Project Stumpbroke How I do it

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Stink Across Wisconsin
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2012
 
I know there's a bit of fear in posting a thread like this that you worry you're going to lose business. There's always some fear that if people can see what you do, they'd be able to do it themselves and wouldnt need you. It's like the old way that mason's used to cutain off the work area so that people couldn't see the work area of the master. I feel a little the same way myself as a tree climber when customers want to watch and video the way I trim their trees and ask lots of questions. But you forget that as an expert, things that are easy for you are difficult for others!

The real truth, is that mastery cant be learnt by observing, and is worth paying for. It's like the quote frmo one of the mods here on AS;

"Until it is demonstrated, one forgets the really great difference between the merely competent amateur and the very expert professional."

There's nothing about watching me climb a tree that will teach a layman how to climb a tree, let alone the knowledge of how to trim it and make cuts properly, or the cost of the equipment involved to do the work. For that reason, I give pretty freely of my knowledge because it lets customers see what they are paying for, and in most cases makes them realise it was worth the money. Giving them an understanding of what they are getting increases the chances they will get me back again or reccommend me to their friends. Otherwise, they'd be thinking I do just the same thing as what they do. Once they understand the difference between what they do, and what I do, they can see the value in it. They are only going to trim their trees once, when will they practice? How many trees do they need to do to be as good as I am? Then they learn of the thousands of dollars of investment needed for climbing equipment and saws....

As a layman when it comes to porting, I know there's no way that I'm ever going to port as good as a pro. For starters, I don't own a lathe, or any of the gear needed to do porting. Getting my saws worked on is a one time investment that pays back over the life of the saw, but if I got it wrong I'd be looking at $$. I own a dozen saws, but my business is tree work, not porting. I could probably hack my way through a port job, but getting that last little bit out of a saw is something that needs a guy who is familiar with the intimate workings of each saw which only comes with experience. Certainly something worth paying for! Still nice to see someone showing the details of a pro job though...

Shaun

Good post.....

I've taken some heat in the past for "showing too much". Oh well..... :msp_sneaky:

I feel like just seeing is a lot different then doing.......without experience some knowledge is useless. What Stumpy is doing here is actually good for his business. It gives people confidence that he knows what he's doing.

Finished reading the thread "a while back" but just now have the time to give a proper response.
I've been working in a machine shop for almost 27 years. From day one I have worked in the Grind department setting up and running manual and CNC grinding machines. I had the privilege of being the "shadow" of an "old timer" (and I mean that in a completely respectful way) for a solid month. I learned a very solid foundation of "grinding fundamentals" which I continue to learn and improve on even to this day. (I've still got a WHOLE LOT to learn) I have also trained many people how to set up and run this equipment. I say all that to make the point, I understand exactly what is being said about "showing too much", "not showing too much". I show everyone I train everything they need to know(over a period of time) to set up and run the equipment, and how to "tweak" or adjust it to make it run just about perfect. Now, just because I show them does that mean they are automatically as good as I am? NO. Without the practical experience and understanding of the "tweaking, fine tuning, and adjusting" that they are doing they will never completely understand how to make the machine run close to "perfect". (Many of our tolerances need to be held within .0005 of an inch, some even closer) When I read through this thread I definitely got thinking about learning to port, but having a craftsman like Stumpy who does have an understanding and practical experience about porting saws, who am I kidding??? I'd make scrap metal out of it in no time. Showing all "his stuff" on this thread (I agree 100%) will get him more business, genius Stumpy!!! :clap: I sure ain't the best grinder out there but I can get an I.D. or O.D. grinder to do just about anything I want it to, and as one Craftsman to another, well done Stumpy! Outstanding thread! You have my respect. :bowdown:

Rep sent.....
 
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Finished reading the thread "a while back" but just now have the time to give a proper response.
I've been working in a machine shop for almost 27 years. From day one I have worked in the Grind department setting up and running manual and CNC grinding machines. I had the privilege of being the "shadow" of an "old timer" (and I mean that in a completely respectful way) for a solid month. I learned a very solid foundation of "grinding fundamentals" which I continue to learn and improve on even to this day. (I've still got a WHOLE LOT to learn) I have also trained many people how to set up and run this equipment. I say all that to make the point, I understand exactly what is being said about "showing too much", "not showing too much". I show everyone I train everything they need to know(over a period of time) to set up and run the equipment, and how to "tweak" or adjust it to make it run just about perfect. Now, just because I show them does that mean they are automatically as good as I am? NO. Without the practical experience and understanding of the "tweaking, fine tuning, and adjusting" that they are doing they will never completely understand how to make the machine run close to "perfect". (Many of our tolerances need to be held within .0005 of an inch, some even closer) When I read through this thread I definitely got thinking about learning to port, but having a craftsman like Stumpy who does have an understanding and practical experience about porting saws, who am I kidding??? I'd make scrap metal out of it in no time. Showing all "his stuff" on this thread (I agree 100%) will get him more business, genius Stumpy!!! :clap: I sure ain't the best grinder out there but I can get an I.D. or O.D. grinder to do just about anything I want it to, and as one Craftsman to another, well done Stumpy! Outstanding thread! You have my respect. :bowdown:

Rep sent.....

Thanks for the post. To me this forum is just an extension of my shop. Any body is welcome to come by & see what I do. I do have a few things that I keep to myself though. ;)
I figure if somebody wants to learn bad enough to do what I do then they're gonna figure it out with or with out my help. Another thing is I do the threads to show the customer what they are actually getting. Without the pics & comments most of them would never know just what there money was spent on.
I've made my fair share of scrap aluminum, but that's part of the game. Learn from your mistakes & do better the next time.
 
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