Consulting Woodworker

I have been working with clients applying Lean Manufacturing techniques to woodworking shops. Even custom shops can realize productivity, process control and profit advantages through applying lean techniques and adapting a culture of constant change and improvement.

Lean is not complicated and does not require a lot of classroom training. Lean is simply asking "how can we do this better?" every day, on every job.

Adding a CNC machine to an existing business is a daunting task. Are you utilizing it to the best advantage? Are you getting the most of your tooling? From your programming software?

A CNC can and should become the central hub of your shop floor. With nearly 20 years experience as a CNC operator and instructor, I can help you recover your investment more quickly.

We contracted Ralph to help us with our shop's transition to a CNC environment.  We purchased an old machine that was non brand name and had a personality of its own.  Ralph has not only helped us to set the machine up but has also been a huge help in ongoing training, coaching and problem solving.  We would not have survived this transition without him.- Micheal Vogt, California Closets Nashville

Buying new equipment for your shop is a big decision. You need to get the right equipment without buying a lot of bells and whistles that you'll never use. As a former equipment salesman, I can help you research the right equipment and show you how it will work within your shop to help begin realizing a return on your investment. I spend many hours a month keeping track of what is available in the marketplace, so that you can spend your time keeping track of your business.

I began my woodworking career as a Jig and Fixture maker. Properly designed jigs and fixtures increase safety, allow less skilled workers to perform more skilled tasks, and improve quality and accuracy. Often, designing a site built jig or fixture can eliminate the need for buying new equipment. I can help your staff to design and build needed jigs and fixtures and teach them the concepts of successful design so they can build their own in the future.

The advantage of smaller businesses is the abiltiy to quickly and efficiently "shift gears" to meet a new need. If you are looking to produce a new product outside your normal envelope, I can help. I'll research the product line, specify equipment and materials, learn the processes if needed, and help you set up a new manufacturing line or adapt an existing one to get you up and running in as little time as posssible.