09-01-2013, 03:49 AM
Rick, we are on the same page!
I went to work in a large custom cabinet shop as an engineer and project manager in the office, my first "desk job". This shop has an excellent reputation for quality work, and frankly has been able to overcharge for its services. The skill level is pathetic. You will not find a block plane in the place, a 55 man shop, where no one knows how to sharpen a chisel. I bought India and Arkansas stones and brought 10 or 12 of the best guys together to teach them how to do the basics of sharpening. Everything is cut on a cnc, the simplest curve, that really only needed a quick cut on a bandsaw, and sanded to a line on an edge sander, needed drawings generated that were just absured. It got to the point that I just went downstairs and made the parts because it was quicker and easier than doing the drawings. I stayed there for 6 years until I just could not take it anymore!
I welcome your advice and your criticism! I am here to learn this craft, from those that are willing to teach. Thank you for both, because I do understand that both are necessary parts of the teaching process.
I must say that I have found an unusually high level of skill on some forums, and a willingness to share knowledge and experience that is there for the asking. Please be assured, I appreciate, and will take advantage of the generosity of your offer. What we really need, is for the "20 something" generation, to understand the importance of learning from experience.
Best regards, and thanks for the welcome to this forum! Larry
I went to work in a large custom cabinet shop as an engineer and project manager in the office, my first "desk job". This shop has an excellent reputation for quality work, and frankly has been able to overcharge for its services. The skill level is pathetic. You will not find a block plane in the place, a 55 man shop, where no one knows how to sharpen a chisel. I bought India and Arkansas stones and brought 10 or 12 of the best guys together to teach them how to do the basics of sharpening. Everything is cut on a cnc, the simplest curve, that really only needed a quick cut on a bandsaw, and sanded to a line on an edge sander, needed drawings generated that were just absured. It got to the point that I just went downstairs and made the parts because it was quicker and easier than doing the drawings. I stayed there for 6 years until I just could not take it anymore!
I welcome your advice and your criticism! I am here to learn this craft, from those that are willing to teach. Thank you for both, because I do understand that both are necessary parts of the teaching process.
I must say that I have found an unusually high level of skill on some forums, and a willingness to share knowledge and experience that is there for the asking. Please be assured, I appreciate, and will take advantage of the generosity of your offer. What we really need, is for the "20 something" generation, to understand the importance of learning from experience.
Best regards, and thanks for the welcome to this forum! Larry
LJP, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Aug 2013.