cooljimmyd

The Instrument Makers Shop

Through a sequence of almost invisible gestures
I have garnered a measure of respect
at the instrument makers shop.

I take 4 times as long as anyone else
in setting up the workpeice
dimensioning to an order of magnitude more precise than is required
(when possible.)

I wipe and oil the bench tools before and after use
and replace the chucks, collets and bits in order
often reordering others careless leavings.

For 8 months or so my coworkers teased me
about being too careful and everyone commented
that I seemed to take too long with things.

I never drove a cutting edge
into the vice or clamping table.

I never left shavings on the floor
or in the gears of the mill and lathe.

In two years time I broke a single bit.

Now, the instrument maker never looks over my shoulder.
I have access without asking to the better tools (the best are reserved
for him and I do not presume their use is my right
yet.)

And my clients frequently give me work saying
I held this piece back for you
because it is important that it be done accurately.

Acknowledgement was unspoken,
people just started treating me differently
in exactly the opposite manner
to what occurred
when I was drinking.