Time was when potentially dangerous woodworking machinery was invariably supplied to the timber-using trades accompanied by nothing more (if you were lucky) than an instruction book.
And yet then, as now, the equipment could be lethal in the wrong hands. In my early days in the woodworking machine supply industry the prospect of shaking hands at the conclusion of a deal with a buyer who turned out to have only two or three fingers was not uncommon and yet no-one seemed to worry unduly!
What a different world it was. But on reflection when compared with today’s ‘nanny state’, were we not more responsible for our actions and generally more self-reliant? Now everything is somebody else’s fault; for every accident there has to be a culprit, and we sue for tripping over a paving slab. Indeed, is there such a thing as an accident any more?
At least in earlier days machine operatives were generally highly trained, very experienced, or frequently both. Wood machinists took a pride in their skills which is often missing today. Trained operators now seem harder to find and college courses are no longer well attended as the interests of school leavers turn towards alternative areas of employment.
Accordingly, distributors and manufacturers of woodworking machinery have been forced to raise their game. In this enlightened age customers expect machinery and equipment with which they earn their profits to be delivered, offloaded, positioned, installed and commissioned. Operator training, warranty and assistance with risk assessments are required and advice often given regarding workshop layouts and financial options… all coupled with a service/aftercare package!
It is not easy running a business today, whether in timber/construction or any other industry. We all have our problems but I sometimes wonder how life as a woodworking machinery supplier would compare on the other side of the world and I wonder what my Dad would think if he were here now!
