Former Apple engineer here. I'll just mention that you can get the best or worst of anything in China, it's just a matter of what you pay for and how carefully you do your QA.
That's very true. You can get 2 different rc cars from China, for example, and one is going to break in the first crash, while the other is going to take much more abuse. That's why I never buy something without seeing a review first. And the reviewer needs to really put it to test! BTW, I'm from Brazil. Buying things from the US, unfortunately, is not an option... The shipping costs are unreal.
Very true, much like "Made in Japan" went from well-deserved reputation as cheap/trashy to high-quality in a decade (or 2). However, geopolitical struggles, human rights and similar concerns having nothing to do with product quality, are a consideration for some of us. Not preaching and not a purist as I’m also solidly in the Makita (and Apple) eco-system. Call me a hypocrite if you like, but all else being equal (rarely is) I’d rather buy American or a solid allied source.
Interesting video Izzy. The trades definitely need the new innovative products so the housing construction business can keep up with the high demand for new housing. I believe a lot of companies are aware of the innovative people who invent products on YT and then tweek those ideas for a new product.
I deeply appreciate that you paused several times, highlighting the nuances of the overlapping factors at play, and deliberately refused to take the simple (and error filled) road of blaming tool companies for always being evil. Your reasoned and balanced perspective, even on something with a personal aspect for you, models the sort of thinking and behaving that the world needs.
Saw this DeWALT Grabo come out and noticed it was branded “correctly” that it was not just copied but licensed. Glad you made a video about it explaining what occurred as I was curious and your channel was the first place I learned about the Grabo product. I was planning to buy the DeWALT version at some point but that nice case and higher grab capacity…
Agree 100%. For a tool that needs some careful handling the Grabo is one where the blow molded case should not be sent to the back of the store room to be trashed by the next generation.
As I noted above, both units have the same seal area and vacuum pressure so should have the same lifting capability. It is likely that Dewalt reduced the labeled lift rating by 30% as a safety factor. I already have Dewalt tools so don't the batteries. As for a case, everything I have is in the Ridgid Pro Gear cases. I've always hated having every tool in a different sized blow mold case because it makes for very inefficient space usage in the shop or in a location truck.
@@chrisoseI agree in general regarding blow molded cases however I believe that some tools are better suited for blow molded cases, one of them being the grabo or portable bandsaws or even more important to have a proper blow molded cases & products like pullers come to mind as far as blow molded cases being a must as they generally sit in a tool cart or shelf but good points nonetheless hopefully you and yours have a good thanksgiving weekend
Thanks! It’s great to get a balanced perspective in a world that seems so polarized. Too often we get stuck in a rut and forget the mission, to make life better and worth putting effort in. Innovation is a major factor in the successful completion of the mission.
Years ago I designed a product and then the manufacture of one of the components I used stopped by the shop. They asked what was my use and I said same as your largest customer. They then asked who I thought was their #1 customer and I told them. Their next question was how did I know? I replied same as mine because years before it was displayed at a trade show and they appropriated the design.
Izzy, as an inventor, and one that has been stolen from (ex-employees patented invention)you really made my day when you said: 'If that was the only good idea I ever had, I might feel some kind of way about it, but it's not'. . . Inventors, artist, really, can not stop. We solve problems. Every one of my inventions that was copied, the person copying it, never created anything else people liked. The worse feeling though, is when you create something, and your invention doesn't get to the wider market first, and then the people who took it from you, do get to market, and others, accuse you of stealing. That part is very difficult for me. I actually got into woodworking because furniture makers and makers in general seem to share and be more open source about so many things. Folks like you, and John, and Mathias have taken me from fledgling wood butcher to making some pretty cool stuff. Thanks for what you do, I love it. I had to leave that other industry behind.
It's so strange cos it's 100% not the type of video I would ever look for but I actually found it really interesting and enjoyed the way you explained it thanks Izzy
I always appreciate you sharing your experience and insights on how the tool industry works. Definitely could see this type of video quarterly! Still really enjoy you reviewing new tools AND when you show how you've solved problems (process, tool, etc). Glad to see you guys back after all the storm mess!
When you started to talk about visual confidence, I automatically remembered how I chose makita and then I find out you are a makita guy yourself 😆. It wasn't my first choice because of the visuals, but after doing research and giving it a try, I never went back.
As always, a concise, well informed OPINION by a trusted guy in the industry. That has the credentials to offer much much more than an opinion on the subject matter. How this can be construed as click bait, is beyond me.
The rubber on the Dewalt will be getting sticky in 3 to 5 years. The Grabbo will still be fine. I love the feel of the rubber parts, but they always start degrading and ruin the device. I would be willing to bet the companies do it on purpose to make you want to replace it. Thanks Izzy. Always a down to earth explanation of things.
I was a intern for one of the major power tool brands, and now I'm a full time engineer at a different tool mega corp. It is very rare that the comments on the internet get the industry right. From who is making what. Who is stealing what. Even stuff that should be easy to find like who owns what brands. There is a insurmountable amount bad info floating out there If something new comes out. Give it 16 months and any company that wants can have a competing product. Midigate or avoid the patent or shell out for the patent. Another thing I will mention is that while it used to all be China. However since Trumps first trade war companies have moved all over to avoid tariffs. Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, USA. Tho many times these factories are still reliant on China. The supply chain over there is just too strong.
I would also be curious to find out if Grabo also licensed out to other brands, Ryobi, Milwaukee, etc. You get the option to go with the high quality original Grabo if you want, but if I already have the batteries for another system, they also get the users who just don’t want another battery system. Licensing still gives them a piece of the pie. So very smart on their end. Very much like the oscillating saw, you could only find them in doctor’s offices due to the patent. Now they are everywhere. So long as Grabo plays it smart, I think they will do extremely well.
You got me izzy. I was pissed before the vid started, lol. I am very glad that Dewalt is working with Grabo that does make me happy. You have an awesome attitude. Love the shop setup
Viewer Opinion here: EXCELLENT video !!! I learned a lot from watching and listening to you. My admiration for you and the work you do here went through the roof after viewing this. Videos like this one may be rare but it’s a real gem because of your humility, wisdom and common sense. Thanks Pete
Twenty years ago (as we were showing off our tackle-boxes to each other), a buddy of mine told me that, and we both laughed at ourselves for trying to make our new $7 Rapalas catch a fish to justify their purchase--when we _knew_ that a shiner works better every time. I've believed it ever since. Every design is optimized for SOMETHING.
Great topic, Izzy. We need to have that chat about Shopsmith because they went through that same experience with an engineer designing their first 5-in-1 tool and an industrial designer who designed the popular Mark 5, which took the idea to a whole new level.
Given the tools are built by the same company, Grabo, and use the same gasket size, are the specs different because the true capacities are different, or because DeWalt wanted more "insurance" on listed capacity, when, in fact, the performance of the two tools are nearly identical?
I think the reason you have almost 1 million subscribers is your straight talking and your unique slant on life and your great innovation. Just keep doing what you are doing and people will keep watching and learning from your straight talking ways.
I love how level headed this video is posed. You are one smart guy and i love seeing your innovation. Corporations are so complex and most people have tunnel vision. I wish the world was simpler, that being said, we'd only have 1 hammer, 1 drill, and stone wheels. Great video.
Great to hear the opinion from someone who is such an innovator and has put so many products out. Your explanation is spot on, and easily understandable, about the way a new tool comes to market and the various ways companies handle it. I love your innovative build videos, but also like to see ones like this. You guys never cease to surprise me. - Chris
Great video Izzy, thanks! I also thought it was really cool to see that you are not miffed about the closeness to your idea that DeWalt came out with. That it is just out there for the people who need a tool like that. For the betterment of all!
I like your nut wrench for all thread it’s smaller and easier to store than the other one. What I’ve been doing is lightly holding a small belt sander on the nut. It is a super fast way to move nuts up and down allthread
I just had my DPT Wrench out last week! I have a guitar building fixture I'm working on and it has a couple 8" long bolts that need a nylock nut driven down on... DPT Wrench to the rescue! I'll eventually make them in batches, so that tool is going to be in full service after several long spans on the shelf.
You are a profoundly good communicator . Ty for your clear concise informative legal perspective. I honestly enjoyed this video. Im curious what your channel next become. Speed drive that nut. 😊
Both units have the same suction area and pull a vacuum of -11.6psi (based on data from Grabo website), this means that both units will have exactly the same holding power. It is likely that Dewalt required the labeled lifting force to be listed 30% below the theoretical maximum as a safety factor.
The content that's giving on this channel no matter it's subject. Is and has always been informational. Easy to follow and comprehend. This is why I'm subscribed and watch every video. Thank you.
Thanks Izzy, I worked at Home Depot in tool department. Over the 5 years of being there I was so impressed with all the changes that went on with all the brands. Ryobi impressed me the most for the fact of making all these tools for about every kind of tasks such as construction, woodworking, yard work, etc. Myself as being and tool engineer in the tool & die business for 45 years I can understand the process that most of the big industries go through. With your innovative mind, that is why I became a fan your videos. Anyway enough of my rambling. I can't wait to see furture videos.
I enjoyed the video. I’m an engineer myself and have a few tool ideas. I’ve prototyped a few and I’m curious to learn more about working with folks overseas to help scale and build and bring to market. Keep up the good work.
A very well done discussion of the issues. I do feel that the part not discussed is that there is a lot of China-made no-name stuff that comes out that is a direct copy of "legitimate" products. Possibly even the same factory making non-branded stuff right alongside the branded stuff - or that it is the "rejects" from the branded items. The other issue for the small guy (like your nut runner) is that the larger companies can see an idea out there that has gained traction and then put their "might" behind it to develop it further than the small guy has the resources to do. So it isn't a copy per se, but it is likely a progression from the small guy's starting point. Certainly there is parallel development, but there are also those things that are only obvious after you've seen them. I appreciate these "off topic" discussions. You do a thoughtful and researched presentation no matter the topic.
As a creator (working for the big company and the small company) and as and end user, great presentation. I have ad the luxury of being able to create solutions for those environments. I also agree that material handling needs more focus directed at the end users, both commercial and consumer. Working at the large corporation, the biggest roadblocks I encountered where always at the return on investment as the primary focus. The small (less than 50 person) companies saw increased safety/efficiency and employee comfort. Thanks for another insightful discussion!!
Just randomly landed on your video. I was so impressed by how articulate you’re. Even more how open you were to Dewalt improving on your original idea. Love the vibe and would love to chat over zoom or something if that works. I come from tech entrepreneurship background.
Great video, Izzy! Interesting and enlightening perspective. I hate buying Chinese, but there’s no way around it these days. There are fine quality products being made in China these days for sure, but I really wish we would do more manufacturing here in the states.
It was your amazing jigs and tools that brought me to subscribe many moons ago so I'm very excited to see more coming from yall. Also, dewalt could at least cut you a big check for blatantly stealing your ideas
Thanks Izzy. I appreciate you covering both sides of the story, and always admire your communication skills. Keep doing what you’re doing, and definitely include more videos like this. The main point for most of us on our short walk on this rock is experiencing. Thanks for helping me experience both sides of this coin. I tend to be anti corp….but capitalism does breed innovation. Your words definitely helped me feel better about big biz.
If you think about it, tool companies don't need a room full of engineers. They have the world at their engineering table. aka, the internet. Somewhere in the world someone is having the same problem that needs to be solved and coming up with different ways to solve it. You are phenomenal in your own right, but I have also seen some amazing videos of foreigners making tools that I couldn't even dream of. Your video makes the point quite well.
Izzy this is one of my favorite videos. Loved the info you shared regarding the way companies work etc. (Says your marketing friend) Could easily be a great Ted talk/Presentation. Also loved the editing. 👍👍👍
That was a very interesting video, I could see that you had to be careful about what and how you were saying what you did. Welcome back and keep doing what you do. I'll watch.
Great tutorial Izzy, it certainly helps the consumer understand the Why’s & Wherefore’s on product development. I too am a Makita man but have found that their products have lapsed considerably compared to the 80’s/90’s. I’ve actually found the big box store home brand to be as efficient but NOT as durable but the replacement & warranty are up there too. Look forward to many more from you & Maggie. Cheers 👍🏻🇦🇺
I liked hearing about your feelings and thoughts on how parallel thinking works. I have absolute respect for you and Maggie., and this channel. I have been a subscriber since the beginning and will continue to be regardless where you take it in the future. Thanks for doing what you do.
Good video, I was all ready to get riled up about big corporations, etc. Nothing is ever black and white. My wife, a graphic designer (back in the 80's) was once positively described as a flaky artistic type. You too. I agree the material handling subject is very under-addressed, especially in the home or DIY market. I have incorporated your unistrut solution in my garage with the cross section dropped to just below the garage door track. This makes it a bit low so I may see if I can have the track modified to roll higher. Getting older, less mobility sucks but I still want to do stuff. So yes, more handling. Oh and I also have the thingamajig to lift the plywood on the saw. Thank you for all of what you and Maggie do. 5 months off? Jeeze.
Excellent explainer video Izzy! I agree with your assessment that innovation is not a one way street. It's what makes products improve over time and become available to the mass market. As a long time viewer of your channel, I always look forward to watching whatever content you put out! Keep up the great work! 👍👍
It would have been interesting to see both displays set to the same units - psi - since that is what is given on the Dewalt. Given the same psi if they develop the same psi and given the same evacuated area (they use the same seal so area is the same) they would have the same lifting capacity. Pressure times area = force
Very good discussion. Also, on the country of manufacture point, the push to manufacture in the US is very strong. But often in the comments of small American company's invention/sale promo video will be 'too expensive' comments. If you want tools etc to be made in the US, with its higher standard of living and wages, you have to be prepared to pay more.
Woodpeckers did this to Chris from a Glimpse Inside, theirs is made out of metal versus his out of wood. Me, personally own no Dewalt tools. My battery platform is Worx, and I have way too many tools to start over. I've begged Worx to make a cordless palm router for years only to fall on deaf ears. If they ever do make a palm router I use 5 different pattern bits and would buy 5 routers just so I could set them up and be done with that. Great info Izzy as for me, I'll just buy a Grabo
Definitely enjoyed this video. As I do all of your videos. You have an approachable personality while also being extremely knowledgeable. And you’re a realist. Not the typical extreme takes you often find on TH-cam. Never miss one of your videos. Must see TV 😂🙏
Wonderful vid! Love your non-judgemental insight and genuine thoughts. Also considered the Grabo but just never pulled the trigger. Sorry but I'm a 'yellow' shop so will wait for a deal.
As always Izzy you are spot on bringing these points forward. Thanks for making this video! I think it fits well with all you've brought to us over many years now. Thoroughly impressed with the simplicity in which you expressed these concepts and covered them well, including your feelings!! As an old geezer engineer with 40 products under my belt, I always strove for "Simple Elegance" along with the 3F's, as well as costs, manufacture-ability, std part availability, inventory, ROI etc. Most of the products I developed were industrial and commercial, so Sexy didn't matter as much. But simple elegance in design and the 3F's factors highly in; ease of use, reliability, service requirements, and the all important factor of making a product as "Fool" Proof as possible. The one important thing not talked about is product life span/EOL and recycle-ability which is just as important IMHO, especially in this more throwaway world than yesteryear products like washers and dryer, power tools, etc. I still have my dad's old 1/4 Craftsman drill from the early 50's that still works fine but could use a new bushing for the chuck. Personally my greatest achievement was with my 2, 35' fully automated drilling machines with 7 systems (approx. $750k) that achieved ROI in 2.5 years and were still working 20 years later, ~90% of which could be recycled at EOL. Thanks Again Izzy, you are one of the best content providers I know of!!! Hat Tip, ~PJ
the dpt wrench also has a "copy" by rigid which is the same but quite different. it can come in from the side at any point and the whole unit spins around to cut the pipe.
Great explanation, especially of including the parallel thinking phenomenon. I designed something and built it for silk painting and when someone saw it they accused me of copying this other artist that I had never even heard of. I had a need and even though I researched, I didn't see the product I wanted, so I built it. The accuser didn't believe that I could have come up with it on my own, but I did. Afterwards I looked up this other artist's design and they were similar but not exactly the same. I didn't build it to sell, I built it for me to use, so no big deal. Would definitely be a big deal if it was going to be manufactured on the level you're talking about. Thanks for another great video!
I hate the brand prejudice also because I have Ryobi tools that have lasted 10 years as a contractor. My hammer drill has made me tens of thousands of dollars and it was under 300 dollars.
I love your videos. This is no exception. Very interesting. Your brain sees things in a way most of us can't and your sharing of those ideas is inspirational. So please keep going. Happy Holidays.
you are completely correct about the visual confidence thing but the DeWalt looks plastic-y like a drill on a oval. while my personal taste likes the grabo fully functional design.
I have the grabo on my list of stuff to buy for my next tile job as it has lots of 12x24 tile. Wish I had it in the past. However there were similar products on the market for years before the Grabo. The Grabo is better than those in many ways and its also at a price that's affordable to more than just the big companies that can afford to spend 5x the price on tools. Grabo wasn't first but they did it very well and affordably and brought it to the us in an affordable package. Everyone builds off of what they see in the world. If everything had to be an original idea new stuff would rarely come out and the world would be stifled. I think it's great that Grabo has licenced to them. That said I'd buy the Grabo for it's smaller size etc.
Izzy, this was all true in hi-tech 40 years ago as well. I wish you still made your simple nut runner that works with a cordless driver! Nod from a fellow engineer who ended up doing all the other hats as well.
I liked the video! I'm also a Makita fan because when I first started if you had a cordless drill- driver it was a Makita. If you needed a saw to cut a 6X16" glue lam for a big Hip it was a Makita beam saw, and that been that way for the last over 40 years! I could go on and on but you get the idea.
When in college, I did a paper on stimulating the cochlea of the ear. It used ICs to separate the input into several bands. Today that approach is used to enable some deaf people to hear. At the time I wrote the paper, a cochlea stimulater would fill a trunk. I don't believe that my paper had any effect, but I got an in the course as a result.
As always - inspirational and informational! Your channel is outstanding and your attitude phenomenal! In summary - you rock! I will devour any video you both produce because of your fresh ideas, positivity and innovation. Thanks for continuing to be an industry standard! Hi from NZ.
Loved the video. I like this kind of content that gets people thinking about where there tools come from and who makes them. I get a bit tired of people thinking it's all about the price without understanding anything about what is involved. Personally I don't really buy into the whole parallel thinking thing. It's probably not a direct copy but almost certainly it was nudged in a new direction, whether knowingly or not. Either way, keep it up. Side note, My father was an experimental film maker who made completely independent productions who had one of his films ripped off by a certain giant shoe company and made into a commercial. He was the kind of guy who just laughed and said "At least they were paying attention"
Loved the video. How things are designs and especially the parrellel thinking part of design. Never knew things like that could possibly be happening in design process. Thanks for sharing the information.
Love this video. Can you do a deeper dive on your costs to prototype and patent a new product?? I think that would be super helpful for a lot of us makers.
Paul Midler wrote a book called 'Poorly Made In China' that goes along way to explaining things. Basically many China manufacturers bid jobs with zero profit. Once they start producing the product they make cuts to the original plan to make the profit. If you get first run on something it will likely be far better quality than later versions.
The problem with that grabo is the on/off button on the top. When I’m carrying something my leg always hits it and turns it off. It should be on the side. At least the Dewalt one is somewhat flush. This is more than annoying
I have been wanting a Grabo for sometime and after seeing your video felt better about purchasing the Dewalt version as I have a ton of their batteries but unfortunately the one I purchased was defective and completely unusable. I will need to return it and maybe rethink which one I purchase.
Makita tools are made in many places but the grease gun in the US is made in Japan, whereas in my country it's made in China. Same tool. So I imported one myself, and mine supports manufacture in Japan, and not the CCP and PLA.
Long time viewer here. Since the pantograph builds. This channel is the bomb. I am currently (slowly) making my own machines at home using channels like yours to build mini factory/hobbiest machines. My goal is using home made machines to manufacture goods. This is a jack of trades channel that shows you how to solve real world problems rather than follow tutorials. I would like to see you build a wonka factory. Make the machines and ask the audience how the heck do you think I make it lol. Never tell the answer but in knowing we can do it. We could find a way to do it as well. Thanks for the years of videos! Then for the armchair viewers make puffy fun content
Not quite parallel, but almost invariably - if a tool is useful, suddenly multiple companies will produce a knock-off the minute the patent expires. Portable bandsaws are an obvious example.
Every company copies from others. As long as it’s not breaking valid patents, copying, or improving upon something others have made, is the entire idea. If you read about the intent of patents, people will see that the intent was for people to study a patent and try to figure out how to work around it. That’s why patents are published publicly. These days, it’s difficult to do a thorough patent search. Many patents are many pages in length. The name on the patent may not be what you’re searching for and you may miss it. When we started our company in 1983, we did a copyright search for our name and it came back as being ok. But it turned out that in our very city, NYC, there was another company, almost in the same industry, with the same name. Fortunately, we were new and could make a one word change to our name easily.
Izzy, Excellent video. Your comments were spot on. I myself am a yellow and green fan but the OG grabo is still at the top of the mountain. I couldn't help but notice that Grabo must have a good relationship with you as well as respect for who you are as you are in possession of the grabo high flow. Please do a review on how this upgraded version as soon as you are able to as I want to know if this is a worthwhile investment as I won't be able to get one until next year when they are available to the masses. Please keep doing what you do.
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Former Apple engineer here. I'll just mention that you can get the best or worst of anything in China, it's just a matter of what you pay for and how carefully you do your QA.
Exactly this.
That's very true. You can get 2 different rc cars from China, for example, and one is going to break in the first crash, while the other is going to take much more abuse.
That's why I never buy something without seeing a review first. And the reviewer needs to really put it to test!
BTW, I'm from Brazil. Buying things from the US, unfortunately, is not an option... The shipping costs are unreal.
Absolutely! they have way more infrastructure, workforce and employable talent than we do aswell.
Very true, much like "Made in Japan" went from well-deserved reputation as cheap/trashy to high-quality in a decade (or 2). However, geopolitical struggles, human rights and similar concerns having nothing to do with product quality, are a consideration for some of us.
Not preaching and not a purist as I’m also solidly in the Makita (and Apple) eco-system. Call me a hypocrite if you like, but all else being equal (rarely is) I’d rather buy American or a solid allied source.
Interesting video Izzy. The trades definitely need the new innovative products so the housing construction business can keep up with the high demand for new housing. I believe a lot of companies are aware of the innovative people who invent products on YT and then tweek those ideas for a new product.
I deeply appreciate that you paused several times, highlighting the nuances of the overlapping factors at play, and deliberately refused to take the simple (and error filled) road of blaming tool companies for always being evil. Your reasoned and balanced perspective, even on something with a personal aspect for you, models the sort of thinking and behaving that the world needs.
I agree. I believe it is called critical thinking. The world probably needs that more now than ever.
@@riggsron IMHO, "comprehensive" has also to be thrown in.
Saw this DeWALT Grabo come out and noticed it was branded “correctly” that it was not just copied but licensed. Glad you made a video about it explaining what occurred as I was curious and your channel was the first place I learned about the Grabo product. I was planning to buy the DeWALT version at some point but that nice case and higher grab capacity…
Agree 100%. For a tool that needs some careful handling the Grabo is one where the blow molded case should not be sent to the back of the store room to be trashed by the next generation.
easy solution...don't buy the bare tool Dewalt Grabo, buy the kit. It comes with a charger, battery, and yes, a case.
@@mlindholmLooks to be a bag, which I have a dozen of already, an item like this I can see the value of keeping in a case when not in use.
As I noted above, both units have the same seal area and vacuum pressure so should have the same lifting capability. It is likely that Dewalt reduced the labeled lift rating by 30% as a safety factor.
I already have Dewalt tools so don't the batteries. As for a case, everything I have is in the Ridgid Pro Gear cases. I've always hated having every tool in a different sized blow mold case because it makes for very inefficient space usage in the shop or in a location truck.
@@chrisoseI agree in general regarding blow molded cases however I believe that some tools are better suited for blow molded cases, one of them being the grabo or portable bandsaws or even more important to have a proper blow molded cases & products like pullers come to mind as far as blow molded cases being a must as they generally sit in a tool cart or shelf but good points nonetheless hopefully you and yours have a good thanksgiving weekend
Thanks! It’s great to get a balanced perspective in a world that seems so polarized. Too often we get stuck in a rut and forget the mission, to make life better and worth putting effort in. Innovation is a major factor in the successful completion of the mission.
Couldn't agree more!
Very well worded, nuanced take speaking from both the company/manufacturer side, and and consumer side! Good job Izzy
Thank you! Glad you appreciated the perspective.
Years ago I designed a product and then the manufacture of one of the components I used stopped by the shop. They asked what was my use and I said same as your largest customer. They then asked who I thought was their #1 customer and I told them. Their next question was how did I know? I replied same as mine because years before it was displayed at a trade show and they appropriated the design.
Izzy, as an inventor, and one that has been stolen from (ex-employees patented invention)you really made my day when you said: 'If that was the only good idea I ever had, I might feel some kind of way about it, but it's not'. . . Inventors, artist, really, can not stop. We solve problems. Every one of my inventions that was copied, the person copying it, never created anything else people liked. The worse feeling though, is when you create something, and your invention doesn't get to the wider market first, and then the people who took it from you, do get to market, and others, accuse you of stealing. That part is very difficult for me. I actually got into woodworking because furniture makers and makers in general seem to share and be more open source about so many things. Folks like you, and John, and Mathias have taken me from fledgling wood butcher to making some pretty cool stuff. Thanks for what you do, I love it. I had to leave that other industry behind.
Great insight! thank you for commenting
It's so strange cos it's 100% not the type of video I would ever look for but I actually found it really interesting and enjoyed the way you explained it thanks Izzy
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is a very healthy perspective from a great inventor! (I'm a patent attorney)
Thank you, I appreciate your perspective!
I always appreciate you sharing your experience and insights on how the tool industry works. Definitely could see this type of video quarterly! Still really enjoy you reviewing new tools AND when you show how you've solved problems (process, tool, etc). Glad to see you guys back after all the storm mess!
When you started to talk about visual confidence, I automatically remembered how I chose makita and then I find out you are a makita guy yourself 😆. It wasn't my first choice because of the visuals, but after doing research and giving it a try, I never went back.
As always, a concise, well informed OPINION by a trusted guy in the industry. That has the credentials to offer much much more than an opinion on the subject matter. How this can be construed as click bait, is beyond me.
The rubber on the Dewalt will be getting sticky in 3 to 5 years. The Grabbo will still be fine. I love the feel of the rubber parts, but they always start degrading and ruin the device. I would be willing to bet the companies do it on purpose to make you want to replace it. Thanks Izzy. Always a down to earth explanation of things.
I was a intern for one of the major power tool brands, and now I'm a full time engineer at a different tool mega corp. It is very rare that the comments on the internet get the industry right. From who is making what. Who is stealing what. Even stuff that should be easy to find like who owns what brands. There is a insurmountable amount bad info floating out there
If something new comes out. Give it 16 months and any company that wants can have a competing product. Midigate or avoid the patent or shell out for the patent.
Another thing I will mention is that while it used to all be China. However since Trumps first trade war companies have moved all over to avoid tariffs. Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, USA. Tho many times these factories are still reliant on China. The supply chain over there is just too strong.
A gentleman as always. Good to see you're back at it again. Thanks for all the information and ideas you share with us.
Thanks for watching!
I would also be curious to find out if Grabo also licensed out to other brands, Ryobi, Milwaukee, etc. You get the option to go with the high quality original Grabo if you want, but if I already have the batteries for another system, they also get the users who just don’t want another battery system. Licensing still gives them a piece of the pie. So very smart on their end. Very much like the oscillating saw, you could only find them in doctor’s offices due to the patent. Now they are everywhere. So long as Grabo plays it smart, I think they will do extremely well.
Only American companies
You got me izzy. I was pissed before the vid started, lol. I am very glad that Dewalt is working with Grabo that does make me happy.
You have an awesome attitude. Love the shop setup
Thank you
Viewer Opinion here: EXCELLENT video !!! I learned a lot from watching and listening to you. My admiration for you and the work you do here went through the roof after viewing this. Videos like this one may be rare but it’s a real gem because of your humility, wisdom and common sense.
Thanks
Pete
Izzy,I've always said with fishing lures are not designed to catch fish ,they are designed to catch fisherman....I believe it
Twenty years ago (as we were showing off our tackle-boxes to each other), a buddy of mine told me that, and we both laughed at ourselves for trying to make our new $7 Rapalas catch a fish to justify their purchase--when we _knew_ that a shiner works better every time. I've believed it ever since. Every design is optimized for SOMETHING.
Great topic, Izzy. We need to have that chat about Shopsmith because they went through that same experience with an engineer designing their first 5-in-1 tool and an industrial designer who designed the popular Mark 5, which took the idea to a whole new level.
Glad to see you getting around.
Given the tools are built by the same company, Grabo, and use the same gasket size, are the specs different because the true capacities are different, or because DeWalt wanted more "insurance" on listed capacity, when, in fact, the performance of the two tools are nearly identical?
I appreciate your integrity and humility. Keep on keeping on.
I think the reason you have almost 1 million subscribers is your straight talking and your unique slant on life and your great innovation. Just keep doing what you are doing and people will keep watching and learning from your straight talking ways.
I love how level headed this video is posed. You are one smart guy and i love seeing your innovation. Corporations are so complex and most people have tunnel vision. I wish the world was simpler, that being said, we'd only have 1 hammer, 1 drill, and stone wheels. Great video.
Great to hear the opinion from someone who is such an innovator and has put so many products out. Your explanation is spot on, and easily understandable, about the way a new tool comes to market and the various ways companies handle it. I love your innovative build videos, but also like to see ones like this. You guys never cease to surprise me. - Chris
Great video Izzy, thanks! I also thought it was really cool to see that you are not miffed about the closeness to your idea that DeWalt came out with. That it is just out there for the people who need a tool like that. For the betterment of all!
I like your nut wrench for all thread it’s smaller and easier to store than the other one. What I’ve been doing is lightly holding a small belt sander on the nut. It is a super fast way to move nuts up and down allthread
That’s a good trick!
I just had my DPT Wrench out last week! I have a guitar building fixture I'm working on and it has a couple 8" long bolts that need a nylock nut driven down on... DPT Wrench to the rescue! I'll eventually make them in batches, so that tool is going to be in full service after several long spans on the shelf.
Awesome!
You are a profoundly good communicator . Ty for your clear concise informative legal perspective. I honestly enjoyed this video. Im curious what your channel next become.
Speed drive that nut. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it. I'm working on a bunch of new ideas!
@izzyswan tool wars ?🙏
Both units have the same suction area and pull a vacuum of -11.6psi (based on data from Grabo website), this means that both units will have exactly the same holding power. It is likely that Dewalt required the labeled lifting force to be listed 30% below the theoretical maximum as a safety factor.
The content that's giving on this channel no matter it's subject. Is and has always been informational. Easy to follow and comprehend. This is why I'm subscribed and watch every video. Thank you.
Thanks Izzy, I worked at Home Depot in tool department. Over the 5 years of being there I was so impressed with all the changes that went on with all the brands. Ryobi impressed me the most for the fact of making all these tools for about every kind of tasks such as construction, woodworking, yard work, etc. Myself as being and tool engineer in the tool & die business for 45 years I can understand the process that most of the big industries go through. With your innovative mind, that is why I became a fan your videos. Anyway enough of my rambling. I can't wait to see furture videos.
I enjoyed the video. I’m an engineer myself and have a few tool ideas. I’ve prototyped a few and I’m curious to learn more about working with folks overseas to help scale and build and bring to market. Keep up the good work.
A very well done discussion of the issues.
I do feel that the part not discussed is that there is a lot of China-made no-name stuff that comes out that is a direct copy of "legitimate" products. Possibly even the same factory making non-branded stuff right alongside the branded stuff - or that it is the "rejects" from the branded items.
The other issue for the small guy (like your nut runner) is that the larger companies can see an idea out there that has gained traction and then put their "might" behind it to develop it further than the small guy has the resources to do. So it isn't a copy per se, but it is likely a progression from the small guy's starting point. Certainly there is parallel development, but there are also those things that are only obvious after you've seen them.
I appreciate these "off topic" discussions. You do a thoughtful and researched presentation no matter the topic.
As a creator (working for the big company and the small company) and as and end user, great presentation. I have ad the luxury of being able to create solutions for those environments. I also agree that material handling needs more focus directed at the end users, both commercial and consumer. Working at the large corporation, the biggest roadblocks I encountered where always at the return on investment as the primary focus. The small (less than 50 person) companies saw increased safety/efficiency and employee comfort. Thanks for another insightful discussion!!
Just randomly landed on your video. I was so impressed by how articulate you’re. Even more how open you were to Dewalt improving on your original idea.
Love the vibe and would love to chat over zoom or something if that works.
I come from tech entrepreneurship background.
Great video, Izzy! Interesting and enlightening perspective. I hate buying Chinese, but there’s no way around it these days. There are fine quality products being made in China these days for sure, but I really wish we would do more manufacturing here in the states.
It was your amazing jigs and tools that brought me to subscribe many moons ago so I'm very excited to see more coming from yall. Also, dewalt could at least cut you a big check for blatantly stealing your ideas
Thanks Izzy. I appreciate you covering both sides of the story, and always admire your communication skills. Keep doing what you’re doing, and definitely include more videos like this. The main point for most of us on our short walk on this rock is experiencing. Thanks for helping me experience both sides of this coin. I tend to be anti corp….but capitalism does breed innovation. Your words definitely helped me feel better about big biz.
If you think about it, tool companies don't need a room full of engineers. They have the world at their engineering table. aka, the internet. Somewhere in the world someone is having the same problem that needs to be solved and coming up with different ways to solve it. You are phenomenal in your own right, but I have also seen some amazing videos of foreigners making tools that I couldn't even dream of. Your video makes the point quite well.
Izzy this is one of my favorite videos. Loved the info you shared regarding the way companies work etc. (Says your marketing friend) Could easily be a great Ted talk/Presentation. Also loved the editing. 👍👍👍
So Glad you liked it! i will call you later.
Hey Izzy, does the Dewalt version fit on your vacuum base to hose adapter, or is the plastic too big?
You did an excellent job at describing the issues.
#1 is warranty, #2 customer service.
I love the vid! A lot of your videos are relatable and just easy to watch. Thank you
I appreciate you watching.
That was a very interesting video, I could see that you had to be careful about what and how you were saying what you did.
Welcome back and keep doing what you do. I'll watch.
I'm glad you got it. Thank you for the view and the comment
Great tutorial Izzy, it certainly helps the consumer understand the Why’s & Wherefore’s on product development. I too am a Makita man but have found that their products have lapsed considerably compared to the 80’s/90’s. I’ve actually found the big box store home brand to be as efficient but NOT as durable but the replacement & warranty are up there too. Look forward to many more from you & Maggie. Cheers 👍🏻🇦🇺
Loved the content of this video, your delivery, your understanding, your approach to life. More like this would be great.
Informative and real. ✌️
Glad you liked it
Great job and informative into the development side of things.
1:04 Bo Hemith. Wasn't he a defensemen for the Red Wings back in the '60s?
Love your stuff, Izz, but that cracked me up.
I liked hearing about your feelings and thoughts on how parallel thinking works. I have absolute respect for you and Maggie., and this channel. I have been a subscriber since the beginning and will continue to be regardless where you take it in the future. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate your support!
Good video, I was all ready to get riled up about big corporations, etc. Nothing is ever black and white. My wife, a graphic designer (back in the 80's) was once positively described as a flaky artistic type. You too. I agree the material handling subject is very under-addressed, especially in the home or DIY market. I have incorporated your unistrut solution in my garage with the cross section dropped to just below the garage door track. This makes it a bit low so I may see if I can have the track modified to roll higher. Getting older, less mobility sucks but I still want to do stuff. So yes, more handling. Oh and I also have the thingamajig to lift the plywood on the saw. Thank you for all of what you and Maggie do. 5 months off? Jeeze.
Excellent explainer video Izzy! I agree with your assessment that innovation is not a one way street. It's what makes products improve over time and become available to the mass market. As a long time viewer of your channel, I always look forward to watching whatever content you put out! Keep up the great work! 👍👍
It would have been interesting to see both displays set to the same units - psi - since that is what is given on the Dewalt. Given the same psi if they develop the same psi and given the same evacuated area (they use the same seal so area is the same) they would have the same lifting capacity. Pressure times area = force
Very good discussion. Also, on the country of manufacture point, the push to manufacture in the US is very strong. But often in the comments of small American company's invention/sale promo video will be 'too expensive' comments. If you want tools etc to be made in the US, with its higher standard of living and wages, you have to be prepared to pay more.
That's the great thing about 3D printers see something cool, make / print a copy for yourself versus buying inflated patented items. Life is good
Woodpeckers did this to Chris from a Glimpse Inside, theirs is made out of metal versus his out of wood. Me, personally own no Dewalt tools. My battery platform is Worx, and I have way too many tools to start over. I've begged Worx to make a cordless palm router for years only to fall on deaf ears. If they ever do make a palm router I use 5 different pattern bits and would buy 5 routers just so I could set them up and be done with that. Great info Izzy as for me, I'll just buy a Grabo
Definitely enjoyed this video. As I do all of your videos. You have an approachable personality while also being extremely knowledgeable. And you’re a realist. Not the typical extreme takes you often find on TH-cam. Never miss one of your videos. Must see TV 😂🙏
Thanks! I appreciate your kind words!
Wonderful vid! Love your non-judgemental insight and genuine thoughts. Also considered the Grabo but just never pulled the trigger. Sorry but I'm a 'yellow' shop so will wait for a deal.
I can't thank you enough for what you've contributed to industry, and that you've shared so much. I REALLY like this kind of content!
Thank you so much, I appreciate it.
As always Izzy you are spot on bringing these points forward. Thanks for making this video! I think it fits well with all you've brought to us over many years now. Thoroughly impressed with the simplicity in which you expressed these concepts and covered them well, including your feelings!! As an old geezer engineer with 40 products under my belt, I always strove for "Simple Elegance" along with the 3F's, as well as costs, manufacture-ability, std part availability, inventory, ROI etc. Most of the products I developed were industrial and commercial, so Sexy didn't matter as much. But simple elegance in design and the 3F's factors highly in; ease of use, reliability, service requirements, and the all important factor of making a product as "Fool" Proof as possible.
The one important thing not talked about is product life span/EOL and recycle-ability which is just as important IMHO, especially in this more throwaway world than yesteryear products like washers and dryer, power tools, etc. I still have my dad's old 1/4 Craftsman drill from the early 50's that still works fine but could use a new bushing for the chuck. Personally my greatest achievement was with my 2, 35' fully automated drilling machines with 7 systems (approx. $750k) that achieved ROI in 2.5 years and were still working 20 years later, ~90% of which could be recycled at EOL.
Thanks Again Izzy, you are one of the best content providers I know of!!! Hat Tip, ~PJ
Hi izzy! Just out of interest, do you know why the Dewalt Grabo has less holding strength than the Grabo pro?
the dpt wrench also has a "copy" by rigid which is the same but quite different. it can come in from the side at any point and the whole unit spins around to cut the pipe.
Great explanation, especially of including the parallel thinking phenomenon. I designed something and built it for silk painting and when someone saw it they accused me of copying this other artist that I had never even heard of. I had a need and even though I researched, I didn't see the product I wanted, so I built it. The accuser didn't believe that I could have come up with it on my own, but I did. Afterwards I looked up this other artist's design and they were similar but not exactly the same. I didn't build it to sell, I built it for me to use, so no big deal. Would definitely be a big deal if it was going to be manufactured on the level you're talking about. Thanks for another great video!
I hate the brand prejudice also because I have Ryobi tools that have lasted 10 years as a contractor. My hammer drill has made me tens of thousands of dollars and it was under 300 dollars.
Milwaukee or die! lol just kidding. My wife has a Ryobi.
I love your videos. This is no exception. Very interesting. Your brain sees things in a way most of us can't and your sharing of those ideas is inspirational. So please keep going. Happy Holidays.
I enjoyed this... way more balanced than most TH-cam reviews!
I appreciate the time you spent to make this video. Very educational.
I find that I enjoy your takes on pretty much anything you talk about. Not that this was in doubt before this video, but you're a really smart guy!
I appreciate that! Thank You
you are completely correct about the visual confidence thing but the DeWalt looks plastic-y like a drill on a oval. while my personal taste likes the grabo fully functional design.
I have the grabo on my list of stuff to buy for my next tile job as it has lots of 12x24 tile. Wish I had it in the past. However there were similar products on the market for years before the Grabo. The Grabo is better than those in many ways and its also at a price that's affordable to more than just the big companies that can afford to spend 5x the price on tools.
Grabo wasn't first but they did it very well and affordably and brought it to the us in an affordable package.
Everyone builds off of what they see in the world. If everything had to be an original idea new stuff would rarely come out and the world would be stifled.
I think it's great that Grabo has licenced to them. That said I'd buy the Grabo for it's smaller size etc.
Very well done, very clever also.
Izzy, this was all true in hi-tech 40 years ago as well. I wish you still made your simple nut runner that works with a cordless driver! Nod from a fellow engineer who ended up doing all the other hats as well.
I liked the video! I'm also a Makita fan because when I first started if you had a cordless drill- driver it was a Makita. If you needed a saw to cut a 6X16" glue lam for a big Hip it was a Makita beam saw, and that been that way for the last over 40 years! I could go on and on but you get the idea.
Makita is a great brand for sure.
@izzyswan What I don't like about Makita is they no longer have the Makita girls at the big sales and shows😭
Brilliant perspective Izzy. Keep it up
Thanks, I appreciate it!
When in college, I did a paper on stimulating the cochlea of the ear. It used ICs to separate the input into several bands. Today that approach is used to enable some deaf people to hear. At the time I wrote the paper, a cochlea stimulater would fill a trunk. I don't believe that my paper had any effect, but I got an in the course as a result.
As always - inspirational and informational! Your channel is outstanding and your attitude phenomenal! In summary - you rock! I will devour any video you both produce because of your fresh ideas, positivity and innovation. Thanks for continuing to be an industry standard! Hi from NZ.
Loved the video. I like this kind of content that gets people thinking about where there tools come from and who makes them. I get a bit tired of people thinking it's all about the price without understanding anything about what is involved. Personally I don't really buy into the whole parallel thinking thing. It's probably not a direct copy but almost certainly it was nudged in a new direction, whether knowingly or not. Either way, keep it up. Side note, My father was an experimental film maker who made completely independent productions who had one of his films ripped off by a certain giant shoe company and made into a commercial. He was the kind of guy who just laughed and said "At least they were paying attention"
Thank you for making this.
Very interesting & very reasonable topic. It is the thought process we should use when buying a product.
Thanks for watching
Loved the video. How things are designs and especially the parrellel thinking part of design. Never knew things like that could possibly be happening in design process. Thanks for sharing the information.
Love this video. Can you do a deeper dive on your costs to prototype and patent a new product?? I think that would be super helpful for a lot of us makers.
Super informative! Thanks for putting this one together
Always good and well identified info, and commented as it should be, Just a great job, again, and as you always do. Thanks, great to see you back.
I appreciate that
Izzy, great video. I always am inspired by your thinking and innovation. Keep on creating.
Thank you, I appreciate you watching!
Paul Midler wrote a book called 'Poorly Made In China' that goes along way to explaining things. Basically many China manufacturers bid jobs with zero profit. Once they start producing the product they make cuts to the original plan to make the profit. If you get first run on something it will likely be far better quality than later versions.
The problem with that grabo is the on/off button on the top. When I’m carrying something my leg always hits it and turns it off. It should be on the side. At least the Dewalt one is somewhat flush. This is more than annoying
I have been wanting a Grabo for sometime and after seeing your video felt better about purchasing the Dewalt version as I have a ton of their batteries but unfortunately the one I purchased was defective and completely unusable. I will need to return it and maybe rethink which one I purchase.
Sorry to hear about your experience!
Makita tools are made in many places but the grease gun in the US is made in Japan, whereas in my country it's made in China. Same tool. So I imported one myself, and mine supports manufacture in Japan, and not the CCP and PLA.
Thanks for all the information, Izzy! 😊
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
We are doing well. Thank you
Long time viewer here. Since the pantograph builds. This channel is the bomb. I am currently (slowly) making my own machines at home using channels like yours to build mini factory/hobbiest machines. My goal is using home made machines to manufacture goods. This is a jack of trades channel that shows you how to solve real world problems rather than follow tutorials.
I would like to see you build a wonka factory. Make the machines and ask the audience how the heck do you think I make it lol. Never tell the answer but in knowing we can do it. We could find a way to do it as well. Thanks for the years of videos!
Then for the armchair viewers make puffy fun content
It's not innovation, it's quality.
Incredibly valuable and instructive post. Thank you!
I appreciate that!
Thanks for your well thought out and delivered opinion.
Not quite parallel, but almost invariably - if a tool is useful, suddenly multiple companies will produce a knock-off the minute the patent expires. Portable bandsaws are an obvious example.
Every company copies from others. As long as it’s not breaking valid patents, copying, or improving upon something others have made, is the entire idea. If you read about the intent of patents, people will see that the intent was for people to study a patent and try to figure out how to work around it. That’s why patents are published publicly. These days, it’s difficult to do a thorough patent search. Many patents are many pages in length. The name on the patent may not be what you’re searching for and you may miss it. When we started our company in 1983, we did a copyright search for our name and it came back as being ok. But it turned out that in our very city, NYC, there was another company, almost in the same industry, with the same name. Fortunately, we were new and could make a one word change to our name easily.
Sounds like he was describing the pirates at harbor freight
Izzy,
Excellent video. Your comments were spot on. I myself am a yellow and green fan but the OG grabo is still at the top of the mountain. I couldn't help but notice that Grabo must have a good relationship with you as well as respect for who you are as you are in possession of the grabo high flow. Please do a review on how this upgraded version as soon as you are able to as I want to know if this is a worthwhile investment as I won't be able to get one until next year when they are available to the masses. Please keep doing what you do.
Liked the video, however I think you could have touched on the subject of how different brand names are made in the same factory.