Workshop Philosophy

So, who am I, why write a blog, and what is this all about? Let’s see if we can answer those questions……

I started in the technical field about 25 years ago in a manufacturing facility in my hometown. This is where discovered my abilities to fix things and passion for wanting to understand how things worked. Up until that point in life I didn’t know anything about tools or even basic mechanics. All of my male family members were avid carpenters and wood workers, but somehow that gene skipped right past me. However, I found that machinery was fascinating and at times drove me mad trying to solve problems and figure out ways to make equipment work better and more efficiently.

Throughout my career I have worked in positions that have exposed me to mechanical repair, electrical installation, HVAC, plumbing, controls electricity, manufacturing equipment building and PLC programming. I currently work in the Engineering department of a local manufacturer where I serve an SME (subject matter expert) for Aseptic Food production processes. My responsibilities focus mainly on project execution for controls related changes and improvements. PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming is what I tend to gravitate towards the most. Additionally, I serve as a resource to for advanced troubleshooting of breakdowns that technicians have a difficult time resolving. I’m mentioning all of this boring information to give all the readers a little glimpse into what I’m about professionally and how it will plays into the content of this page. Simply put, my Carrer is about fixing things, making thinks better, and understanding how they work.

Outside of work for me is really no different than inside. I enjoy working on projects, fixing stuff, and attempting to make things better than they were. About 4 or 5 years ago I really got into learning manual machining and the art of precision measurements. Fabrication has always been fascinating to me and the older I get; I have gotten more patient detailed oriented. Machining various parts has helped me to further my knowledge of mechanics and mechanism design. Now with all that said that I’m not suggesting I’m without flaw. I constantly screw stuff up! That’s how I learn. If I had a dime for every “oh shit” moment I’ve had I’d be retired. The trades have been good to me. They’ve taught me how to be more self-sufficient, the art of observation, stratigic thinking, and systematic troubleshooting.

Enough about me. So, what’s this page about and why write this blog? Over the years I have learned many things with regards to the trades and have been taught by many people which I label as experts. I feel it’s my duty to share that knowledge to those who may share the same passions as me. It’s my attempt to repay a debt to the trades that have been so good to me. That doesn’t mean that I’m an expert. I’m not.

This blog will be fluid. Who knows where it may take us. There will be articles on techniques, common, and uncommon practices, projects, and repairs. There will even be blurbs on off the cuff things that come to mind. My interests are wide ranged and nonspecific when it comes to shop science. We will get into all kinds of things. This page is not necessarily specific to wood working, equipment repair, metal working, or electrical jobs. There will be content of the forementioned and anything else we may find in the workshop

What I challenge you, the reader, to do is to keep an open mind and interact with me and other readers. This is not a forum for hateful comments. I ask that all comments be constructive, honest, and helpful in the pursuit of learn and bettering ourselves in our craft(s). I will never claim that everything I write about is the “word of law”. Remember, this is a journey of learning and discovery for you and me. We learn from each other and that’s how we improve. Feel free to email me with ideas, comments, content request, or just to chat. You are the reason for all of this and your connection with me is important. I will promise that all of my content is as accurate and forthright as possible but remember I’m not perfect and I’m no expert. With all that said let’s get started…..

Disclaimer: The content on the site is the sole property of the creator of this site and blog. Any duplication of its contents without the written permission of the owner is strictly forbidden. These articles are for informational purposes and are not a replacement for professional advice. Replication of any project, repair, etc. is at the responsibility of the end user.