‘Smart’ tools?
I guess it was only a matter of time. Toolmakers are developing smartphone apps that can communicate with their tools to alter settings, like the speed of a drill or…
I guess it was only a matter of time. Toolmakers are developing smartphone apps that can communicate with their tools to alter settings, like the speed of a drill or the movement of an orbiting sanding pad.
To me, this might make sense if you are using a big stationary machine like a CNC router. In that case, you would have the workpiece clamped down and the machine would be doing its thing while you stand by and wait for a process to finish. Maybe it saves you from having to run back to the office computer to make a minor cutter speed adjustment.
But for a hand-held tool like a drill/driver or pad sander. Do we really need an app for this? A dial on the tool itself is no longer sufficient?
OK, it might be high-tech cool, but I’m not convinced that I need it.
D.D.
David DeCristoforo possesses an extensive resume as designer/maker of fine furniture, high-end cabinetry and architectural woodwork. His experience in professional woodworking spans a period of 35 years. For the past 20 years David DeCristoforo Design has been located in Woodland, California. During this time David's shop has ranged in scope from a "full on" cabinet production shop with as many as 15 employees to a small fine furniture and custom millwork shop, working with his son, David RBJ, a highly skilled maker in his own right.