Shop Operations

Articles • December 1, 2012 • Tom Lipton

Tips for a manual milling machine

In my October column, I explained how the design of manual milling machines could be improved. This month, I share some tips for enhancing the operation of a manual mill.

Articles • December 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Simple activities, amazing benefits

A machine shop can become a messy place if you don't stay on top of it. If you've visited other shops, you've probably observed what I've seen over the years—a few that are spotless and well-maintained, and others that look like a cave, with little thought or care given to the work environment. Most shops are somewhere in between. We maintain a decent shop, which consists of machining and fabrication departments in separate areas, but it takes constant effort to keep it that way.

Articles • October 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Managing workers’ face time

Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings discusses the balance between face time with employees and time management.

Articles • October 1, 2012

Suggestions for improving manual mills

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton offers some suggestions for improving the design of manual milling machines in the October 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Articles • September 1, 2012 • Tom Lipton

Cutting multiple-start threads

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton writes about cutting multiple-start threads on a manual lathe in the September 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Articles • September 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Web site cancels shop insurance

Shop Web site causes problems with insurance, reports Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings in the September issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

Articles • August 1, 2012 • Tom Lipton

Threading on the manual lathe

Shop Operations columnist Tom Lipton shares a few tricks for cutting threads on a manual lathe.

Articles • August 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Managing in the middle

Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings says effective management during calm periods is still as important as crisis management.

Articles • July 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Throwing curveballs to the team

Manager's Desk column as published in the July 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Articles • July 1, 2012

Deciphering the donut deflector

Shop Operations column as published in the July 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.

Articles • June 1, 2012

Tips for turning parts on manual lathes, part 2

As a follow-up to my April column, here are additional tips for enhancing the operation of a manual lathe.

Articles • June 1, 2012 • Keith Jennings

Recognizing worthy suppliers

My relationship with suppliers as of late can be summed up as, "no news is good news." Even so, just as we like to receive gratitude and recognition from our customers, it's important to remember that our suppliers should be recognized and their value shouldn't be overlooked.