Shop Operations

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.