The Most Amazing Dust Collector I have Ever Heard…

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

A Treasure Trove of Bridge City Tools Headed for Auction…

Drivel Starved Nation!

A long, long time ago, in a woodshop far away, I started Bridge City Tool Works. 1983 to be exact. Continue reading

The Most Amazing Hand-Held Router I Have EVER Seen…

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.

IMG_2202

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.

Continue reading

Chopstick Master Version 2 with a Really Fun Twist….

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!

Chopstick Hair 1

Continue reading

Inspiration is Everywhere…

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

 

 

 

Chopstick Master from Bridge City Wins Major Award in China…

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

Something Groovy from Bridge City Tool Works…

"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

Tool News and Updates from Bridge City Tool Works

"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

Two Cool New Tools from Bridge City Tool Works

"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

The Chopstick Olympics and Other Cool News…

“Though I can and sometimes do use chopsticks, I much prefer using my hands to pee.” — Jarod Kintz

Drivel Starved Nation!

I am back from my third trip to Asia in the last six months and this was the best trip yet  — I have lots of news to share.

I stopped by the factory producing the Chopstick Master and watched as the very first units were being boxed. This was so cool to see. Production right now is constrained to 1,000 units per month, but will dramatically increase at the first of the year.  Here’s a pic; Continue reading