
"Profit in business comes from repeat customers, customers that boast about your project or service, and that bring friends with them."
Keep in mind, Deming understood the need for statistical analysis and watching the bottom-line, but he also realized they were nothing more than the dials and gauges of the business.
CONCLUSION
Under the bean counter approach we have lost the personal touch for conducting business. Companies have become cold and calculating, certainly not the types of businesses we want to work for or with. Always remember that bean counters believe conducting business is simply manipulating numbers, not in building products or servicing customers. Yet, for some unfathomable reason, we have put them on a pedestal and expect them to competently guide our companies. But the only thing I see them guiding is our foreign competitors who take over our market share.
Craftsmanship: the Meaning of Life
When I got into the work force back in the mid-1970's it seemed everyone dressed in a suit and tie, drank black coffee, smoked their brains out, and worked their butts off. Today, golf shirts have replaced suits, herbal tea and bottled water have replaced coffee, nobody is allowed to smoke, and rarely does anyone work beyond 5:00pm. More importantly, we used to care about the work we produced; there was a sense of craftsmanship, regardless of the job.
My Brother-in-law in Cincinnati conducted me on a tour of his company's machine-tool shop years ago and showed me how he could take a block of aluminum and convert it into a high-precision machine tool. It was a pleasure to watch him work, as it is to watch anyone who knows what they are doing, be it a waitress, a programmer, a laborer or a clerk.
Quality and service used to be considered paramount in this country. If it wasn't just right, you were expected to do it over again until you got it right. We cared about what we produced because it was a reflection of our personal character and integrity. But somewhere along the line we lost our way and craftsmanship has fallen by the wayside. Why? Probably because we no longer care.
In today's litigious society, employees are acutely aware that it is difficult to be fired due to poor performance. They know they will still get paid and receive benefits, regardless of the amount of effort they put forth. Consequently, there is little to encourage people to perform better. Money isn't a motivating factor anymore. People now expect bonuses, raises and other perks to be paid out regardless of how well they perform during the year.
We've also become a nation content with doing small things. America used to be known as a powerhouse that could tackle large projects, such as building skyscrapers, designing innovative bridges and tunnels spanning substantial bodies of water, engineering transcontinental railroads and highway systems, conquering air and space travel, and defending freedom not just once but in two world wars. If you really wanted something done, you talked to the Americans and no one else. Now we get excited over iPods, cell phones, and other electronic trinkets.
Many believe Craftsmanship is in decline due to the general apathy found in today's society. Maybe. I tend to believe it is due to an erosion of our moral values. Let me give you an example. Having a child in college, my interest was piqued recently by an article describing the pervasiveness of cheating and plagiarism in our schools. It is not my intent to make a political statement here but many of the students mentioned in the article rationalized their cheating on the fact that one of our past Presidents cheated and lied under oath, and got away with it. They figured if it is okay for the Commander-in-Chief to act this way, it was an acceptable form of behavior.
Arnold Toynbee, the famed English historian, observed, "Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." If the moral fabric of our society dies, our story is told as evidenced by other great civilizations that long preceded us. Our perspective needs to be realigned: Our personal and professional lives must be viewed as one. As Toynbee remarked, "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." By doing so, we identify more closely with our work and assume a greater pride in workmanship. We do not need to hear this from our boss, but rather from within. As strange as it may sound, I see Craftsmanship as being patriotic in nature; doing a good quality job is part of leading a good and honorable life and builds on the individual's esteem, the company he works for, and the country he lives in.
The biggest problem though is that we have forgotten how to manage people. The manager's primary goal is to create the proper work environment for employees to produce the desired work products. This is different than a supervisory capacity that directs how each person performs the various tasks of a job. In fact, I encourage managers to manage more and supervise less. I cringe when I see a manager try to "micromanage" either a Fortune 500 company or a non-profit organization.
Yes, people need to be trained in order to properly perform their work but following this, employees should be mature enough to supervise themselves. In the old days, management stressed discipline, accountability, and structure; three ugly words in today's workplace.
Understanding Craftsmanship
Some might say craftsmanship is a simple concept that we should intuitively know. Not true; most people today have no comprehension as to what makes up a good craftsman; they have either forgotten or it has simply passed them by. Craftsmanship can be found in any field of endeavor imaginable, be it in the product sector or service industry. Craftsmanship, therefore, is universally applicable to any line of work.
Craftsmanship is not "workmanship", nor is it synonymous with quality, although the three concepts are closely related. Let's begin by giving "Craftsmanship" a definition: "The production and delivery of quality goods or services from highly skilled workmen."
Quality relates to the absence of errors or defects in the finished product or service. In other words, finished goods operate according to their specifications (customers get precisely what they ordered). Such products are normally durable and require minimal maintenance. Craftsmanship produces quality products. In the absence of craftsmen, a rigorous methodology or assembly line process is required to produce quality goods using workers without the expertise of craftsmen. Such processes detail "Who" is to perform "What" work, "When", "Where", "Why" and "How" (5W+H), thereby assuring a quality product or service is produced. Such is the underlying rationale of the ISO 9000 certification as used by many companies today. The point is, quality is not the exclusive domain of the craftsman.
Craftsmanship is also a human trait. Some might argue a computer or industrial robot can produce quality products and are, therefore, craftsmen. However, we must remember these devices are programmed by human beings in accordance with the rules of the craftsman. As such, they are an extension or tool of the craftsman.
Craftsmanship can be found in either the overall work process or a section of it. For example, there are craftsmen who are intimate with all facets of building furniture, such as a table, a chair or desk, and can implement the product from start to finish. However, as products grow in complexity, it becomes difficult to find people suitably qualified to build them from the womb to the tomb. Consider military weapons alone, such as the complicated ships, tanks, and airplanes we now use, with thousands or millions of parts to assemble. Such complexity makes it impossible for a single person to have the expertise to build the whole product. The same is true in the service sector where different types of expertise and capabilities may be required. In other words, craftsmen have a specific scope of work. The scope of work may relate to other types of craftsmen through a chain of work dependencies, e.g., Craftsmen A, B and C concentrate on separate sub-assemblies which are eventually joined into a single product.
Attributes
So, what are the attributes of a craftsman? What makes a craftsman a craftsman? There are three basic attributes described herein:
1. Possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the work.
The craftsman is an expert in his field of endeavor; so much so that he could easily serve as an instructor in the subject matter. But the craftsman is also smart enough to know that education is not a one time thing, that his world and field evolve as new tools and techniques are introduced. As such, the craftsman is a student of his profession and is constantly looking to improve himself. This is exercised through such things as continued education, routine certification, studying books and trade publications, and industrial groups. The craftsman willingly participates in trade groups, often at his own expense, in order to network with his peers.
It is Important to note that the craftsman does not need to be told he needs periodic training to sharpen his skills. Instead, he takes the personal initiative to stay on top of his game. Further, the craftsman has no problem with a periodic job review; in fact, he welcomes it for it might bring out a weakness in a skill he needs to sharpen.
2. Attention to detail.
The craftsman understands and respects the process of building/delivering a product or service and is acutely aware of the penalties for cutting corners. Earlier we discussed the need for a methodology that specifies 5W+H. The craftsman is intimate with all details of his scope of work, so much so, he could probably write the methodology himself. Further, his intimacy of the work process means he can produce a reliable estimate of time and costs to perform the work.
Although many of the craftsman's tasks may be repetitive, it doesn't mean he easily falls into a rut. Instead, he is constantly looking for new tools and techniques to improve the work process. As such, he plays the role of Industrial Engineer who is normally charged with such a task.
The craftsman's attention to detail also means that he demonstrates patience in his work effort. Again, wary of cutting corners, the craftsman must possess such patience in order to produce the product the right way.
3. Views professional life as an extension of his personal life.
The craftsman identifies with the end product which is where pride in workmanship comes from. In his mind, the craftsman has been charged with the responsibility of producing something, and wanting to satisfy the customer, puts forth his best effort to produce it. In other words, craftsmen take their work personally. This is a difficult trait to teach particularly in today's society where the focus is more on financial compensation than on the work product itself. It may sound naive, but the craftsman believes he will be suitably compensated for producing superior results.
Years ago, Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears (NFL) confounded sports writers who could never understand why Butkus played as hard as he did year after year for a losing football team. True, Dick loved the game, but beyond that, the sports writers didn't understand one thing about the seven time All-Pro linebacker: Butkus took his job personally. It was important to him that his opponents know that they had been tackled by the best player; as he said, "When they get up from the ground I want them to say 'it must have been Butkus that got me'." Dick Butkus was a craftsman.
The craftsman has a burning desire to produce a superior product/service because he sees it as a reflection of himself. As such, the lines delineating their personal life and professional life are blurred. This is a significant characteristic that clearly separates a craftsman from the average worker. The craftsman's work is his life. He does not shirk responsibility, but rather embraces it with confidence and embosses his name on the finished product. Conversely, making a work related mistake of any kind pains a true craftsman.
Job titles are normally inconsequential to the craftsman who is more interested in delivering a quality product/service enjoyed by the customer. Instead, the craftsman takes pleasure in being touted as the best in his craft. He appreciates recognition; when someone makes a compliment about a product, the craftsman views it as a personal compliment. This too runs contrary to today's corporate world where people desperately seek recognition through simple job titles. Want someone with an inflated ego? Give them a title. Want something done right? Call a craftsman.
Productivity
"Dependable", "professional", and "resourceful" are adjectives that aptly describe the craftsman. He is not one who fabricates excuses but, rather, always finds a way to get the job done. The craftsman is typically your most productive employee. He is mindful of the concept of productivity that we have touted for years:
Productivity = Effectiveness X Efficiency
Most people fallaciously equate productivity with efficiency, which simply gauges how fast we can perform a given task. Effectiveness, on the other hand, validates the necessity of the task itself. There is nothing more unproductive than to do something efficiently that should not have been done at all. An industrial robot, for example, can efficiently perform such tasks as welding. But if you are welding the wrong thing, then it is counterproductive. Going back to our description of a methodology, effectiveness defines "Who/What/When/Where/Why", efficiency defines "How." The craftsman is well aware of the difference between the two and knows how to apply both. As such, the craftsman is in tune with his work environment and corporate culture.
So how do we make craftsmen?
Not easily. Because of the human dynamics involved with the craftsman, you will need to be a pretty intuitive manager or industrial psychologist to make it happen. Selecting suitable candidates is the logical first step. Devise an aptitude test to determine the candidate's suitability to become a craftsman. After all, "you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear." Aside from specific knowledge and experience in a given field (e.g., programming, woodworking, construction, accounting, etc.), here are some other important traits to look for:
* Fertility of mind - judge his ability to learn, to adapt to changing conditions, and to look beyond his scope of work. Evaluate his professional curiosity.
* Confidence - judge how well the candidate knows himself, particularly how well he knows his own limitations. He should admit his deficiencies and not fabricate excuses.
* Dedication - judge his loyalty and determination to accomplish something. What is his attendance record? What outside clubs and organizations does he belong to and how active is he in them?
* Entrepreneurial spirit - judge his personal initiative. Is he driven to succeed (but not to the point of reckless abandon)? Does he have a problem with accountability? This says a lot about assuming responsibility.
* Attention to detail - judge his ability to focus on a subject. Does he have a problem with discipline or organization? A person's dress, mannerisms, and speech says a lot about a person.
* Reliability - judge his ability to assume responsibility and carry a task through to completion.
* Resourcefulness - judge his ability to adapt to changing conditions and persevere to see a task through to completion. The candidate cannot be inflexible; he must be able to find solutions to solve problems.
* Socialization skills - does he work better alone or as a team player? His position may depend on his answer.
When you have selected suitable candidates, here are three areas to concentrate on:
1. Develop their skills and knowledge by allowing such things as: participation in trade groups, outside certification and on-going training, subscriptions to trade journals, continued education, etc. Some companies even go as far as to develop an in-house school to teach the company's way of doing things. If the in-house school is good, it will promote confidence through consistency. Even if people leave the company, they will recommend your company because they know the quality of the work produced. Supporting the education needs of our workers is not only smart, it is good business.
2. Teach them the need for producing quality work; they should become intimate with all aspects of their work process (5W+H). Further, instill discipline and patience in their work effort.
3. Change their attitude towards development so they become more focused on delivering a quality end-product. This is perhaps the most difficult element to teach. However, it can be realized by having them become intimate with the needs of the customer (have them visit or work with a customer for awhile - "let them walk in the customer's shoes"). It may also be necessary to change their form of remuneration by going to a reward system for work produced (as opposed to guaranteed income regardless of what is produced). Changing the mode of financial compensation is highly controversial in today's business world. But, as an example, can you imagine the change of attitude of today's professional athletes if they were paid based on their accomplishments (e.g., runs or points scored, hits, rebounds, etc.) rather than having a guaranteed income? Their motivation and attitude towards their profession and team would change radically.
Candidates must learn to respect their institution, the process by which they work, fellow human beings, and themselves. They must also learn not to be afraid to TRY; that they must put their best foot forward, win or lose. Bottom-line: they must learn that their work has meaning and worth. If they don't enjoy their work, they shouldn't be doing it.
"There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to: first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live - I have no use for the sour-faced man - and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile, that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do." - President Theodore Roosevelt Talk to schoolchildren in Oyster Bay, Christmas-time 1898
Certification
Teaching the elements listed above probably cannot be done in one fell swoop. Further, companies simply don't have the time or money to wait for the craftsman to be produced. Instead, they must understand the human spirit needs to be cultivated and be allowed to grow over time. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that an in-house certification program be devised specifying what the candidate should know and what skills and talents he should demonstrate. This should be divided into classes of progressive expertise; e.g., apprentice, intermediary, and craftsman. The ancient builders in Egypt, Rome, and Greece understood this concept and devised such classes of workmen. Other disciplines and schools follow similar tactics (the various degrees or belts in martial arts for example). Each degree is based on specific prerequisites to master before moving on to the next level.
An in-house certification program has the added nuance of making people feel special which greatly enhances their self esteem. If they are made to feel like a vital part of the company, regardless if their work of a large magnitude or trivial, they will strive to do what is best for the company overall, not just themselves. Consequently, their work adds meaning to their life.
There is one pitfall to all of this; today's "go-go" management style fails to see how craftsmanship adds value to the company. In fact, there were companies back in the 1980's that shut down such programs simply to reduce costs. As a result, quality suffered, repeat business was lost, products were more in need of repair, absenteeism on the job escalated, etc. Want value? How does a loyal customer base who has confidence in your products or services sound? And what effect would employee harmony have, particularly if they believed in the work they were producing? It would be mind-boggling, all because we had faith in the human spirit to produce superior results.
A final note: craftsmanship is not a one time thing. After it has been instilled in people, it has to be cultivated and perpetuated. If a manager slips even for a moment, it will go right out the window and it will take time to bring it back to life. As for me, I like to post motivational reminders kind of like the one recently spotted in the Hickey Freeman manufacturing facility in New York, "Excellence is Tolerated."
My Brother-in-law in Cincinnati conducted me on a tour of his company's machine-tool shop years ago and showed me how he could take a block of aluminum and convert it into a high-precision machine tool. It was a pleasure to watch him work, as it is to watch anyone who knows what they are doing, be it a waitress, a programmer, a laborer or a clerk.
Quality and service used to be considered paramount in this country. If it wasn't just right, you were expected to do it over again until you got it right. We cared about what we produced because it was a reflection of our personal character and integrity. But somewhere along the line we lost our way and craftsmanship has fallen by the wayside. Why? Probably because we no longer care.
In today's litigious society, employees are acutely aware that it is difficult to be fired due to poor performance. They know they will still get paid and receive benefits, regardless of the amount of effort they put forth. Consequently, there is little to encourage people to perform better. Money isn't a motivating factor anymore. People now expect bonuses, raises and other perks to be paid out regardless of how well they perform during the year.
We've also become a nation content with doing small things. America used to be known as a powerhouse that could tackle large projects, such as building skyscrapers, designing innovative bridges and tunnels spanning substantial bodies of water, engineering transcontinental railroads and highway systems, conquering air and space travel, and defending freedom not just once but in two world wars. If you really wanted something done, you talked to the Americans and no one else. Now we get excited over iPods, cell phones, and other electronic trinkets.
Many believe Craftsmanship is in decline due to the general apathy found in today's society. Maybe. I tend to believe it is due to an erosion of our moral values. Let me give you an example. Having a child in college, my interest was piqued recently by an article describing the pervasiveness of cheating and plagiarism in our schools. It is not my intent to make a political statement here but many of the students mentioned in the article rationalized their cheating on the fact that one of our past Presidents cheated and lied under oath, and got away with it. They figured if it is okay for the Commander-in-Chief to act this way, it was an acceptable form of behavior.
Arnold Toynbee, the famed English historian, observed, "Civilizations die from suicide, not by murder." If the moral fabric of our society dies, our story is told as evidenced by other great civilizations that long preceded us. Our perspective needs to be realigned: Our personal and professional lives must be viewed as one. As Toynbee remarked, "The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play." By doing so, we identify more closely with our work and assume a greater pride in workmanship. We do not need to hear this from our boss, but rather from within. As strange as it may sound, I see Craftsmanship as being patriotic in nature; doing a good quality job is part of leading a good and honorable life and builds on the individual's esteem, the company he works for, and the country he lives in.
The biggest problem though is that we have forgotten how to manage people. The manager's primary goal is to create the proper work environment for employees to produce the desired work products. This is different than a supervisory capacity that directs how each person performs the various tasks of a job. In fact, I encourage managers to manage more and supervise less. I cringe when I see a manager try to "micromanage" either a Fortune 500 company or a non-profit organization.
Yes, people need to be trained in order to properly perform their work but following this, employees should be mature enough to supervise themselves. In the old days, management stressed discipline, accountability, and structure; three ugly words in today's workplace.
Understanding Craftsmanship
Some might say craftsmanship is a simple concept that we should intuitively know. Not true; most people today have no comprehension as to what makes up a good craftsman; they have either forgotten or it has simply passed them by. Craftsmanship can be found in any field of endeavor imaginable, be it in the product sector or service industry. Craftsmanship, therefore, is universally applicable to any line of work.
Craftsmanship is not "workmanship", nor is it synonymous with quality, although the three concepts are closely related. Let's begin by giving "Craftsmanship" a definition: "The production and delivery of quality goods or services from highly skilled workmen."
Quality relates to the absence of errors or defects in the finished product or service. In other words, finished goods operate according to their specifications (customers get precisely what they ordered). Such products are normally durable and require minimal maintenance. Craftsmanship produces quality products. In the absence of craftsmen, a rigorous methodology or assembly line process is required to produce quality goods using workers without the expertise of craftsmen. Such processes detail "Who" is to perform "What" work, "When", "Where", "Why" and "How" (5W+H), thereby assuring a quality product or service is produced. Such is the underlying rationale of the ISO 9000 certification as used by many companies today. The point is, quality is not the exclusive domain of the craftsman.
Craftsmanship is also a human trait. Some might argue a computer or industrial robot can produce quality products and are, therefore, craftsmen. However, we must remember these devices are programmed by human beings in accordance with the rules of the craftsman. As such, they are an extension or tool of the craftsman.
Craftsmanship can be found in either the overall work process or a section of it. For example, there are craftsmen who are intimate with all facets of building furniture, such as a table, a chair or desk, and can implement the product from start to finish. However, as products grow in complexity, it becomes difficult to find people suitably qualified to build them from the womb to the tomb. Consider military weapons alone, such as the complicated ships, tanks, and airplanes we now use, with thousands or millions of parts to assemble. Such complexity makes it impossible for a single person to have the expertise to build the whole product. The same is true in the service sector where different types of expertise and capabilities may be required. In other words, craftsmen have a specific scope of work. The scope of work may relate to other types of craftsmen through a chain of work dependencies, e.g., Craftsmen A, B and C concentrate on separate sub-assemblies which are eventually joined into a single product.
Attributes
So, what are the attributes of a craftsman? What makes a craftsman a craftsman? There are three basic attributes described herein:
1. Possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the work.
The craftsman is an expert in his field of endeavor; so much so that he could easily serve as an instructor in the subject matter. But the craftsman is also smart enough to know that education is not a one time thing, that his world and field evolve as new tools and techniques are introduced. As such, the craftsman is a student of his profession and is constantly looking to improve himself. This is exercised through such things as continued education, routine certification, studying books and trade publications, and industrial groups. The craftsman willingly participates in trade groups, often at his own expense, in order to network with his peers.
It is Important to note that the craftsman does not need to be told he needs periodic training to sharpen his skills. Instead, he takes the personal initiative to stay on top of his game. Further, the craftsman has no problem with a periodic job review; in fact, he welcomes it for it might bring out a weakness in a skill he needs to sharpen.
2. Attention to detail.
The craftsman understands and respects the process of building/delivering a product or service and is acutely aware of the penalties for cutting corners. Earlier we discussed the need for a methodology that specifies 5W+H. The craftsman is intimate with all details of his scope of work, so much so, he could probably write the methodology himself. Further, his intimacy of the work process means he can produce a reliable estimate of time and costs to perform the work.
Although many of the craftsman's tasks may be repetitive, it doesn't mean he easily falls into a rut. Instead, he is constantly looking for new tools and techniques to improve the work process. As such, he plays the role of Industrial Engineer who is normally charged with such a task.
The craftsman's attention to detail also means that he demonstrates patience in his work effort. Again, wary of cutting corners, the craftsman must possess such patience in order to produce the product the right way.
3. Views professional life as an extension of his personal life.
The craftsman identifies with the end product which is where pride in workmanship comes from. In his mind, the craftsman has been charged with the responsibility of producing something, and wanting to satisfy the customer, puts forth his best effort to produce it. In other words, craftsmen take their work personally. This is a difficult trait to teach particularly in today's society where the focus is more on financial compensation than on the work product itself. It may sound naive, but the craftsman believes he will be suitably compensated for producing superior results.
Years ago, Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears (NFL) confounded sports writers who could never understand why Butkus played as hard as he did year after year for a losing football team. True, Dick loved the game, but beyond that, the sports writers didn't understand one thing about the seven time All-Pro linebacker: Butkus took his job personally. It was important to him that his opponents know that they had been tackled by the best player; as he said, "When they get up from the ground I want them to say 'it must have been Butkus that got me'." Dick Butkus was a craftsman.
The craftsman has a burning desire to produce a superior product/service because he sees it as a reflection of himself. As such, the lines delineating their personal life and professional life are blurred. This is a significant characteristic that clearly separates a craftsman from the average worker. The craftsman's work is his life. He does not shirk responsibility, but rather embraces it with confidence and embosses his name on the finished product. Conversely, making a work related mistake of any kind pains a true craftsman.
Job titles are normally inconsequential to the craftsman who is more interested in delivering a quality product/service enjoyed by the customer. Instead, the craftsman takes pleasure in being touted as the best in his craft. He appreciates recognition; when someone makes a compliment about a product, the craftsman views it as a personal compliment. This too runs contrary to today's corporate world where people desperately seek recognition through simple job titles. Want someone with an inflated ego? Give them a title. Want something done right? Call a craftsman.
Productivity
"Dependable", "professional", and "resourceful" are adjectives that aptly describe the craftsman. He is not one who fabricates excuses but, rather, always finds a way to get the job done. The craftsman is typically your most productive employee. He is mindful of the concept of productivity that we have touted for years:
Productivity = Effectiveness X Efficiency
Most people fallaciously equate productivity with efficiency, which simply gauges how fast we can perform a given task. Effectiveness, on the other hand, validates the necessity of the task itself. There is nothing more unproductive than to do something efficiently that should not have been done at all. An industrial robot, for example, can efficiently perform such tasks as welding. But if you are welding the wrong thing, then it is counterproductive. Going back to our description of a methodology, effectiveness defines "Who/What/When/Where/Why", efficiency defines "How." The craftsman is well aware of the difference between the two and knows how to apply both. As such, the craftsman is in tune with his work environment and corporate culture.
So how do we make craftsmen?
Not easily. Because of the human dynamics involved with the craftsman, you will need to be a pretty intuitive manager or industrial psychologist to make it happen. Selecting suitable candidates is the logical first step. Devise an aptitude test to determine the candidate's suitability to become a craftsman. After all, "you cannot make a silk purse from a sow's ear." Aside from specific knowledge and experience in a given field (e.g., programming, woodworking, construction, accounting, etc.), here are some other important traits to look for:
* Fertility of mind - judge his ability to learn, to adapt to changing conditions, and to look beyond his scope of work. Evaluate his professional curiosity.
* Confidence - judge how well the candidate knows himself, particularly how well he knows his own limitations. He should admit his deficiencies and not fabricate excuses.
* Dedication - judge his loyalty and determination to accomplish something. What is his attendance record? What outside clubs and organizations does he belong to and how active is he in them?
* Entrepreneurial spirit - judge his personal initiative. Is he driven to succeed (but not to the point of reckless abandon)? Does he have a problem with accountability? This says a lot about assuming responsibility.
* Attention to detail - judge his ability to focus on a subject. Does he have a problem with discipline or organization? A person's dress, mannerisms, and speech says a lot about a person.
* Reliability - judge his ability to assume responsibility and carry a task through to completion.
* Resourcefulness - judge his ability to adapt to changing conditions and persevere to see a task through to completion. The candidate cannot be inflexible; he must be able to find solutions to solve problems.
* Socialization skills - does he work better alone or as a team player? His position may depend on his answer.
When you have selected suitable candidates, here are three areas to concentrate on:
1. Develop their skills and knowledge by allowing such things as: participation in trade groups, outside certification and on-going training, subscriptions to trade journals, continued education, etc. Some companies even go as far as to develop an in-house school to teach the company's way of doing things. If the in-house school is good, it will promote confidence through consistency. Even if people leave the company, they will recommend your company because they know the quality of the work produced. Supporting the education needs of our workers is not only smart, it is good business.
2. Teach them the need for producing quality work; they should become intimate with all aspects of their work process (5W+H). Further, instill discipline and patience in their work effort.
3. Change their attitude towards development so they become more focused on delivering a quality end-product. This is perhaps the most difficult element to teach. However, it can be realized by having them become intimate with the needs of the customer (have them visit or work with a customer for awhile - "let them walk in the customer's shoes"). It may also be necessary to change their form of remuneration by going to a reward system for work produced (as opposed to guaranteed income regardless of what is produced). Changing the mode of financial compensation is highly controversial in today's business world. But, as an example, can you imagine the change of attitude of today's professional athletes if they were paid based on their accomplishments (e.g., runs or points scored, hits, rebounds, etc.) rather than having a guaranteed income? Their motivation and attitude towards their profession and team would change radically.
Candidates must learn to respect their institution, the process by which they work, fellow human beings, and themselves. They must also learn not to be afraid to TRY; that they must put their best foot forward, win or lose. Bottom-line: they must learn that their work has meaning and worth. If they don't enjoy their work, they shouldn't be doing it.
"There are two things that I want you to make up your minds to: first, that you are going to have a good time as long as you live - I have no use for the sour-faced man - and next, that you are going to do something worthwhile, that you are going to work hard and do the things you set out to do." - President Theodore Roosevelt Talk to schoolchildren in Oyster Bay, Christmas-time 1898
Certification
Teaching the elements listed above probably cannot be done in one fell swoop. Further, companies simply don't have the time or money to wait for the craftsman to be produced. Instead, they must understand the human spirit needs to be cultivated and be allowed to grow over time. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that an in-house certification program be devised specifying what the candidate should know and what skills and talents he should demonstrate. This should be divided into classes of progressive expertise; e.g., apprentice, intermediary, and craftsman. The ancient builders in Egypt, Rome, and Greece understood this concept and devised such classes of workmen. Other disciplines and schools follow similar tactics (the various degrees or belts in martial arts for example). Each degree is based on specific prerequisites to master before moving on to the next level.
An in-house certification program has the added nuance of making people feel special which greatly enhances their self esteem. If they are made to feel like a vital part of the company, regardless if their work of a large magnitude or trivial, they will strive to do what is best for the company overall, not just themselves. Consequently, their work adds meaning to their life.
There is one pitfall to all of this; today's "go-go" management style fails to see how craftsmanship adds value to the company. In fact, there were companies back in the 1980's that shut down such programs simply to reduce costs. As a result, quality suffered, repeat business was lost, products were more in need of repair, absenteeism on the job escalated, etc. Want value? How does a loyal customer base who has confidence in your products or services sound? And what effect would employee harmony have, particularly if they believed in the work they were producing? It would be mind-boggling, all because we had faith in the human spirit to produce superior results.
A final note: craftsmanship is not a one time thing. After it has been instilled in people, it has to be cultivated and perpetuated. If a manager slips even for a moment, it will go right out the window and it will take time to bring it back to life. As for me, I like to post motivational reminders kind of like the one recently spotted in the Hickey Freeman manufacturing facility in New York, "Excellence is Tolerated."
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