"A thousand years ago the Chinese had an entirely codified kitchen while the French were still gnawing on bones. Chopsticks have been around since the fourth century B.C. Forks didn't show up in England until 1611, and even then they weren't meant for eating but just to hold the meat still while you hacked at it with your knife." — Ruth Reichl
Drivel Starved Nation,
As always, you are the first to learn what is happening behind the scenes here at BCTW via this Totally Awesome and Worthless Blog!
I have great news to share regarding our Chopstick Master. Version 2 of the CSM is going to be announced real soon and the details are below. But first, a pic; Continue reading
Drivel Starved Nation!
Last fall when I was in China, I was able to witness the introduction of a new type of dust collector (Pat. Pending) to the international market. The makers, Harvey Works, the same folks that make our innovative Chopstick Master™ unveiled a new dust collector concept that was 5 years in the making — it is called the Gyro Air™.
I ordered one immediately and here is why; Continue reading
Drivel Starved Nation;
As mentioned in a previous post, I flew down to San Francisco a couple of weekends ago to attend Maker Faire San Mateo. It is billed as the “Largest Show and Tell on Earth” and as one who has never used superlatives (lie), I would say this was an understatement (truth).
I realize I don’t get out much (sort of a lie), and it is difficult for me to keep up with current events (pretty much a lie). For example, I just found out that “Leave it to Beaver” has been canceled (big fat lie). I loved that show (truth).
Anyway, if you have seen what I am about to share, congrats. If you have not, prepare to be gobsmacked.
There is a new hand-held router that will supposedly hit the market this year that allows you to do CNC quality shaping completely by hand. Yes, hand held. Here’s how it works to the best of my limited knowledge (true);
The router has a camera on the non-operator side that scans the work surface for markings on special tape that you put down before you begin. This allows the router to establish a virtual Cartesian X/Y coordinate system. Basically it knows where it is in relation to the unique markings on the tape.
The profile that you want to shape is created in a computer and it is downloaded to the router. The profile appears on a screen on the operator side of the router.
Dear Drivel Starved Nation-
I have been crazy busy the past two months. I went to China to finalize version 2 of the Chopstick Master and I am pleased to announce that when this version hits the streets this fall, it will sell for $195 buckaroos. That by-the-way, is $50 LESS than our HP-8 with depth skids ALONE. This is a screaming cool value. And our pledge to you; even though this is made in China, the quality is as good—or better—than what you have come to expect from Bridge City over the past 33 years.
Three weeks ago we attended a media event in NYC regarding the Chopstick Master v2 and I will share the results of that jaunt as they come in. A couple of fashionistas made chopsticks for their… hair!
Drivel Starved Nation!
This week I head back to China to attend a trade show featuring the Chopstick Master and while I am there we will be developing version 2. I am looking forward to this trip, my fourth to China in the past 12 months. Continue reading
Drivel Starved Nation!
I know it must seem like I croaked, or worse, whatever that means, but here I am spewing a little drivel your way…
I just returned from my annual work retreat and since so many of you wonder about how this works, here is a little insight.
Each year, for the past 15 years or so, I have left the office for two weeks to focus on new ideas, most are new tool ideas.
What I look for in a place to stay is a good chair and work surface and typically a good deal on a hotel. The location is meaningless to me other than it is NOT my work or home office.
Once I arrive I set up my CAD workstation, head to the store for food supplies and then settle in for a brainstorming session with myself. A typical work session starts with a “I wonder what would happen if I tried this…” and then, usually by day two, the muse is in full control. It is, without question, the two most important weeks of the year for me. It is so important that I am actually thinking of doing this every six months.
The first thing that happens is the lack of time consciousness. Since there are no phone calls, no people, and I am disconnected from that pesky little thing we call e-mail, it is amazing what one can do creatively in a few short weeks. There are days where I never leave my accommodations and waking up in the middle of the night happens frequently — it always amazes me as to how the subconscious provides ideas that never materialize while awake.
This year I was able to complete five new products during this retreat, and that is about four more than I will be able to do during the next 50 weeks! That is the drag effect of running a business on the creative mind.
Anyway, this week I am wading through all my neglected emails, which of course is so much fun I can barely contain myself…
One day, I did take about an hour and outline a process as to how I can feed the DSN with copious amounts of drivel and I have some ideas….
Meanwhile, check out this wooden clock from Japan, it writes the time!
-Still Your Tool Potentate
Drivel Starved Nation-
I created this blog as a space where I can act like an idiot, insult our customers, shamelessly plug new product ideas, embarrass my grown children, create mayhem for the staff here, and occasionally share information that is actually interesting. That said, I sadly announce that we have some good news to share. Continue reading
"People ask me what I would most appreciate for my eighty-seventh birthday, I tell them, a paternity suit."— George Burns
Dear Drivel Starved Nation;
I have some really cool news regarding the Chopstick Master but I am going to save it until next week because it might get cooler… Continue reading
"I never run with scissors. Those last two words were unnecessary."— Unknown
Drivel Starved Nation-
John here, your favorite tool Potentate with a little news and some updates.
If you were not aware, we are about ready to enter our 33rd year. This fact explains the letter I received yesterday for “Discount Crematory Services”… If I am truly too stupid to quit Bridge City Tool Works, what makes me smart enough to croak in time for their big sale — what were these people thinking?
Continue reading
"One sees great things from the valley, only small things from the peak." — -G.K. Chesterton
Drivel Starved Nation!
I am pleased to share with you the proof that I have been sitting on my rear doing nothing something else this year other than making chopsticks! Continue reading