| HI
Some years ago I was involved with a group of people that set up to send old reconditioned tools and machines to parts of Africa. Most of the work was acid dipping old files and setting up milling machines that had seen better days.
One of the points raised was the vast quantity of machinery that was going to the scrap man. Many good machines that could have seen service in third world locations went to scrap. I think even now with some thought ex school and college machines could be used in the same way.
I cant help but think this would serve the people better than machines that are non industry and basicaly not recognised in manufacturing.
My thinking goes like this. If you teach a kid to machine on a lathe he will be able to work most any lathe. Teach the same kid on a machine that is cobbled together from bits and he wont have a chance on a Dean Smith and Grace.
More should be done for the third world and anything that helps is good. But i cant help thinking there are better ways for us in the richer locations to help them.
maybe not selling them guns an bombs could be a big start, but thats another story.
Cheers kevin |