Starrett Factory Tour!

[@gordonmorse663]

I got to take the tour yesterday (Bob was wearing the same T-shirt!). I mentioned that my grandfather worked for them (1940-1964) and told them his name. Five minutes later the guy brings out my grandfather's personnel file! It had his original application, rehire application (he was laid off between August 1949 and November 1950 for lack of work), Foreman reviews ("very industrious worker"), etc. He started at 40 cents an hour in 1940 and retired at a whopping $1.99/hour in 1964. They made copies of all his documents for me and gave me his original badge picture! Absolute treasure! Thank you Starrett and Bob!

[@cougar10ag]

Gordon Morse, thats amazing they keep that stuff.

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

Great story!

[@juanee2]

Wow, I bet if was a pretty emotional and heartfelt experience for you, thank you for sharing :) .

[@j.k.j.j.k.j.99]

Holyy $#!+

[@elcacaro3849]

Wow simply amazing, you wouldn't get that kind of treatment in china i bet

[@starrett_tools]

Greetings, We wanted to thank the NYC CNC folks for coming out and taking a tour of our facility. We were happy to have you! We've been reading the comments on this video and also wanted to thank all of the viewers that have shared their kind words. Starrett has always been proud to be an American Company based out of Athol, Massachusetts. A common theme that we noticed below is the concern over a lack of skilled workers. One of our major initiatives here at Starrett is education. We are happy to report that in celebration of Manufacturing day, October 6th, we opened our doors to 200 or so students in the region to foster interest and see what opportunities are out there in the manufacturing space. Education is also where the most of our tool donations go, having donated thousands and thousands of dollars worth of tools to helping teach the next generation of workers as well as our returning soldiers that are seeking careers. Once again, NYC CNC, thanks for the great video and stopping by!

[@brandysigmon9066]

starrett is the best, I use and love their tools and tooling

[@j.k.j.j.k.j.99]

lsstarrett amazing....

[@j.k.j.j.k.j.99]

Im a new machinst and will be buying starrett brand tools.

[@Espressoforge]

Just for more feedback. This factory tour was amazing. I have several manual Starrett tools and really love them. My set of telescoping gages the most. Needing a new digital micrometer, I went looking for a Starrett one, but was disappointed to see that the digital ones are made in China (and I suppose just assembled in the USA?). I understand not becoming an electronics manufacturer, but I would have bought if the mechanical components were made in USA and electronics came from Japan or Europe or in general a company known for accuracy. They might be accurate, but I'm looking for an all-in-one solution that is: accurate, coolant proof, reliable electronics and long battery life. In this case, Mitutoyo will be getting my money...sorry!

[@userequaltoNull]

If this account has notification on: Hi, I'm a student at Assabet Valley, a Voc. Tech high school out of Marlborough, about 15 minutes west of Worcester. How would we go about setting up a field trip to your facility? Thanks.

[@RexRoach]

This video will become a legend. I actually got tears in my eyes several times just thinking of the impact of this place on America. THANK YOU!!

[@gregcollins3404]

From this place flows the quality and capability that is a foundation of so much of the world's infrastructure and standard of living....

[@FredMiller]

Totally agree with you Rex. If they still offer it I AM going to go on that tour this summer. I need to see and smell that factory. It is now on my bucket list.

[@kmcwhq]

Yes....chills up the spine and tears in the eyes several times. A big THANK YOU for this video.

[@Demoni696]

Really truly amazing to think of all the things that were built, using the tools, built at that factory. Thank you for the video!

[@williammackie6691]

Demoni696

[@denniston]

So I only have one Starrett micrometer, but it's got an incredible story. One day in 1971 my dad was visiting with his grandfather, Homer, in his grandfather's shop. Homer reached over and took his 1" Starrett micrometer from his set of 1-4" micrometers and gave it to my dad. A few days later, Homer bought a replacement micrometer from his son (my great uncle) to replace the one he gave my dad. Well, the next month after my dad received that micrometer, my great grandfather died. I'm sure because of the health of his dad, great uncle never cashed the check for that replacement micrometer. Some time later, my great uncle received the micrometer he sold to his dad back from his dad's estate. He then put that uncashed check in the Starrett box with the micrometer. Years later, after my great uncle passed away, unbeknownst to my dad's cousin, (my great uncle's daughter) she gave that micrometer to my dad. My dad put 2 and 2 together and realized what had happened. This is the story behind the micrometer I have today.

[@toolmaker1509]

Thank You for this video. I am a tool maker 40 years in the trade. Starrett is the only tool I would own. The quality is outstanding. This country better wake up and realize we are retiring and nobody is replacing us. I am very proud of the special work all the tool makers and machinist can do, this is the real strength of our country it has made us strong, and we are loosing it. May God help us.

[@billybruffy226]

My Father was a machinist for 44 years, he passed in 1994 and I inherited all of his tools. I grew up using and cleaning Starrett tools. I still use some that he bought new before I was born. My favorite is the toolmakers hammer that he bought me with my name stamped on it. God bless you and Starrett for this video.

[@Edward135i]

Starrett is everything I'd hoped a 137 year old precision measuring instrument company would be, picturesque New England town, with a factory that is over 100 years old, that runs off a water wheel, that employs the whole village. It's like a living Norman Rockwell painting, truly an American jewel that is to be cherished.

[@mikegaskin5542]

@LAFOLLETTER Is there anything New England could do to be more manufacturing-friendly?

[@protospace270]

As someone who grew up in the Orange/Athol area and who's grandfather worked there as an engineer his whole life, I can say that it is certainly NOT an American jewel, lol. They shipped most of their manufacturing overseas, they pay shit wages and overwork their employees. And the towns themselves are rundown shitholes. Unfortunately American manufacturing is not what it once was.

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

" Picturesque New England town", you obviously have never been to Athol / Orange area.

[@kswaynes7569]

"I have one" said every Starrett tool lover! Left the day to day as a metal patternmaker back in the 80's for modelmaking, then onto mid management. Can still envision the smells and feel the machine handles. My 4 piece Kennedy toolbox still holds all my Starrett tools, waiting for my formal retirement in 2021 at 70.

[@Pow3llMorgan]

That Bob guy was awesome. I got the feeling he knew everything worth knowing in that factory.

[@domischneider1188]

Povl Besser

[@HitLeftistsWithHammers]

domi schneider

[@ericwolf5874]

This was an amazing shop tour. Old school American industry. I loved the automatic door closer at 9:05 just a weight, some rope, and a couple of pulleys.

[@jacobmiller3795]

Ha!!!! I hoped I wasn't the only one that noticed that counterweight lol

[@oh8wingman]

I'm not a machist but i can appreciate what it takes to make and accumulate the tools necessary to do the work required. The one thing though that struck me here was the people. Mostly grey hairs or no hairs like myself who stayed until the last minute before the Christmas holidays, dedicated to their work and doing what they know best for years, in some cases for their entire lives. They are a testament to what can be achieved when people work together and give it their all. Kudos to them wherever they are, for in reality, they are the people who really build nations, not the politians as so many are lead to believe.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

That's what working for Hewlett-Packard Co. was like up to about 1995. Both companies had the ability to create the tools that create the tools of their trade. Both had a finger in anything technologically important in America. I would give anything to be healthy again and work at a place like that again. I have zero interest in helping someone exploit and extract "value", which is isolated from real people, with real passion, solving real problems - and sticking around to make sure it happens.

[@jiminsequim3218]

I have known the Starrett name ever since the early 1970's when I was a little kid in my dad's pattern shop. Even back then I knew Starrett tools are special. I inherited his tools when he passed and am still adding to the collection. Thank you so much for the tour!

[@Abom79]

Absolutely love it there! Loved the tour of the original machine shop. I will go there and get my own tour one of these days!

[@sjb_rnd]

I figured you would be jealous! Look forward to the road trip shots of the Challenger on that video. Just don't do it this week or we might hear from you until June!

[@firearmsstudent]

Maybe you could pick up one of those 54"-60" monster mikes! Definitely Abom sized!

[@michaelawuku1241]

Abom, do that and share. We are waiting.💕😁

[@Planedoc1959]

Started out as an aircraft mechanic in 1978. Have owned and used Starrett tools almost from day one. A few weeks from retirement from Boeing and I still have all my Starrett tools! Hard to beat their quality!! Thanks for sharing!

[@dudestuff3352]

Not only is the factory awesome but the level of understanding Bob has for all the aspects of manufacturing was incredible. I'd go broke if I toured that place, I'd want to buy one of everything. Thanks for the tour.

[@JeffryLandry]

My uncle Ed Arsenault worked at that factory in Athol, MA for over 40 years before retiring and passing on. Great video. What a great look at American quality and heritage.

[@timbroderick3831]

Simply a great video! A Starrett you'll buy once & your great grandchildren will still be using it long after you've turned to dust. Cheap & inexpensive Chinese tools you'll purchase many times & spend more $$$ in the long run. Quality & precision tools save countless hours & make for less mistakes. I'm still using my American made Starrett, Craftsman & Snap-on tools I bought in the mid to late 70's. As an aside; I've had to recover some of those tools from my adult children, LOL. My grandchildren love my Starrett 12" rule.

[@jacobmiller3795]

I agree 100% but 3 days ago I was at work removing some 12 point pinion yoke bolts with my half inch impact (i left my 12 point 1/2 impact sockets at our other shop)and snapped the square off of a snap on half inch to 3/8 impact adapter which in of itself is no real shocker but the cheap Taiwan made 3/8 drive socket attached to it suffered no damage at all..... breaks my heart that snap on quality has went downhill so much the last decade. Granted I would never buy Taiwan or even worse China made tools unless an emergency lol, but I have broken so many sockets mostly here lately its unreal. Mostly snap on and Matco. Mac still seems to be excellent quality as does proto but they are both owned by Stanley so well see what the future holds. Sorry for the rant, I had to get that out of my system lol

[@drubradley8821]

AMAZING!!!!! It crushes my soul, to think how much industrial & precision manufacturing this country either lost or gave away. Having jobs like these where generation of families went to work with a great amount of unstoppable pride, of which clearly still shows at the Starrett factory. What an honor to have seen this in person. Nice work. I think I will take the time out to email the Starrett Company for allowing you to take this huge tour. Just powerful to see, Thank you for sharing this one. Drew

[@billmoran3812]

Awesome tour! I grew up in Springfield, and had family in Athol. Been by that factory many times over the years. For those not familiar with the area, it is no accident that Starrett is located where it is. The surrounding area has been a mecca of American manufacturing going back to the revolutionary war. George Washington founded the first Armory in Springfield, Smith and Wesson is still there, Greenfield MA is home to many tool manufacturers, Rolls Royce automobiles were once built in Springfield, as was Indian Motorcycles, and many more famous manufacturers were located in the pioneer valley. This video is a priceless look into history.

[@mrkartoom]

Yes from Greenfield to Turners Falls to Millers Falls to Athol and many other areas of western Mass that were once the mecca you mention for the machining and tool making industry. It's sad to see it's all but gone and so many of the quality tools made here are now replaced with Chinese throw-away junk sold by the big box stores. Many people just have no idea the quality and craftsmanship that their forefathers worked so hard to establish is being lost. Not the case with Starrett thank goodness.

[@P46345]

When you mentioned your Grandfather it really hit home with me. My first job in high school was pushing a broom and deburring parts in a machine shop, the day I graduated I became a full time machinist. Starrett was what I got when I could. My last job was actually as a millwright. Thank you for posting this video, it was amazing.

[@k5at]

John, Thanks so much for sharing this video. It's always great to see where things are made. Special thanks to Starrett and Bob!

[@clearlight34]

Bought my Starrett tools 25 years ago. It's hard to put my pride of ownership in words... especially after viewing this AMERICAN ICON. Thank you John

[@pupdoggify]

This is absolutely amazing!!! The operator at 24:44 made my day. It's becuase of people like HIM that makes America Great!!!

[@wazza8610]

I agree, I’m from UK but made my day seeing that guy so happy.

[@rdwilliams9581]

As a 1950's journeyman machinist it is a joy to see "old school" at work. People don't realize the talent that it takes to work in a place like this. Each machinist has thousands of dollars of personal tools in their tool box. I'm surprised they let you in when the men were not there. When I started in 1959 I was told to buy only Starrett Lufkin or Browne and Sharp tools because that was the industry standard. I retired in 2002. I have worked everything from 14' VBM to clean room. Thanks again for taking me back to the good old days.

[@libertywayranch2424]

Incredible tour and video! It makes me so proud to be a american because of this company and many others like it. The world wide impact the products they manufacture have fills me with pride. The enthusiasm of the technicians restores some hope in me of the american worker. Thank you Starrett for the quality products you produce. Thank you for the fights you have endured to keep your production in the USA!

[@edgoldshinsky1848]

This is the finest factory tour that I’ve ever seen. Truly outstanding company. I have been in love with their tools and products forever. I’m only a collector really but have used their dial Calipers at work before I retired. Fantastic video and company. Thanks for the trip to heaven for a collector.

[@richardpfirrman9073]

Awesome video thank you so much! I just enrolled in a Machinist course... been there for 3 weeks now and loving it. My ultimate goal is to become a TRUE machinist which would be a person that can be given a piece of raw stock and a drawing and come back with a product to spec in an efficient amount of time. But my short term goal is to have all Starrett machinist tools. This video pumped me up big time with inspiration to work even harder at achieving my goals... and proud to be American. Thank you so much.

[@Seveneleven44]

I watched this video non-stop and tears well up in my eyes at the pure and unadulterated mastery that has come out of that shop since it’s beginning. Just trying to grasp the amount of industry that starrett tools have been used in, is almost beyond the scope of concept. It makes you feel such pride that a fellow American worker made a tool as fine as one out of the starrett factory. Truly heirloom quality implements.

[@toyracerful]

John, I have been watching your channel for a long time and this was the most awesome video I have seen. Thank you for giving us this privilege and it will be unforgettable. Your work is greatly enjoyed and appreciated.

[@donktheclown]

I've spent most of my adult life using Starrett tools. They are to me, the best quality there is. Thank you.

[@merlinmagnus873]

64 minutes of eye candy. Thanks for sharing. I love my Starrett tools. I could almost smell the factory while watching this.

[@timothymallon]

I'm no machinist, but as a woodworker, I do use a lot of measuring tools and I ALWAYS prefer Starrett tools over everyone else. Looking at the poster, I got all happy seeing my depth gauges, combination square, dividers of all types and lengths, micrometers, calipers. It makes me happy to see them still alive and well just a few miles away from me. Now I want to go visit the museum. Thank you guys for the video, and thank you Starrett for allowing a look inside. It makes me so happy to see quality still being alive in the US.

[@russellhodges7906]

Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship born and made in the US of A! Awesome tour John thank you for taking us along.

[@policedog4030]

The Mother of All Shop Tours! Thanks Starrett; and what a great American Company.

[@8bikeman]

I actually worked at starretts for 5 years running cnc grinder it's a machinist dream for sure really cool stuff that they can do and a very deep history is awesome.

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

william pierce 5 years yet you cannot spell Starrett correctly? Athol / Orange trailer trash I take it?

[@samrodian919]

MrThisIsMeToo a bit nasty isn't it? A missing capital letter and an apostrophe is not a spelling mistake. Starrett has two R's and two T's and that's what Mr. Pierce had typed. Fucking shame on you, and that's correct ENGLISH form an ENGLISHMAN! SO THERE!!

[@samrodian919]

TYPO! It should have been "From"

[@gravitysports1]

@@MrThisIsMeToo, you should apply for a job at Starrett's english teaching department. I'll give you a good reference, so the job's as good as yours

[@MrThisIsMeToo]

@@gravitysports1 If you cannot spell English correctly, your reference is worthless.

[@timpaul8888]

Starrrett is the King of Machine Tools. Our world today could not function without these tools

[@turbo2ltr]

Definitely don't start watching this 5 minutes before bed!

[@Jono6671]

turbo2ltr I know right, it's insane. I just have to keep watching, and I'm not even a toolmaker, I literally don't even know what these machines do, it's just cool to see it all!

[@j-bdekker4871]

Damit it got me too!

[@robertw1871]

Yep I’ll buy only Starrett from now on simply because they have the confidence to let you guys look around and take the rest of us along. I don’t work in machining so I’ve always been a little cost conscious, but now I see why you pay a little more, makes all the difference when you are proud of your tools.

[@cup_and_cone]

It is mind boggling to think every major American historical moment probably had at least one tool from that factory used on the project...from the Atomic program to the Apollo missions.

[@JoeSolla]

using an old starrett tool is a history lesson - every time.

[@JoeSolla]

and this is a company that knows the difference between "have a nice day" and really taking care of their customers. They invented the combination square. They are a national treasure.

[@kristofferjohnsen4002]

It is also mind boggling that the place looks the same as back then...

[@brandysigmon9066]

While I was watching this I was doing a little project at home, I noticed I was using my Brown & Sharpe caliper. I went and traded it for my Starrett in lieu of this video, lol

[@83hjf]

same with HP. Hewlett-Packard made machines to measure ANYTHING you can measure in electronics and RF. It's a sad thing what happened to HP in the late 90s.

[@dcm12388]

Can't thank you enough for the tour this one of the coolest videos I've ever seen I have used their tools since I was a kid and still have some of them.

[@Abom79]

Great video John! I have been waiting for this one. I really hope that all the jackasses out there in the forum world who argue that all Starrett tools are now made in China watch this video. I knew they still made all those tools right there in Athol. So great that they let you film there so we can all see how the factory looks and is set up. It really is an amazing place! I loved the tour. Thanks for taking us along buddy! 👍🏻

[@Paleoman]

I have always felt Starrett tools are the absolute best in the world. No one comes close to their quality.

[@Midwestboltandblade]

Of the american ones, this is true. Thier "global series". Garbage! I prefer american Starrett over any other brand. Except test indicators, then its Interapid.

[@st3althyone]

Doesn’t get any better than Starrett tools and yeah, made in the U.S.A!

[@madbluntz42069]

@Crappie Chancellor they do not make any real starrett tools in China I work there in athol mass

[@st3althyone]

Idk about Starrett’s, but Section 5 is the top secret facility at the heart of the General Dynamics that houses the most dangerous and restricted projects, it’s located deep underground. Hope that answers your answer. Probably not many people will get this, but to those that do, cheers!🤣🤣🤣🤣 So lovely to see all those machine tools lovingly cared for! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TheNemosdaddy]

This is truly american craftsmanship. These are the types of jobs we need again. I bet all those employees take pride in the parts and tools they create.

[@JustMike2791]

What a nice bunch of people it seems. Very cool video, thanks for sharing. In this day and age of global trade, actually seeing the factory and some people that work there, I'll buy Starrett from now on.

[@iRepairElectronics]

Great Tool Porn. What a great factory, and its still in the US. I have used thier dial gauges at work and they are a joy. never a glitch. Precision to the 10th degree. Buy starrett, keep America Great

[@JoeSolla]

Buy starrett for the quality and reliability of their products and America will take care of itself (or not)

[@elmarqo_3448]

John, this was the coolest video ever. thank you Starrett for allowing the video and thank you John for sharing this.

[@alexkern9134]

This video was so cool. Just so much to see, I want to go!

[@rickdudzik9281]

ive been a machinest for 33 yrs. i learned to run every thing and just love to watch this stuff.

[@ThunderDog]

All I kept thinking, "American made is BAD ASS!!" This was an awesome tour.

[@FrankGz007]

As a boy, I remember my father going to work for a New Jersey ship yard as a machinist/ tool and diemaker. Unfortunately he now afflicted with dementia and lives in a nursing home. I recently acquired his Kennedy machinist toolbox and was intrigued with its content. I wish I had learned how to use a lathe and milling machine, although I’m considering getting into it and learn the basic so I can make car, motorcycle, gun, and household parts. Your KZbin channel and a few other publishers provide me with knowledge and inspiration to get started. This particular video was very informative about the company that made a lot of my dad’s tools. I really enjoyed it. Thank you. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@joefalmo5528]

john this video WOW i can't wait to buy another STARRETT tool thank you buddy

[@Stormin_Norman]

Awesome tour, I'm just a few miles north in N.H. Being in this business for about 45 years as a machinist/toolmaker, I can appreciate every minute of this tour. I too owned many Starrett tools myself and I grew up with a father that had a machine shop in the basement, so I started learning at a young age back in the 60's... Thanks again, loved it...

[@essaysoftware]

Where would this country be without companies like this...

[@dragonkubush]

Thank you so much for taking the time to film this tour. Looks like a fascinating and wonderful place. This folks clearly love what they do. Their passion for their work really comes across. More power to them!

[@flyvertigo]

The sad thing I see is the average age of the people working there. Without more young people like yourself interested in machining , I see very little future for the tooling industry in the US.

[@DJInclined]

Jim D I live in the area and the aging work force is not being replaced with skilled enough tradesmen.

[@trued2010]

First, Thanks for the video John and anyone from Starrett that contributed. I agree, I feel bad for the Older guy working on the screw mill, saying he could have learned the new computer screw mills, but turned Starrett down. While he will always have the knowledge to use the older machine, the machine will be replaced soon and IF that is the only machine he knows how to work (I highly doubt that) he may soon be out of a job, whereas if he learned the new computer machines he would have more value as an employee and likely prolong his career if needed. I guess what i'm saying is If someone hands you an opportunity and won't cost you anything you probably shouldn't turn it down. But, if he is happy with what he is doing I can't really knock him too hard, because if you're not happy there's no point in doing something.

[@Duraltia]

Not from the US so my school mileage might vary but the only time we gained access to, the most basic, workshop machines was like once a week during a class you had to choose out of a pool of 3 so you either had almost no *or* no education at all with the machining subject. That was, I believe, 18 years ago so things might have changed but I doubt it. Despite the lack of education on this matter I've always remained a tech freak though for the most of the time as a consumer only but ever since I got myself a Form2 Laser 3D Printer and an X-Carve 2.5D Carving machine I'm enjoying the possibility to make a LOT of things myself I previously thought unthinkable. Like making a resin prototype for a 1:16 Tank track link to be sent a metal casting company or milling an entire hull assembly myself ( if the shape allows it ). With the availability of these machines on the rise I could see a revival in interest for this profession because of kids simply living in a household with such machines.

[@DougHanchard]

Jim D Don't be too sure if that analysis actually occurs. Modernization is occurring as you can see. But just because something is old, doesn't mean you throw it out. The Starrett factory is living proof of this Management philosophy. Really good companies in all countries go through this process. Roll Royce in the UK, Bombardier in Canada and many others in the U.S.

[@kisspeteristvan]

Sadly but not surprisingly , it's not only in the us . It's not that easy to find even a cnc operator/setter/programmer . For manual and specialised machines it's impossible , noone wants to touch those old and dirty machines , but this goes both ways (at least where i work) the bosses won't pay extra for the old machinists to teach new people . ........ And that's how we send work to china . :(

[@titus142]

John that was freakin awesome. Also having Bob, a machinist do the tour and not some corporate shill in a suit do the used car pitch you usually see on factory tours, really makes this video stand out.

[@JohnGrimsmo]

LOVED THE VID! I watched the whole thing, great tour.

[@charltoncarswell9977]

Without a doubt, this is the best video that you have ever produced. This is like "machinist porn". Thank you so much for giving your viewers the opportunity to tour possibly the most legendary American tool company. Thank You!

[@jbbauer0]

Just stared at my monitor without blinking for an hour.

[@Seminolerick]

Tour guide has such a phenomenal memory & knowledge about seemingly EVERYTHING in the never ending factory ! Great job, all 👍

[@brandysigmon9066]

I've watched this 15 times, I notice something different every time.

[@TitanTrond]

Starrett must be considered a national treasure, this tour makes me even more proud of my Starrett tools, thank you so much for sharing this video!

[@crispy8329]

24:44 That guy loves what he does!!!

[@longcaster]

Thanks for getting that recorded. The skills of those workers is amazing. Starrett, thank you for opening your doors so your story could be told.

[@oddtools2812]

Forget Disneyworld... I'm going to Athol!

[@ericjensen4434]

That was totally worth an hour of my time. Thanks so much for doing this! Amazing to see so much vintage machinery still being used and making them money. I live very close and have always wanted to tour it. I will for sure now. Thanks again.

[@JIMMYJREVIEWS_thaiM-A-F-I-A]

In Thailand we have some like this verry old equipment but not in so good running conditions but can hold .0001 with the best of them🙃 But will say AMERICAN is the way to go! Strong,true & reliable 🇺🇸👍

[@blindabinda1234]

25:00 that guy was great. I just love people like him that are informative and just happy as can be to show you what's going on.

[@BuildSomthingCool]

Double thumbs up John, Great video!

[@darelespinosa3616]

Kyoto

[@brentnicol6391]

I am sorry but this is my second post within the hour. This was the best action, horror or any movie I have ever seen in my life. I nearly flipped when I seen all those dial indicators. Yellow is metric because we in South Africa only uae yellow most of the time. Once again thank you to you John and the guy that took you through the factory. This is history.

[@jaybogataj]

So mitutoyo next? :)

[@nyccnc]

Would LOVE that!

[@LF12468]

He'll need a bulletproof vest to go to Brazil

[@dtom1145]

Love Starrett! As a machinist then as a mechanical engineer, Starrett tools were the best for any application. Even now that I am retired and dedicated to woodworking I still use my Sarrett tools, probably overkill for woodworking but old habits die hard.

[@MrGuitarbike]

Uh oh... Adam is going to be a little jealous! I know I am.

[@RobiSydney]

John, very jealous! Got some more goodies for you come Stan's Summer Bash 2017. 100mm LED ring light to start with.

[@holton345]

I own a number of Starrett tools, some being new purchases and some being very old ones. They all have a few important things in common: they are precise, they are easy to use, and they are VERY WELL MADE. I love them all and hope to increase the number of Starrett products in my shop over the next few years. I will purchase them new, by the way, because this video showed me where my money goes and who it helps to keep employed. BRAVO, Starrett, for making such fine things.

[@jvonripster3334]

It's very interesting but a big part is essentially a working museum.

[@americanaxetoolco2076]

You have no idea how this video makes me feel! My entire life has been in machining ! I have my grandfathers tools from when he worked at the Ford Rouge plant steel mill! I also have my dads from Ford Trade School! Plus my own!Starrett Tools are my passion!

[@weijingburr2392]

The unsung genius of the world wears blue oil stained overalls.

[@CGW11]

Just wow! Amazing products, factory and people! So much heritage and knowledge. May Starrett live forever!

[@MacMiskenn]

No. The yellow face is the correct one. :D

[@highstreetkillers4377]

Metric is the best

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

There are two kinds of countries in the world: Those which use metric, and the one which went to the moon.

[@highstreetkillers4377]

anonymous George That's Hilarious. If you knew anything you'd realize that metric is more accurate. Because of the distance travelled in space calculations need to be extremely accurate. NASA WORKS IN METRIC. That's why a Mars mission failed a few years back. Navigation team came on and used Imperial and didn't know NASA is metric. Any machinist should know why metric is more accurate then imperial. And if they don't, then they're just a carpenter pretending to be a machinist

[@sammyblackchow9541]

The accuracy of measurement does not depend on the system. A length can be measured in inches or thousandths of inches or millionths of inches

[@highstreetkillers4377]

Sammy BlackChow Yes it does matter. Big time dude. And if you don't understand why then I hope you never do anything with measuring. Easiest way to explain, What's more accurate? Measuring your height in inches or miles? Inches obviously. The increments are smaller. Metric is way more accurate. Even NASA uses metric.

[@clemm17]

Wow. I have a lot of Starrett that was probably built in that museum. To see see the old machines still running was such a joy. This is what made USA great.....

[@TrasteIAm]

AvE instant shmoo release.

[@woxnerw]

A once in three lifetimes for the opportunity to visit this company.. There has never been a shop that I worked in that didn't have Tools made by this company in its possession.. Rex Roach..... I agree with you.. This video is SO Nice.. Gents.. What a PLACE.. Thank You.. for posting this video.. I had trouble keeping the tears from my eyes as I watched the Warehouse Image where the Tools are prepared and stored for shipping.. AND.... The dial indicator Assembly Desk.. Before I graduated From Vocational School in 1961 I worked in a machine shop in the summer months that was driven by a Single Motor with Overhead Shafts that powered the Drive and Counter Drive shafts for the Machine Shop.. WELL.. that was a long time ago.. However, Starrett Measuring Tools were common Place in that Shop.. I learned to operate a Metal Forge in that Shop.. Whenever I worked in that shop, it was my task to Fire up and keep the Forge from going out..

[@thomasherbert5790]

How about a little less cool, holy cow, wow, and cutting off the host in mid sentence.

[@David9523]

Could not agree more... wish he would shut up, calm down and listen to the guy giving the tour. Annoying. Stupid Millennial . He could learn something. Loved the factory though. Own a lot of Starrett tools.

[@trackie1957]

David9523 I’m 64, but I’d probably sound the same if I were in his shoes. That is, if he’s a size 9. Anything smaller than that I’d be saying “Ow! Can we stop now?”

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

Wow, that place is just overwhelming. Could spend days just wandering around there. The excitement in your voice was infectious.

[@eddrm4685]

Very SAD!!! Thanks for the tour tho. That hardinge horizontal mill looks identical to a Wigglesworth we still use. The Bridgeport CNCs look slightly different than the CompuMill we ran 20 years ago. Great example of how we have lost our manufacturing base to China...alot of old tech and empty rooms. Today many Starret products will show up with Made in China stickers on them ...VERY sad. We can only hope this can be reversed!!!

[@russellpuchalla7254]

No matter what your political views are, this factory tour is a porthole view to what made America great. I love the fact that I have had an opportunity to see what the inner workings of the tools I use everyday are made of, and that men and women who, like me, have a passion for precision. Many thanks to the marketing department for allowing this tour, as well as NYC CNC for broadcasting it for many to see. I know this comment is a year too late for initial rush of YT views but it has hit home with me. I know the value of good tooling and I can see ( as a machinist who sidelines as an auctioneer) the continuous value of these tools. If you need a tool for a one time use and will not have a use for it again that yea maybe that cheap alternative will suit you fine, but if you put food on your table with the tools you use everyday then these tools are worth the investment. As far as I can tell when we sell out a machine shop the Starrett precision tools all hold really close to retail value and imports seem to fall in with the chaff of other tooling sold. So if you look at the grand scheme of things, if you take good care of your tools, they don't cost too much to own for a lifetime, as there is someone out there looking to have the quality this brand carries in their toolbox, and they are willing to spend their money on a brand that they can trust. Thanks Guys... looking forward to more videos of the same content.

[@OtisFilm]

Nothing goes over German engineering. Just saying.

[@supermrmotorhead7239]

German tools are great also there beer but there cars are junk

[@mooman4836]

To have these tools from 40 years and to see them made is just I don't have words..

[@TrasteIAm]

Sorry guys, great video and your are doing a nice job, but its just too many superlatives with too many exclamation marks and hand-in-the-air "oh-oh-oh teacher i know he answer, i am smart, i know what is happening here"... chill out, you get points for not knowing and asking questions too.

[@bobs74xlch]

This is the longest youtube video I've ever watched.....I love machines and what can be made with them. The factory is AWESOME, what a walk through time. I also save ALL of my Starrett boxes, they just represent quality. Thanks for posting the tour, I wish I could have smelled that factory.

[@pauljones3866]

Thank you for the amazing video tour of the Starrett factory. It took me more than two hours to watch because of I had to pause, return and study the still pictures. There was so much to see and appreciate.

[@edwardbadlands8621]

Thanks so much for sharing! I absolutely love Starrett tools. Still the worlds greatest tool makers.

[@TheClarkie70]

Man that was insane! It makes you realise how much there is that you take for granted the finer details of what goes into the making of a lot of tools. Thanks for the video.

[@StefanThePro]

Watched the whole video in what seems like minutes. They're the Benchmark of Benchmarks, literally defining what quality is across manufacturing.

[@davewalker4509]

Thank you! I've now spent 5 hours trawling through the Starrett on-line catalog :D Also looked into some of my old tools handed down to me - great to feel a connection to where they came from!

[@davekummer6587]

i am only a woodworker i think i am going to watch this video a thousand times thank you and Starrett

[@kenbassett5942]

I live less than a mile from this plant. I have never been inside. This video was excellent and I am amazed at what goes on in there. Thanks for this video. I shared it on Facebook and my friends are sharing it. Some of my friends actually work there. Most people that work there have worked there for decades. Thanks again!

[@margaretshepardson1995]

My father worked there back in the 1940s and then in 1941 he joined the army with a group of friends that also worked at Starretts. Mr Starrett told them that their jobs would be waiting for them when they got back. My father was shipped to England and spent his time there. When he got back his job was waiting for him. Then in 1962, he got cancer and died in 1966. Mr Starrett presented to my mother the watch for 25 years for working there even though it was just under 25 years. All of my fathers brothers and sister worked at Starretts.

[@debbiebissel50]

That was amazing, and the museum brought back some memories of 1973 when I graduated high school. Right where the D-DAY Museum in NO. LA. is there was a machine shop called Triangle machine shop. I worked there for 3 years in an apprentice capacity and all of the lathes, milling machines, drill presses and key seat machine were operated by leather belts that were driven by what they called the line shaft which turned the pulleys which in turn operated the machines. The speed of the machine was changed by tripping the belt up above your head with a much used piece of 1"×4"×8' pine board. We would have to rest the bottom of the board against the inside of your heel and the opposing knee and 2 hands. At the same time you had to try and engage the clutch which consists of another 1×4 connecting on each end to a pipe that ran up to the clutch. This clutch engaging board was about 5or 6 foot long and was just a little above your head and placed over the machine and after awhile you learned to do this without looking at the board above. I used to have too crawl up around the rafters to put oil cups ok the Babbitt bearings. I learned a lot in 3 years mostly how to hate a piece of 1"×4" pine board but I can honestly say I enjoyed living a part of history and the fact that the turned that old machine shop into the ww 2 D-DAY Museum to honor those who fought and died to protect this country. I'm now 64 years old now and I can say those 3 yrs. Are my most prized memories. Thank you! Jacob Bissel.

[@yerffejrelgeips5508]

Remarkable story about the nitty-gritty details of how the leather belts were moved on the line shaft to change machine speeds. A rare piece of knowledge these days. Also remarkable that it was still in use as late as 1973, I had assumed those systems had all faded away (except in non-electric Amish shops) when electric motors became ubiquitous, many, many years earlier than '73. Thank you, Jacob Bissel, for the memories, and for posting them.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

This film by itself should be made part of the archives on Starrett. Can't resist sharing a story. In 1984 when I joined Hewlett-Packard Co.as an engineer in the newly formed Fort Collins Systems Division, they still had a machine shop for rapid prototyping new instruments and packages. I remember the head machinist's name was Fred. I knew less than nothing about a machine shop then but felt drawn to them. So if I went in early enough in the mornings, I could bring Fred and his colleagues a cup of coffee, and they'd let me hang out and answer my endless neophyte questions. But they won my heart when I was telling them about how my old car had an unusual part that broke, and I could not procure a replacement at any price - so Fred just made me one. It was a complex fitting, and he whipped it up during his break and gave it to me the next day. At that time HP had lab stock, including basic bar stock, and the purpose was to allow this kind of creativity (and before idiots who didn't understand our products took over, we generated a fantastic amount of patents, new technologies, and new products). Within a year or two, the shop was outsourced, and the decline in innovation followed steadily over the next twenty years. Now that I'm doing antique / vintage tool restoration as part of my medical post-cancer/transplant rehab, I learn buckets full every day. And what I was hit with the most in this piece is how machining and ability to fabricate even the most basic tools is not only a national treasure - we are getting closer every day to losing the ability to build our own machines. It's a national security issue from a strategic perspective. Investors and executives who believe they are actually creating things with "value creation" or "value extraction" strategies are lying to themselves. They are selling out their country, let alone their own companies. You don't suddenly turn on capabilities at the root of this kind of expertise at firms like Starrett in thirty days. It wouldn't matter if the President ordered it so; if we've lost the skills, tools to build tools, processes, etc... what do we do? Food for thought. Wonderful tour.

[@alphawhiskey3311]

Marc McKenzie exactly couldn't have said it better myself. Except for one thing, the executives and corporations in general are profit driven. Patriotic until it gets too expensive to do so. Thing is in a totally free market economy you have what's called the agency problem where what's good for the corporation stops being good for the nation/people

[@vanillaexplosion99]

@@alphawhiskey3311 Many of the American corporate executives are sourced globally as well, so there is one reason for the lack of corporate patriotism.