Re: Holy Swiss sharpening jig
Lyn J. Mangiameli
>Gee Ernie,
Lets me take this point by point.
"... but is it really right for you to abuse Rob by inlisting every one to try and make changes befor he is into production?"
How is it "abuse" to inform others of a design or configuration limitation and encourage them to express their own comments on their own needs and preferences. It brings the matter up for discussion, which can confirm the importance of my concerns, or completly reject them. I don't see how this is bad or abusive. As for the timing, what better time to have woodworkers be able to express their desires and needs than before production and before the initial purchases are made. For myself, I'd much rather refine a report or article or product before it sees the light of day than afterwards.
"you get somthing better and emediantly use politics to extract more?"
I don't think I'd apply the word politics, but sure I want more, for the very reasons I've explicated. If others agree, then that is useful information to a designer and manufacturer. Everyday folks "vote" on such matters with their purchasing decisions of completed products. I think it better to bring the feedback in earlier than later, before purchases are made.
"If we want it and it can be made reasonable he will do so in his one time frame."
Reasonable is an individual and social construct as well as an economic one (is is reasonable to spend $300 on a hand plane, $3000?). You ascribe to Rob an omniscience I don't share. All manufacturers benefit from thoughtful feedback from multiple sources, and again, the earlier in the design cycle the better. This was the earliest I felt I could legally and ethically raise these issues for others to comment on.
"then he will ship the additional parts out to us for a reasonable charge."
Most of us feel that Rob and his Dad have an outstanding track record in responding, if not anticipating, our needs. No one has a greater appreciation for that than I do, and I doubt many have a greater understanding of how that is accomplished than I do. I also understand that designers and developers can become somewhat overly attached to their own vision and that sometimes it takes a significant input to broaden their perspective. If you all say what I propose is meaningful to you too, and will affect your purchase decision, then that makes it clear my complaints are not unique. If on the other hand, you all say it is no big deal, then it discredits my input and that is good information for the manufacturer too. But to just assume the right thing will be done, is IMO, rather naive.
"You are totaly abusing you privaliges"
And what priviledges are those, might I ask? To inform group members of product characteristics? To inform others of limitations I find in a product? To inform others of my experiences with a tool? To suggest to others they express their opinion about their desires and needs and expectations about a tool?
Ernie, I think the world of Rob. I considered him one of a handful of my personal friends, even though I have never met him in person (and probably never will). But irrespective of any friendship, though often made easier when it exists, I never pull any punches, or sugar coat any considered assessments be they with regards to my hobbies or my profession. And I am the content with the same from my peers.