Martial Woodworking Arts....
shipped to your email box, or door.  Since 2001 this "Ninja like"  website,  (about  100 pages) now, has gradually caught the attention of more and more tech scouts.  

Download Jig and Gauges 
The New CD Bundle.... it's really crowded  with genius....

From the "The Northirst Student" 

The Old boss was telling Shawn about how jigs put him on the map.  "Shawn, come on over here.  People seem to have maps and plans mixed up.  Some rarely read the instructions.  Have you ever heard your Mom joke that men will seldom look at a map?"  "Son, maybe it's true that some never look at maps,  maybe not, but it's not their direct  fault.  It might be their lack of time or priority or something.  A few of the whittlers in my days were not map readers.  So, I soon discovered that it's normal to rarely think that mistakes will never happen, or for many to think that mistakes really do waste time.  Some people just don't forecast problems as well.  

He said " I remember where I came from...a little whittler like you. It's not always safe to think we aren't gonna make mistakes."

Grasshopper, "Most people think of a plan as in "Free plan" or an ordinary plan describing all of the parts of a certain piece of furniture. I used them types of plans, but then I followed it with a another plan.  Some would call it an operating,  production plan, not just a woodworking one describing the details and the size and shape of the parts of a chair or table.   With an operation plan you can be more predictable and then have more volume using certain jigs to establish a small,  state of art  operation.   Shawn, next week I will show more about an operating plan,  and in the mean time, finish up the material about the intro to jigs." 

The Old Man may have been describing what he learned from using a jig like the Mascut.  The Mascut is like a machining center. And, the book called "Jigs and Gauges for Beginners" explains how jigs work too. But, with the Mascut and the book, it won't be long before somebody reaches a whole new stage.... With the right guide, you can forecast better, be more predictable and of course make more volume on a table saw.

Download Jig and Gauges 

The factory  technology trail.  Who held it, what was it, and where was the trail of technology started.  IMM is an inside look at the remarkable history of tools, men, laws, trade, knowledge and education systems, government and more. It is like a "grand tour" of the process and the methods of industry.

"About Ingenious Machines and Methods"
This book is for the beginner metal and woodworking fan, to the most informed Engineer.  Not ordinary...clarity.  Mostly connects what matters.  

~FOR THE HISTORIAN~

Thomas Jefferson, upon acceptance to The 
American Philosophical society said: "I feel no qualification for this 
distinguished post, but a sincere zeal for all the objects of our institution, 
and an ardent desire to see knowledge so disseminated through the mass of 
mankind, that it may , at length reach even the extremes of society, beggars, 
and kings."

Thomas Jefferson knew what vital importance learning was for 
 an independent society.

The information in this book has been collected from the 
research of hundreds of books, letters, and historical and technical writings. 
This remarkable collection of insight and stories is the result of years of exploring books about business, manufacturing, economics, and literature, many of them hundreds of years old.  This is not another technical book, but a history book of those in business, in economics, politics, and those who came upon the methods that changed history.  It contains information that woodworkers, toolmakers, business owners, machinists,  and even engineers can refer to over and over again.  It is full of wisdom, useful tips, methods, and techniques for anyone wanting to start, or improve their skills, or manufacturing operation.  It is written by a toolmaker who has seen more than his share of plant closings, and a few thriving.  It is a story that includes many ideas and solutions for the woodworking, and metal-working industries.   Machinists, woodworkers, engineers, managers and students will relate to the explanations and insight, even the ideas and methods and the pioneers of manufacturing.

_______________

______________________________

More from inside IMM..
"Ingenious Machines"

 "Ingenious Machines" contains an interesting “inside, the rest 
of the story” account that links the many events surrounding the technology. It 
goes to the very root of matters that produced the events leading to "critical mass".  Mass production is still in its incubation stage compared to what is to come.  Automation, supercomputers, robotics, superconductors, will take mass production to the next level in the near future.  The information written down here compiles what it was that got the field to where it is now.  What is the foundation, and what are  the basic techniques that have brought us this far,  are covered in this book.  It is  meant to be an account of the events contributing to our consumer supply machine, and to impart information, to reinforce and also,  inspire people who are interested in making things, more things.  By knowing the history of certain key events,  people become more familiar, and more inspired to build upon something as necessary and vital as manufacturing.  Hand Made? If it were not for mass production, to build a CD player by hand, would cost hundreds of dollars for a very skilled persons time and money. Because of the mechanical abilities of precision machines, mechanization, and now computers and lasers, we achieve "Precision, and volume."

The lack of tech skills are the topic lately and all seem to get it, feel it and know it.  Special manufacturing insight is the gas, the spark, the engine  necessary for any lasting economy. The problem might be that the economy calls for results now.  The manufacturing baton is often not passed beyond the original era, the era with the initial driving ambition for service, praise and personal reward.  Fine woodworking often begins with a challenge for respect or honor.   Many achieve remarkable works and become very capable making a work of perfection.  That is where utilizing jigs and becoming more familiar with their capabilities is  ultimately the most rewarding.