[techhelpbb]

It is always nice to be able to 'close the loop' on a manufacturing process.

Whether that is accomplished by handing off a project for review and manufacture to that department and have an excellent feedback process in place or by going down and getting your hands into the process is generally a question of the situation.

I like having my own tools, even if they are not quite on the scale of what I would want to turn production on. Then if there are some particular sensitive pieces with unusual fit or finish needs I can focus on that while production of the remainder moves forward.

Ideally you want to design things so that they can be mass produced without resorting to precision fitting but when you reach the physical limitations of the materials or situation involved sometimes you just have to make do.

Plus if I get an idea at 3AM I can crank up the tools and explore.