Jim Reed

Re: Jim Reed

James Watriss

>I don't know the man personally, and I don't know much about his plane irons, but I can always use good blades. Based on the massive number of responses so far, Jim sounds like a really good guy.

Everyone I've ever loaned money to or given money to always ends up feeling awkward about it in the end, and being on the receiving end of such a thing never really sits right with a lot of the people I know. Noone likes owing anyone anything.

Still... if revenue is the main issue, Jim just needs business. What sorts of plane blades does he make? What's the price range? What kind of steel? I'm perfectly happy to pay up front for a blade, knowing that there's a lead time involved. That way noone's borrowing or begging, but Jim still has the revenue up front to help recover while he waits for a return or reimbursement on the missing shipment.

Re: Jim Reed

Bob Hackett

>Let me know where to send it Todder.

MB

Update

Jim Reed @ Tallahassee

>Thanks for the concern. The community support here is overwhelming. Here is an update:

1)I have a day job to support these activities, so the family is eating well; 2)Blade shipment is still missing, but the treater has not given up;3)I have some leads on a new processor and will order steel this week for some test batches;4)Customers have been understanding; 5)Select new supplier, test, & fire for effect is on a 90 day plan, so new blades should be rolling out sometime in September. Thanks to all for your concern and messages of support.

Well James,

Todd O. Cronkhite Maine Native in FL. Exile :~(

>James,

You make very valid points no doubt. I have been on both ends of the situation myself tho perhaps a bit inadvertently. I once sent a Ponder, (back in the days of Badger Pond)a #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 completely out of the blue, and well, I guess I put him in an awkward position, tho it wasn't my intent. I also have been given "little gifts" that at first made me feel awkward, but once it is realized that these gifts came straight from the Heart of the Giver than it's alright. I have given to this Merry Band and I have recieved from this Merry Band, and when it comes right down to brass tacks I think that is what it is all about.

Jim is a small business man just trying to get off the ground, we all understand this, we all can appreciate this, because I'm sure that there isn't a one of us that at one time or another dreamed of operating our own business, and for most of us that's as far as it gets. So, when one of our own gets side-swiped I have no problems with doing whatever I can to help him/her thru. There is no doubt in my mind that Jim will recover these losses from the responsible parties and that any and all "loaned" money would be returned or applied to a purchase. I'd love to place an actual order for some 45 blades with Jim, but truth be told I can't afford too, but I can spot him a 20 easily enough, and I'm sure that many others in the same position would do likewise as Bob has already stated.

I don't feel that there is any shame when in time of Crisis we need to turn to our friends and say "Hey, I need a hand", especially when the circumstances that caused this crisis is not of our own making. Just hate to see Jim lose his little enterprise due to reasons beyond his control is all. Sure, as he has said himself, it dosen't pay his bills, or put food on his table, but it is something that he enjoys, and I'm sure it's a Dream turned Reality, so I am more than willing to help any way I can.

Jim, you'll let us know if and what you need to get you past this rough spot right? No need to lose your business, besides, one day I just might be able to afford to place an order with you and it would be a shame for you not to be there. ;~)

Todd O.