Read Instructions; is it a guy thing?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/read-instructions-guy-thing-david-eldredge/


Jacqueline Noel Schmitt grew up working in her family's machine shop from age three sweeping up metal shavings. At age 19 she went out on her own repairing sophisticated CNC and other assembly line equipment. In June 1998 Eldredge Lifescience was shut down for 3 days because of power-failure detection module on their Bombard 5-Axis VMC.


Eldredge was loosing $250K each day in the production of titanium medical plates after 2 other service companies authorized to service Bombard failed to make the repair. Sarah Sommon who worked for Eldredge told Schmitt of the disaster taking place. Schmitt came in spent less than 5 minutes at the machine. It was up and running in perfect order.


Schmitt submitted her invoice for $5,000. Surprised, Eldredge gasped. 5 minutes and a $5K invoice? Why? On the invoice Schmitt pointed out to Eldredge: $85.23 for a replaceable thermal protector and $4,914.77 for knowing where this particular thermal protector is hidden.


If you were Eldredge how would you feel? Ripped off or grateful someone with more experience knew the solution and got your factory back on your feet?


Eldredge had blown off the manufacturer's training video and misplaced the trouble shooting guide and completely ignored the maintenance schedule.


Eldredge turned away every sales person who tried calling on them. He was sure his team of experienced operators knew CNC machines, their coolants, maintenance and would have no issues. He put faith in the authorized service companies who likewise knew CNC equipment. Bombard 5-Axis VMC has a low tolerance to higher temperatures. Bombard specified Tech Cool 35052 series coolants.


Always observant, Jacqueline learned important lessens from her mother. Each and every new machine they purchased, her mother read and reread the instructions, read and reread maintenance schedules, all service bulletins and followed this guidance religiously. Her mother also welcomed all coolant sales people, machine sales people and kept abreast of their latest technology. Their knowledge was free for the offering and was never a waste of her time, plus the good times and benefit of going out to lunch and dinners. Growing up, their machining company almost never had a day of lost production due to machine failure. They also always put all coolants to the test that claimed better performance and better tool life.


Today, Eldredge Lifescience uses Tech Cool 35052 and Tech Cool 35052CF coolant at the advice of Jacqueline Schmitt. Eldredge is now convinced she knows her stuff and has no hard feelings towards her $5,000 invoice.


An added side note: Boeing also uses Tech Cool 35052CF exclusively. Boeing proved they doubled their tool life on their titanium production lines. Likewise Eldredge Lifescience is making the same observations. (Brian Hovik from Boeing is ultimately responsible for the development of Tech Cool 35052 who demanded a better quality coolant from competing coolant manufacturers.)


The story of above is merely an allegory. The principles in the story though are true principles; The last part about Brian Hovik, Boeing, and Tech Cool are true and real!