Happy days!! A lot of development has occurred in the past few business days. I found out that the rebuild kits for the rams will not be in for another week or so. They are full gasket rebuild kits for each ram, not just an o-ring replacement. I also spoke with Ray and Ernie at Maynard Machine Tool about the designs of my knives. At first, I was told they would not work, however...after a rather lengthy conversation with Ernie, the designer, he finally understood where I am going with this back knife design. He told me I was thinking "outside the box" and not in a traditional sense, but I may be on to something. They have just never done it that way. We'll see. I hope it works, because then I'll be on to something :) I did run several test runs with the "Ernie" gouge in the machine and I must say, it cuts pretty darn clean. Video posted below.

I'm still doing a lot of cleaning to the machine. Three grocery bags of old oily sawdust have come off the machine so far. There is sawdust and chips in places I would've never thought possible. I've also found that the hydraulic pump does not like cold weather. Much like me, it is going to have to be kept warm to start up and function correctly. It makes me wonder how these units functioned in the cold of the north and northeast of the U.S. I know a hydraulic oil change is in the future. I'm just putting it off until I fix the rams.

I didn't get to pick up the tool this past weekend. The gentleman had to work. We are going to try again this coming weekend. With everything that is going on, I have much to give thanks for this thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to spending some time with family and friends. I miss talking with one friend in particular. You know who you are.

'til later,
Frank

Good morning everyone! I'm working toward getting everything back on track. I've been home about 2 weeks now and my days have been very full, having to tend to some matters that needed tending to along with continuing forward motion with Louisiana Backbeat. I've put in some time at Scott's Drum Center to help them out there and bring in some nuts to squirrel away for winter. I always enjoy working there to help out people with their drumming needs. I've also played several gigs since I've been back and had a ton of fun with the fellas playing jazz, funk and blues.

My trip to New England was very fruitful and exciting. It brought some new energy into the drumstick endeavor. Meeting my new friend Jeff was definitely a high point. The man knows a lot about making sticks. We spent a lot of time talking about the steps and processes of what goes into stick making. The visit to the machine shop was very positive as well. I found out I need to get my order in soon for knives since they have sold the business and "the man" that has been making everything may not be going to the new company. Crunch Time!!

While having the ram out of the tail block, I decided to pull the tail spindle and check it. It had a lot of excessive grease which could potentially cause bearing failure down the line, so I cleaned up the excess and reinstalled. I will eventually need to pull it again and have 2 inches of the tip turned down to accommodate the 3/4" die for turning drumstick stock. At first I was hesitant to turn down the tail spindle because it will weaken it when turning larger stock. I've since come to the realization that this will become a specialized machine and I just need to do what needs to be done.

I'm getting close but still have a bit of tweaking to do for better gouge performance. I believe I need a smaller wheel to get the scoop in the gouge tip. The wheel I'm using works great for the flatter face but not so good for the actual gouge section. I will also need to invest in a diamond shaper to shape my wheels as I was told. That's coming very soon and I'll probably look for those components this weekend.

There's a lot more happening behind the scenes and I'll let ya know what's happening as it happens. I'm going to go head over to the shop and get a little done before lessons this afternoon. I've got a busy weekend coming up. A full day in the shop tomorrow and a double header gig scenario friday night. Saturday brings a short trip to pick up another machine for the shop. Exciting times with forward movement. Thanks everyone for keeping up with this endeavor.

'til later,
Frank

I made it back to Louisiana from New Hampshire. I learned a lot and met all good people. The last day I was there I met with John Witt of Goodspeed Machine Co. He's a very knowledgeable man on the Goodspeed, the Coyer and the Intorex Lathes. Learned a bit of history and had some lunch. He gave me some tips on the Goodspeed FH and let me know that Maynard Machine Tool would be sold first of the year, probably by the end of November. That means I have to make some choices and do some 'cipherin' on what model tips to put on sticks. Right now! Also how I can get the most amount of tips out of the least amount of knives and templates.


Those of you that read this, what model tip do you like to use on a stick -acorn, teardrop, ball, oval, barrel- and, briefly, why?

Also, what about either a standard taper with balance and weight or a shorter taper more forward weight?

Even if you just let me know what make/model stick you use.

I have my reasons for using certain stick tips. I'm looking for some input, so drop a comment.

'til later,
Frank