Moderator Art Posted November 12, 2011 Moderator Report Posted November 12, 2011 (edited) Ferg, Just because there is a high probability that you might not be around to see completion of an order from Bob, doesn't mean that the rest of us should not partake of his capabilities. You don't think he should be making tools he can't deliver in a reasonable time? Everyone in THIS country has the right to make and produce their own level of quality product at a rate that THEY desire, unencumbered by the opinions of others who have nothing to contribute other than a whole lot of time and keystrokes, signifying nothing. Art Please understand, all of you, I am not degrading Bob Beard or his work. I am simply saying that I don't think you should be making tools you cannot ship in a reasonable time. Several months doesn't normally bother me with stamping tools but come on, over a year? Don't get it. That is just coming from an old man that has been in business for over 60 years. ferg Edited November 13, 2011 by Johanna snipped one line out. Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Contributing Member Ferg Posted November 12, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted November 12, 2011 Art, Coming from a very belligerent ,arrogant individual as yourself I chose to ignore your almighty references to my abilities or anything else. Who the hell do you think you are? The forum is for stating information and opinions I have mine and you have yours, don't look down your nose at me it doesn't wash very good. ferg Quote
Members Chef niloc Posted November 12, 2011 Author Members Report Posted November 12, 2011 Ok no fighting! I do t want a mod to delete my thread till I get my tools (: Quote
Contributing Member Ferg Posted November 12, 2011 Contributing Member Report Posted November 12, 2011 You got it!!!! LOL ferg Ok no fighting! I do t want a mod to delete my thread till I get my tools (: Quote
Members rickeyfro Posted November 12, 2011 Members Report Posted November 12, 2011 (edited) How bout Art? He's a moderator isnt he Ok no fighting! I do t want a mod to delete my thread till I get my tools (: Edited November 12, 2011 by rickeyfro Quote
Members Chef niloc Posted November 12, 2011 Author Members Report Posted November 12, 2011 Good point Quote
Members Blake Posted November 13, 2011 Members Report Posted November 13, 2011 For what it is worth, Bob Beard caters to a small niche market. He doesn't mass produce tools for people that mass produce product. He is a craftsman that produces for craftsman that understand the quality and uniqueness of his tools just as their clients understand and appreciate the quality and uniqueness of their products. One man can only produce so much product in a given time period and his products are well respected and sought after so most reasonable people can understand the wait and are willing to get in line on his list. I have been a customer of Bobs for many years and have never been disappointed with any of his products and they have always been worth the wait. This subject has come up before and people complained about his waiting list so a couple of years back I posted a list of his tools that were acquired from a Saddle Makers estate. Most were in like new condition and others showed wear only on the bluing. I priced these anywhere from 75% to 50% of Bobs prices and I actually still have some of them but those that were purchased were bought by craftsman that make a living with his product. So who are the serious buyers? I think most everyone would like the high quality tools at a Tandy price and have them instantly materialize in their tool rack but this is real life. There are other options such as Barry King who also makes an excellent product but he is automated to a degree and has employees which at times can distract from the quality. I like Barry s tools a lot and order from him too but will say that I have had to touch up the faces on new tools from him . Not often but just once in a while and its no big deal because if it was something major Barry would immediately make it right. The bottom line is that people are on the waiting list for a reason and that in itself is the reason for the waiting list. So simply get on the list, look for used tools or just pass. Those are pretty much your options with Bobs tools. My $ .02 worth. Kind Regards Blake Quote
HARVEY Posted November 13, 2011 Report Posted November 13, 2011 The BEST bevelers and my best basket stamp come from Bob. I use them over and over and over again, and I know if anything did happen to any of them, Bob stands right behind them. I waited, too. I have been to Bob's place in Farmington and see exactly how he operates; meticulously, hand-crafted, his own high standard of inspection. And his blueing process requires time; he doesn't make his tools by putting them in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes. Plus, Bob is all over the place, teaching, judging, always available to help. The quality of Bob's tools reflect who Bob is. I value the man more than his tools. Harvey Lutske Los Angeles Quote
Moderator Johanna Posted November 13, 2011 Moderator Report Posted November 13, 2011 Bob is honest about his wait times, and if you want the very best tools money can buy, you wait. If Bob didn't have loyal customers, he wouldn't be in business, but obviously people are willing to wait. If you don't want to wait, there are plenty of non-custom tools you can buy off the rack. Johanna Quote You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. - Mark Twain
Members Ken Nelson Posted November 13, 2011 Members Report Posted November 13, 2011 There are some toolmakers out there that have a pretty quick turn around that still make a good tool. It may not be quite up to Bob's tools (reputation wise) but they are good none the less. They make good stuff and some of them will be in the class of a few of the masters if given enough time. Some of them are quite reasonable on prices and are way better than mass produced tools. I got a couple of thumb prints from Clay Miller last week. Best bang for my buck in quite a while. He is knowledgeable and will work with you to get you the tool you need. I expected a good, nice tool but was pleasantly surprised by how good and Nice they are. If we don't give these new guys a chance, we will not have custom handmade tools in a few years. There is room for newcomers if they want to make good stuff. My 2 cents worth. Ken Quote
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