Innovation is Progress, The story of MRB

[@JamesBailey-p7d]

You are an inspiration. Copying is a form of flattery. Your are the original curved benchwork inventor and will continue to be rewarded. Continue to produce quality stuff and you will be OK. Thank you for sharing your construction techniques. Also if you continue to innovate you will succeed. My boss told me this when I was working for DuPont. "Patents/protection don't matter if you are continuing to innovate because the competition will always be several steps behind you and they don't know where you are heading". So keep your future plans close to your chest until you release those products and then do a video so we can learn too :).

[@mpeterll]

I have a feeling that it won't have much of an impact on your business. You're well known on you-tube and everything you build is a labor of love. You also come across as a guy who places more importance on the quality of products that leave your workshop than on maximizing profits. That is a huge incentive for someone to choose you over Sievers. A couple of my best clients have said similar things about me when looking around for a layout builder. BTW; I don't know if you've ever noticed, but your channel is featured on my channel's home page. It has been ever since I saw one of your videos demonstrating how you build curved benchwork. Wishing you all the best.

[@MRBenchwork]

I had no idea I was featured on your home page. Once I figure out how to do that, I'll definitely be returning the favor. I'm not sure of how much it will actually impact the business but I felt it needed to be addressed as ignoring it is equal to being ok with it from my perspective which I'm definitely not.

[@mpeterll]

@@MRBenchwork That's one of the downsides of what we do. You and I both reveal our methods openly on our YT channels. Anyone can copy them and use them for their own gain without even acknowledging where they came from. I'm pretty sure that that presenting your methods the way you have has got you a lot more business than Sievers could possibly take from you. One of my viewers once pointed out something to me. He said that giving away one's knowledge free of charge is the mark of a true master. That never occurred to me until then - it was just something I wanted to do. When it comes to structural curved benchwork, I believe you are recognized as the master within the community. I don't know if you saw a video I posted some time last year in which I used your methods but instead of giving a full blow-by-blow tutorial, I simply referred my viewers to your video.

[@BoxcarJerry]

Sadly there's a lot of companies hacking small company product lines. Keep at it and work will come your way .

[@anthonyshipman3611]

Sorry to hear this. I hope it doesn't effect your business. All the best Anthony.

[@MRBenchwork]

I should be ok. I'm more worried that this is going to become a habit and the snowball effect that could potentially have down the line. It's particularly worrisome as I just hired my first employee 4 weeks ago and I have to make sure I can afford to keep him.

[@aaronl_trains_and_planes]

I shared your story to my YT channel. Keep up the great work! Also glad to see you back at making videos!

[@MRBenchwork]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@JamesBailey-p7d]

Another thought. Open source benefits the community. This is a well known principle in the software industry. This is the reason linx is the worlds most popular operating system in the world and runs all of the cloud. Essentially you are open sourcing your methods so hobbyists can learn and be the best they can be. They also will freely share with you how to improve your methods. You will learn so much about how to make your product better. So in the end you will still be on top.

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Ok I understand, I live in Canada , I am a woodworker, I do curved bench for my layout, not for any profit , just for me, I do enjoy your videos, your bench work ideas are great

[@MRBenchwork]

Right on! That's the point of my videos. Aside from simply being an advertising avenue, I want people to learn from what I do so they can do it themselves for their own layouts. If they watch and decide they want me to do it instead, well then I'm happy to do that too.

[@billyray94]

Recently, I moved into a new home, with an even bigger basement than I had previously. I've decided that I'm going to build a free standing modular layout as opposed to my previous empire - where I had a multi-level, permanent layout attached to wall studs. I'm going to build my new layout 3-4 modules at a time. I'm designing the track plan right now - and have decided to use your bench work as opposed to your competitions The excellent quality and wide array of options are the reason for my choosing your product. Let the other company try and copy your modules. Keep doing what you do, and it won't make a difference. I'll be in touch soon.

[@MRBenchwork]

Sounds amazing! Btw don’t limit yourself. If you need a custom module or two or custom multi deck brackets email me and I’m happy to help you get what you need.

[@rgdave23]

Having a Sievers layout 20 years ago for a hobby shop I owned, when it came time for my final layout I went with MRB - Sievers having curved sections would not have made a difference to me and I would still go with MRB.

[@MRBenchwork]

How's the layout coming along? Your's took me a little longer than I would have liked due to health issues but it was a fun project to build.

[@rgdave23]

@@MRBenchwork I have the lower level 3 sections attached and will be getting the birch plywood for the lower level subroadbed and the start of the helix next week. My only issue is with me as I had 3 discs in my neck fused last month and need to wear a collar for at least 2 more weeks - plus limited to 10 lbs lifting. Fortunately I have a 14 year old grandson to help and a young son-in-law to help too with any lifting. Lower level went together perfectly but not as fast as your video. 🙂 Looks like all the riser locations for the middle and upper levels are exactly correct with my track-plan (which was not 100% when you started the build). Bottom-line is I'm beyond delighted how it turned out. Your craftsmanship is incredible.

[@MRBenchwork]

@@rgdave23 I'm no stranger to back issues, as you well know, so I feel your pain. That said I'm glad you figured out how to get your son-in-law to help and I look forward to a photo or video update next year. Congrats

[@ponyhorton4295]

Did you Patent your design? BTW, thanks to your videos and inspiration, I'm trying my hand at making my own plywood bracket shadowbox layout. Just bought my first Kreg jig today. I hope you can prevail in this case.

[@MRBenchwork]

I did not. When I started the business I was falsely lead to believe that items made of wood were not protectable under the patent system. I've since learned otherwise. That said, as I described in the video, I've been showing people how to make them for years, so there's really nothing I can do about it. It's just extremely frustrating that Seivers would rather copy my idea than come up with something unique and innovative.

[@themarkwiens]

At the end of the day, you just need to put out a better product than the others. The people who see the quality and passion will gravitate to you. The people who like to support small businesses will come to you. Keep up the good work and don't let this get you down.

[@MRBenchwork]

I'm more annoyed than dejected. I will just keep moving forward. I have lots of new product ideas and the support of the community. It's not all I need, but it's a good start.

[@bncsystemsshortline]

This is a slim ball move man. I posted a community post of this video.

[@MRBenchwork]

Just a business move really. It's not one I like or agree with but it is what it is. Thank you for sharing, It really does help.

[@rjjrrailsgscalesolenske5231]

Unfortunately this happens all the time ,have you used wiggle or wobble board, its 4x8 sheets and can bend to a 6 inch circle but it only bend 8ft direction or 4 ,can't do both on same sheet.we use it all the time for garage door openings etc anthing that has a curve

[@MRBenchwork]

I actually use 2 different products. one is the wiggle board you describe. The other is just 3/16's luan which most people know as flooring underlayment. The luan is more rigid so it's nice for the larger radiuses while the wiggle board is great for the smaller stuff all the way down to a 4 inch radius.

[@cruizera2194]

Really sorry. Looks like their copy also cheaps out using solid wood, no pocket holes. So its not as good of a product, gonna warp over time and isn't as strong. Appreciate what you do, enjoy the videos and instruction.

[@MRBenchwork]

As much as I hate to admit it, Sievers does make a good product. That said, it's based on 1950's technology and materials so it really is just a matter of preference really. Now obviously I prefer plywood and pocket screws and I think it's the better option but it's up to the community to decide. Thank you for the kind words.