Thursday, September 10, 2009

Working Together





As Tom's new venture is taking shape, we are finding various opportunities to work together to help "Pa."


A peek in the shop:


1. Gauge Pins to Measure Hole Sizes

2. Tom at the Control of the Lathe

3. Completed Race Industry Product

4. Happy Helpers in Safety Glasses

5. TruTech Invoice Packed with Parts



This job required long hours and Tom had been burning the candle at both ends. He had already worked a couple of 24 hour shifts, with just a few naps here and there, and he really needed a rest. So, for the first time ever, I volunteered to machine parts as well! I was really happy when Tom trusted me to help him, but as the reality of what I had volunteered for sunk in, I got nervous!

After the many hours~ days really~ that Tom had put into making these after market drain plugs, I was loading and running the final operation (see the holes in picture 3?). There weren't enough extra parts to cover more than 3 mistakes, out of a total of 200 parts (with six holes in each; in other words six chances to mess up on each one). And we were rushing because we needed to deliver the parts the next morning.

So in short, I had to work fast~ double my timed set up speed; run parts virtually mistake free and work unattended as I made my machining debut.

Good thing the Lord hears the prayers of a very ill-equipped wife.

In the end, I mis-drilled one hole~ well within my "scrap" limit. That was clearly God's grace and help. Thank you Lord!

And boy, was I happy to be demoted to the job of part washer when Tom was ready to work again. Once the parts were washed and air dried, our shipping department (a couple of cute girls we know) packaged them individually to prevent scratching while I typed up the invoice in QuickBooks.

Oh and by the way, the customer called. He's happy with them and may want to order more soon... hooray! God is good.



Blessings today,




__________________

A machinist is to metal as a carpenter is to wood. As a machinist Tom has created satellite, medical, semiconductor, industrial, military and other components. And now we get to help!

8 comments:

  1. What an exciting time for your family, and what a grand example of being a help meet to your husband!!

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  2. Beautiful!!! Nothing better than the opportunity for a family to work together. :)
    Blessings, Saminda xo

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  3. Hole-y drain parts, Batman! Way to go Team Jones!

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  4. Thank you friends. : )

    Wasn't God gracious? I still can't believe how smoothly it went.

    He is so good!

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  5. God is gracious and good. What a testimony of His faithfulness! Love that you are willing to share it transparently with others.

    Blessings,

    The Wintons

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  6. Amen Lisa!

    It reminds me of one of my favorite verses:

    GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. {Psalms 46:1}

    How often we are stretched as helpmeets~ to go into territory unknown.

    I know I am in good company here.

    Blessings.

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  7. This post reminds me of my dad, who has worked in a machine shop as long as I can remember. You were a good help meet to your husband!

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  8. Thanks Amy. : )

    Hope you have a great day!

    Blessings.

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