I'm a longtime member of this forum and have always enjoyed reading the member spotlights, so I thought I'd finally introduce myself properly. I'm a mechanical engineer by training, but I've spent the last fifteen years running a small business that designs and manufactures specialized tooling for the aerospace industry. I joined this community years ago to learn more about lean manufacturing and supply chain management, and I've gained so much from the discussions here. Outside of work, I'm an avid woodworker and volunteer with a local organization that teaches basic carpentry skills to high school students. I'm happy to answer any questions about my professional journey or my hobby shop.
Welcome aboard! Your blend of aerospace tooling experience and hands-on woodworking sounds awesome. What kind of components do you design for test rigs—are they precision fixtures or more modular jigs?
Great to have another lean manufacturing enthusiast here. Do you have a favorite method (6S, Kanban, SMED) that you’ve found especially effective in a small tooling shop? Any quick tip for someone starting to implement it?
Your volunteer carpentry program sounds inspiring. What kinds of projects do you work on with the high school students, and how do you keep safety and learning balanced in a workshop setting?
If you’re into sharing, it would be fun to see a project highlight—photos, sketches, or a short case study from your aerospace tooling work. Also, do you use any particular CAD/CAM tools for your designs?
Awesome intro. Maybe we could start a small thread where members post their favorite hobby shop setups—dust collection, storage ideas, or jigs. Happy to kick it off if you’re interested.