Christopher Tate

Articles • January 1, 2014 • Christopher Tate

The basics of good tool management

Anyone who works in or around a machine shop knows that high-performance cutting tools are expensive. If the process of acquiring and using these tools is not managed properly, tool expenses can quickly and negatively impact the bottom line, whether you are operating a mom-and-pop shop or a major OEM.

Articles • December 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Shop tools that are ‘oldies but goodies’

Christopher Tate, Cutting Tool Engineering's Shop Technology columnist, said he is surprised by the number of engineers and machinists who are not familiar with traditional machining tools and techniques. Many metalworking professionals seem to default to using only sophisticated technology for all aspects of machining without understanding or being able to use more traditional options.

Articles • October 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Considerations when selecting a drill

I consider several factors when purchasing a drill and try to find the balance between price and performance that gives the best cost advantage while maintaining part quality and productivity, reports the Shop Technology columnist in the October 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Articles • September 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

The power behind shop automation

Diminishing numbers of skilled tradesmen in the workforce and the need to reduce production costs have caused machine tool automation to proliferate during the past decade.

Articles • August 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Adding value with single-piece part flow

Since the May issue, I have been writing about our combustion shop's migration from batch processing to single-piece flow, or machining one part at a time. Single-piece flow eliminates work in process. This is desirable because WIP hides part defects and increases lead times and inventory levels.

Articles • July 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Setting up for single-piece flow

The Shop Technology column in the July 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine continues to explore one shop's move from batch processing of machining jobs to a single-piece flow.

Articles • June 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Implementing single-piece part flow

The Shop Technology column in the June 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine explains how a shop transitions from batch processing to machining parts one at a time.

Articles • May 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Single-piece flow the way to go

Single-piece flow keeps production moving, according to the Shop Technology column in the May 2013 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Articles • April 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Thin is in when cutting metal

In last month's column, the Shop Technology column observed that chip thinning is one of the key concepts programmers and machinists should understand. Presented in this month's column is further discussion about how chip thinning can enhance productivity.

Articles • March 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Boost cutting efficiency with training

Dynamic and aggressive cutting tool demonstrations are common at trade shows. Toolmakers present phenomenal displays, where chips spark and fly and machines move at feed rates that seem impossible. In other words, they demonstrate high-speed machining.

Articles • February 1, 2013 • Christopher Tate

Cutting costs with tool reconditioning

High-performance cutting tools can provide increased efficiency and productivity, but they can also be a drain on tooling budgets. Cost-justifying these tools often requires regrinding and reconditioning them when they are worn or damaged. A successful reconditioning program reduces tooling costs by extending life as long as possible.

Articles • December 1, 2012 • Christopher Tate

Achieving flexible workholding

Combustion components from Mitsubishi Power Systems had never been built outside of Japan until Savannah Machinery Works opened its doors in November 2010. We were in the unique and challenging position of having to develop every manufacturing process from scratch while maintaining a tight production schedule.