Offer I could not refuse

R.W.Clark

R.W.Clark

Joined
Apr 30, 2001
Messages
1,742
I have a long standing customer who I do a LARGE volume of work for. He called me with a new project that he wanted me to do the prototype work on. I had to turn down the job because it was almost all lathe work and I don't have a lathe :(.

So what was his response. He is getting me a fully tooled nearly new Clausing Lathe with brand new Newall DROs. :eek: All I have to do is drive about 400 miles to pick it up. And get this, I am still going to get paid to do the job. :cool:

I know whos being added to my Christmas card list.
 
R.W.Clark said:
I have a long standing customer who I do a LARGE volume of work for. He called me with a new project that he wanted me to do the prototype work on. I had to turn down the job because it was almost all lathe work and I don't have a lathe :(.

So what was his response. He is getting me a fully tooled nearly new Clausing Lathe with brand new Newall DROs. :eek: All I have to do is drive about 400 miles to pick it up. And get this, I am still going to get paid to do the job. :cool:

I know whos being added to my Christmas card list.
Click to expand...

Cool you can't beat that with a rubber stick... get Hallmarks too :D
 
It looks like your customer appreciates your work.
Even if he is just lending you the lathe, it's a big statement of his confidence in your work.
You going to find time to make any of your own knives?
I've seen some of your knives, and your work is exemplary.

Howie
 
You have to love customers like that. Do the best you can and you make $$$$ on repeat business. A credit to your work. Have fun and enjoy the freebe.
 
That's too cool. But I have to know, are you familiar with running a lathe? Will all the proper tooling be included? Even if it's not and you haven't, that's an awesome situation. I'm just curious.

Congrats.

John
 
R W, Congratulations! Hey, keep us informed as to what you are doing, if you can. Good fortunte to you, you certainly deserve it.
 
This guy is my number one volume customer, About 75% of my weekly time is spent of his stuff. I have been doing his stuff for about 7 months now.

You going to find time to make any of your own knives?
Click to expand...

Thats why you don't see very many customs out of me lately. Between prototyping, Mid-Teching, Sheathwork, Auto-Conversions ect. My customs have been set by the way side for the most part.

are you familiar with running a lathe
Click to expand...

I know the theory but not the practice. One of my shop helpers can run them like nothing so once again the teacher becomes the student.

Will all the proper tooling be included
Click to expand...

It is fully tooled as far as chucks and the like. But no cutters. So I will be looking at a several hundred dollars for some basic indexable pieces. But the job he wants me to use it on is for a very large number of knives, so the payoff is worth it. Also, it currently does not have the DRO. He will be buying that and having it installed for me once I get it moved down to my shop. (the DRO alone is close to $3k :eek: )
 
That is too awsome!! Can you describe what will be the lathing portion of the knife? I cant picture it in my head?? Do you also have a milling machine?

That customer is paying you one BIG complement my friend :D
 
Now THAT is a LOYAL customer. You have obviously done right by him. Good work man. I hope I can make my customers as happy with my work. (When the time comes)
 
I can't go into very much detail, but the knife is a folder with lots of lathed internal parts.

He is very loyal and a all around fantastic guy. I showed him a balisong prototype I had made not too long ago. He asked if I had plans to Mid-Tech it. When I said yes, he said he would take 300 of them cash up front. I had to find a place to sit really quickly.

Yes, I have a mill. Its a Jet version of a Baby Bridgeport. Great machine. I also have a fully loaded Sherline with DROs, but its too small for the volume of work I do so I am in the process of selling it.
 
Congrats! As already said, a testament to your character and skill.

Hmm... I never thought of asking for money AND tools when I sell a knife!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top