Things that are made better than they have to be

[Nathanrtaylor]

This is Mr. Taylor's thread, so the thanks go to him.

As a drummer, I'd say that anything made by Ronn Dunnett is of a higher quality than it really needs to be. He pioneeered the use of titanium as a shell material (cryogenically frozen ti at that!). His drums are all handmade. He has reintroduced the George Way Drum Co. His shells can be found on the signature snare from the Stanton Moore Drum Co. His hardware designs are licensed and sold by larger companies. DW and Ludwig (among others) have worked with him. He's been working on a new bass drum pedal, which I am eager to try out once it is released. Artists endorsing other brands pay their own money to use his gear. The only thing that isn't really up to snuff is his website, which he is working on.

dunnett classic drums

I'm really curious what cryogenically frozen titanium is. Also, what it does. Is it something like the banjo rims made from wood that has been submerged in the great lakes for 100 years?

[Nathanrtaylor]

I am curious how the Feits will wear. They're doing interesting things, but sneakers is sneakers, and sometimes the construction can be better than the materials. (Note: I am pursuing yet another manufacturing project to start making vulcanized rubber / canvas shoes in the USA again)

All true. These are the first sneakers I will look into resoling if/when they start to wear. Hopefully the uppers hold together as long as the rebuildable parts. Good luck with the manufacturing project!

[chasea]

I'm really curious what cryogenically frozen titanium is. Also, what it does.

From Dunnett.com:
In March 2000 I became the first and so far only company to offer cryogenic processing of drum shells. The cryogenic treatment used is a proprietary process that involves computer controlled temperature reduction via slow diffusion of liquid nitrogen into a vacuum sealed chamber over a period of several hours. Once at the desired temperature of -328 below zero, the bottom temperature is maintained for periods up to thirty six hours before a 12 hour reverse cycle begins. The entire cycle takes about three days.

Deep cryogenic tempering can significantly extend the performance, integrity and productive life of metal drum shells, hoops and snare wires. Deep cryogenic temperatures are required to effect a complete molecular change in most alloy steels, converting retained austenite into martensite (a more refined grain structure, which is more uniform than austenite ). Cryogenic tempering transforms the micro structure into a more uniform structure that is more durable, stronger, longer lasting, and more dimensionally stable. The results of cryogenic treatment are not visually detectable without the aid of an electron microscope. Changes in material structure take place at the molecular level when subjected to long periods of deep cryogenic temperatures of -328 degrees below zero. Cryogenic tempering completely de-stresses the shell and the weld is essentially negated, rendering the drum virtually seamless. Applied to other drum components, cryogenic tempering substantially increases strength of standard triple flange hoops and the life of snare wires.

Looks like this:
products | titanium | dunnett classic drums

Is it something like the banjo rims made from wood that has been submerged in the great lakes for 100 years?

DW did a line of made from 600-year old birch from the bottom of Lake Superior.

[SeanEasley]

A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.

[R.Liverman]

A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.

I'm afraid that's changing sir. I can show you plenty of poorly manufactured Japanese goods, starting with the desk I'm sitting at in my uninsulated office building. But in the spirit of this thread may I add just about anything Japanese that involves cutting. Wood working chisels, knives, you name it.

[billrick]

A grand Seiko...or pretty much most things made in Japan for that matter.

Zojirushi rice cookers . . .

Fuzzy logic. Retractable power cord. And they didn't have to make it play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" when you turn it on, but they did.

Hooray for Japan!

[BestDeathEver]

Kawasaki does a great job over-building their motorcycle engines. Even down to their base models, the engines are virtually bullet proof. Far more so than just about any other manufacturer.

[R.Liverman]

Reckon I was just being grumpy. May I add Leica cameras to this list. The M3 to be exact. Made from the mid 50s to late 60s and still going strong.

I believe CWC watches to be pretty darn stout and affordable too.

[dhoff]

Since you originally posted this, TT, I have developed somewhat of a saddleback leather habit. First I bought this:

Utility Duffel - Leather Duffle Bag | Saddleback Leather Co., then after taking it to and from eurpoe a couple of times, across the US a couple of times and a whole lot more, I figured I had proved its durability and bought more. I have a package from them on its way now, a new briefcase. On one occasion I recommended a modification to one of their products and they have come out with it.

The staff asks about my dog.

Saddleback is a class act.

I ordered yet another item from Saddleback Leather company. The guy makes his goods too well. Honestly, no compromise construction and he donates proceeds to worthy causes. Too good. Thanks Chase, great thread.

Saddleback Leather Co. : Leather Bags, Leather Briefcases, & Luggage

Wallet Simple Carbon Black (WA-SI-CB)
quantity: 1
total price: $12.00

[Too Tall]

Thanks Hoff. I can't break my wallet and it might last too long. Such troubles I have.

[t-hoe]

Marmoleum.

My Good Wear Leather Jacket, Filson Double Mack, Wesco/Danner work boots. Those will probably be in my will.
I've worn out a few Carhartt jackets, but for the price they are hard to beat...pun intended.

[ericpmoss]

Someday, maybe: Olympia Express - Products

[Too Tall]

Our entire addition concrete floor is covered in a burnt orange closer to red Marmoleum. Friggin' awesome stuff.

Marmoleum.

My Good Wear Leather Jacket, Filson Double Mack, Wesco/Danner work boots. Those will probably be in my will.
I've worn out a few Carhartt jackets, but for the price they are hard to beat...pun intended.

[rowdyhillrambler]

Toyota trucks that had a timing chain, not the newer belted ones.
Estwing hammers, for the money, if you don't lose it, hammer for life.
Danner Mt. Lights

[wwsunn]

Ibex wool shirts. I have a few of them, wear them a lot and they all still look and feel brand new. I have 1 mid-weight Ibex t-neck that I pretty much commute in every day all winter, hardly ever wash, and it is still perfect. Ibex shirts are really worth the price. Plus they feel great!

Haflinger felted wool clogs. I'm not sure I could survive winter anymore without Haflinger wool clogs. Now I only WISH they would survive more than a winter or two. And be damn sure to keep these away from the Labrador!

[Bruce Day]

we could hardly move portage over terrain not suitable for mountain goats and keep going no matter how much it hurt. I was 12 the first year and there I learned about how far I could go beyond what I thought my limits were.

This is the foundation of every double century, every tough climb 100 miles from home, every time I ride through the night, this going beyond what I think I can do.

Thanks for the Duluth Pack and to TT for the reminder

Yes and yes.

From a 69 year old man who still climbs, bikes 100, takes Philmont treks every two years. I have three sons, all successful, all climb, two bike, one Iron Mans, one ultramarathons. Push yourself and don't get fat.

[aingeru]

being a watchmaker, I'll have to agree about the grand seiko...

[Gattonero]

...

What else is made so much better than it has to be that you almost feel guilty about it?

a Pegoretti, and my mum's cooking.

[rowdyhillrambler]

These were made in Japan, I took the photo about a minute ago at lowes. Mine is the blue one, 680k and I would and do drive it anywhere.. I have a newer one, I never drive it.. Shit in comparison
image.jpg

[dhoff]

Yes and yes.

From a 69 year old man who still climbs, bikes 100, takes Philmont treks every two years. I have three sons, all successful, all climb, two bike, one Iron Mans, one ultramarathons. Push yourself and don't get fat.

Damn, I missed that, "don't get fat" part. Perhaps I can still get un-fat.