Shorties: Number 42

With one end of the metal shaft a dull color of red, Matt pulled it from the furnace with a long set of tongs.  Once he was certain it was securely held, he dipped it into a bucket of oil.  A cloud of smoke wafted skyward.  Matt lifted the metal and promptly submerged it again.  He added, “I need to do the other end now.”

With an anxious tone, Tim replied, “Uh, ok.”

Matt had already advised Tim of the importance of properly tempering the metal in order to make it a usable tool.  If it wasn’t done correctly, it would either shatter or the end meant to make a mark would simply be blunted.  Tim simply wanted a passing grade on his shop project.  He feared he wouldn’t.  Once Matt finished with the other side of the center punch, he let it cool.  He asked, “You wanna test it?”

Immediately, Tim shook his head.  “No, I don’t.” 

“Ok, I’ll do it.” 

Matt picked up a piece of scrap metal from the scrap pile and placed it on the work bench.  Then making sure his gloves would absorb the any residual heat in the center punch, he picked it up with his left hand and placed the tip on a random spot on the scrap metal.  As he tilted it vertical, Matt considered asking if Tim was ready.  It didn’t matter.  The tool had to be tested.  He raised the hammer and fiercely pounded the center punch repeatedly. 

With each blow, the collision repeated throughout the shop and Tim winced.  He just knew the tip was flattened.  Matt stopped and without hesitation, he turned his hand to see the results of the test.  The tip was perfect.  Tim smiled in relief.  He still wasn’t sure of the grade he would get since there were defects in appearance.  He struggled terribly in the class. 

Appraising the tool in his hands, Mat said, ”It isn’t a perfect center punch but it will be a good and useful tool for the rest of your life.”

“Really?”

“Yes, when it comes to tools, appearance isn’t all that important.  It is all in how it is made.  You have all the basics here and we properly tempered it.  This is a good tool.”

Tim smiled.  Then his teacher added to the student who had many obstacles to overcome in his young life.  “Tim, you need to understand that we all endure fires in life.  They will either burn us up or make us the useful tool we are supposed to be. 

Tim lowered his eyes to the shop floor as emotion welled up inside him.  Matt added, “You have the proper metals in you and you are being tempered.  Someday, you will be the tool needed for something specific.  Only a center punch can do the work of a center punch.  If that’s what you are, be the best one you can be.  You hear me?”

Nodding, Tim replied, “Yes, sir.  Thank you.”