You might have noticed that I tend to write previews and reviews with we, our, and us, rather than me, my, and I. This is sometimes deliberate, other times by habit. Maybe you even glanced at the metadata under several post headlines and noted that I am the only regular author on ToolGuyd.
For the past four years – oh gosh, has it really been four years?! – I have avoided talking about myself here on ToolGuyd. Sure, I shared a few things here and there, but I tried to keep personal details away from my writings as much as I could. As you could tell from the post headline, this is not one of those times where I hold back.
I am extremely pleased to share with you all that I recently earned my doctorate degree in materials science and engineering. I have a masters degree in the same field and a bachelor’s degree in physics.
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What Does This Mean?
Everything, or nothing, depending on how you look at it. Years of study and research projects have irreversibly changed who I am, how I think, and how I see the world. I cannot gauge how influential my research and experiences have been on my ToolGuyd efforts, but there must be some connection.
Technically this also means I can add Dr. to my resume and business cards.
Earning my doctorate was a long and exhausting journey, but in the end I am better for it. Now that I am finished with my dissertation research I am currently looking for work. For the time being I can afford to be somewhat selective with the jobs I choose to apply for – thanks to ample savings, consulting work, freelance assignments, and an understanding wife – but I am looking for a full-time position, preferably in a research lab in or near NYC. Or enough science and engineering-related freelance positions to supplement my income.
What This Means for You, Dear Reader
Ordinarily I feel that it is best for my observations, assessments, and recommendations to speak for themselves, and this sentiment has not and will not change. Maybe my scientific and technical proficiency adds weight to my writing, or maybe it doesn’t. I really don’t know, but I can tell you that I am extremely sensitive about reader perception. That is probably why I waited four months to share this news with you.
Behind the scenes, my technical knowledge and insight means I have a better understanding of core technologies or at least an easier time catching up. My BS detector is not infallible, but I like to think it’s better than average.
I would love to discuss all the things my BS detector has caught, but this really isn’t the place for it. You will definitely see me call things out in the future.
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What Does This Mean for ToolGuyd?
For now, I have big plans for 2013 and am working on fresh content. Previously I fit ToolGuyd activities into my nights, weekends, and breaks. With some free time now, when I’m not working on research papers or job applications, I am putting the finishing touches on editorial project plans, reviews, and special projects.
It is important to note that ToolGuyd does not bring in enough revenue for it to be my career. That is besides the fact that most revenue has been pumped right back into the site. This might change in the future, but for right now my mindset and understanding keeps me focused on building content rather than revenue.
I certainly don’t have the budget to hire additional writers, editors, or product testers and evaluators.
As a result, ToolGuyd will likely be affected when I land a full time position. That’s why I am trying to create a buffer so that post and review frequency, as well as post quality, is minimally affected.
Short-term, I intend to explore different types of content. Maybe a post that describes why titanium hammers are in theory better than traditional steel hammers. Perhaps a breakdown of all the factors that affect hammer design. Or even a discussion about the best knife and tool steels. I am also working on content for a short book.
As far as long-term plans go, meaning a few years from now, I intend to build and acquire testing equipment. Wouldn’t it be neat to compare the crystalline structure of cheap vs. expensive drill bits? Broken wrenches? Sand paper? Cordless drill motor windings? Circular saw carbide teeth?
So I’m Not a Tradesman or Professional Tool User?
That doesn’t mean I don’t understand jobsite demands and what professionals look for in their tools.
I have made it a point not to discuss tools that are beyond my experience. That way you can be sure that I know what I’m writing about. This is also why I have not reviewed jobsite generators, continuous-runtime shop compressors, concrete breakers, and other such strictly professional tools. Sometimes if I want to write about a product outside my comfort zone I phone a friend, colleague, or family member.
The people that design, build, and market the tools tradesmen and pros use – they’re not tradesmen or pros either.
What I’m trying to say is that you shouldn’t trust my writing any less today than you did yesterday. If you want to trust me more, that’s okay.
Yours Truly,
Dr. Stuey
I’m sorry, I had to – it rhymes!
SawdustTX
Congrats to you, Dr. Stu! I’m sorry, I had to – it rhymes.
t1r2u3s4t
Congrats!
chris k
Good for you Doctor! Congratulations! It never stops to amaze me when people do so many things at the same time! You have done quite well!!!!
Stuart
Thanks! There is a limit as to how much can be done concurrently, though. With any luck I will be able to restart many of my hobbyist projects. The good news is that a lot of them could potentially be injected into ToolGuyd, if that makes sense.
David
Congrats.
I’d really love to see some of the content ideas you mentioned. I think content that explores the why and how adds a lot to the discussion of what is happening with tools. This would add a really unique angle to the site.
Thanks
Stuart
While lot of the how and why is often hidden from public view, I do enjoy analyzing things and would give it my best efforts.
A lot of the more involved stories are still in development, but I have been interested in doing a few cordless tool breakdowns. There is actually a lot of new tech that is being overshadowed by conventional marketing claims. For example, Hitachi’s optical trigger and Black & Decker’s gyroscopic controls are definitely deserving of much closer looks.
Gary T.
Congratulation on your hard earned degree! The content you are thinking of adding sounds great. Hope you can use your degree to increase the content of your site and make it better. Good luck on your job search, hope you can find the job that works best for you.
James
Congratulations Dr. TOOLGuyd. I am a frequently reader of this website. I live outside of USA. I from Panamá city. You have readers from all world.
De seguro tu phd será de gran ayuda para tus escritos.
Saludos
Stuart
Thanks! A second thanks for reminding me that my spanish reading comprehension skills are still reasonably good. I did have to look up de seguro, though.
Mark L
Dr Stu,
Very impressed.
I read your posts regularly – great site – I like your writing style.
Frankly, I value the opinions of tool nuts (like you and myself IMHO) over pros since the many pros don’t take the time to keep up on the latest innovations
Congrats
Allen
Congratulations, I know that represents a lot of effort and sacrifice.
Patrick Lucado
Congrats Stuey! A PhD requires a lot of work and dedication, and you are allowed to brag a bit!
I have a PHD as well…
P – post
H – hole
D – digger
🙂
Mike
Or, as we used to say in my doctoral program (30 years ago),
PhD = Piled Higher and Deeper
mnoswad1
Stu, very happy for you. Just awesome. Sounds like some good ideas coming up too, and from your unique perspective, ToolGuyd can only get better from it. The hammer comparison and drill bit metallurgy stuff would be a great new direction that other tool sites would never have the interest to look into.
But a full time job…yep, definitely understand those priorities too.
Best to you.
Stuart
Some of my long-term plans require a heck of a lot more space and capital than currently available, but I’m at least working to find an off-site facility with an SEM microscope I can pay to use.
The trick will be to see if I can mesh everything together, at least occasionally. With the level of complexity that goes into tool design these days that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
fred
My congratulations too!
How about publishing your thesis. Some get turned into pretty decent books by the likes of Oxford University Press – or is it too arcane to be of general interest?
Stuart
After the 6-month embargo ends my thesis will be published via the university graduate school and library’s publisher of choice. The subject matter really is a bit too specialized for general public interest. I am presently working on a few short papers in the meantime, so there’s not much I can share yet.
Right now we’re also working with the university’s legal team to determine if my/our discoveries are patentable, which we believe they are, so certain things might be unshareable for a while until protection is in place.
Adam
Congrats Stuey!
Phil
Congrats! I, too, will be looking for an engineering position (mechanical) in the NYC area shortly. Best of luck with your search!
-Phil McNeill
Andrew
Congrats on your success! Enjoy reading your site.
Alastair
Congratulations and well done from an avid Australian Toolguyd reader.
I know all too well the effort that goes into completing a PhD and balancing family life, amongst other things . I doffs me bonnet to you.
Al
John
The real bonus here is that now we can just call you “Doc”.
“Nice tool review there, Doc.”
“Whats your fav rotary hammer, Doc?”
“Whats the best tool to fix this, Doc?”
Eric
Congratulations to you and your wife! Take a well deserved break and go somewhere!
Jerry Wu
Congratulations! Just let you know that I am your reader from China. I am working as a salesman for a hand tool manufacturing company in China. I can find some reviews for tools shipping from us in this website. I would like to see more about Kobalt or Husky tools. And I hope to communicate with you about tool reviews. You have my email.Thanks!
AndrewC
Congrats!
Master’s in Mechanical Engineering here. So why have you been holding out on us? I think your background could be very useful in evaluating tools. You don’t still have access to a materials lab, do you? I think one of the ways tool companies reduce cost is by subsituting standard tool steels with cheaper steels, or not hardening items like drill bits and screwdriver tips (I have heard to never buy anything from harbor freight that is supposed to have a hardened surface, because it won’t). As a future blog post/series of posts, I think it would be interesting for you to compare tools from a material engineer perspective.
TimBeau
Congrats. I have an MS in MSE and I applaud your accomplishment. Good luck on the job search.
Joe 'the Pro' Sainz
Congrats Stuart! I’ve got quite a way’s to go to catch-up. I’m pecking away at it though.
skfarmer
nice going stuey, that is a big accomplishment. best of luck in the future and don’t forget about all of us little people, we enjoy your insight.
William Verdi
Congratulations 4 years sounds like a long time but many stay abd (all but dissertation) or finish longer than 5 yrs. $yrs classes and research shows real determination.
John Sullivan
Congratulations! If you would consider moving out of the NYC area, please have a look at the Department of Engineering Physics at Tulane University. We’re always receptive to new talent.
Stuart
Thank you very much for the invite, but I will very likely remain anchored to NYC for the foreseeable future.
david
Congratulations! You worked hard and earned it!
Tom
Congratulations Stuey! I too have a bachelors in Materials Science, although have been in software since I graduated. I still love the field, and try to follow it a bit (I also my appreciation for high end tools on it 🙂 )
I’d love to hear what the high level of your thesis is. I did research/published papers in high temperature intermetallics when I was in school.
Love the site! Keep it up!
JM
Congratulations Stuey. I’m sure you have big things ahead of you. But please keep the site running. A lot of us really enjoy it. Thanks.
JM
Rucha
Congratulations. This was one of the best birthday presents you gave me. Your father and I have always been proud of you and your achievements, in school or ToolGuyd.
mike foley
Wow! What a country. I love to read your column and I am a big fan. I really respect your continued devotion to us and to your own family as you’ve clearly been on a fantastic path. My only complaint would be that I’ve spent so much time enjoying your writing that I completely forgot where I put the post-it that said “Get Masters Degree” and “Get PhD”.
Brian Buehler
Good Doctor Stuart, Congratulations! From what you have shown us here, a quality employer will be lucky to have you on their staff – hope you have an easy time finding that perfect match.
Jeff
Congrats!
Just another fan saying congrats and thanks for the great site.
George
Go get em Stuey!
Esther
Congratulations Dr. Stu! We are all very proud of you!
Garrick
You’ve done a remarkable job. I hope you can keep it going. The information you disseminate improves our ability to buy the right tools, which helps the manufacturers make better tools, which improves the economy, which improves the world… and to top it all off, you make it fun.
Thank You
Garrick
Micael Jonsson
Congratulations from a reader in Sweden.
I enjoy reading Toolguyd.
Keep up the good work.
Best Regards, Mike
John
Congratulations stuart!!!!! Thats great. Keep the great articles coming I check everyday for great new info about my favorite brands (milwaukee) and all your reviews. Good luck with the site I hope it stays around for a long tone to come.
Bob S
A doctorate is hard work and a lot of dedication. I hope that you find a job equal to your effort. Congratulations!
I have appreciated your tool reviews because of their focus on how well the tool actually works for the intended audience . It would be nice to see ToolGuyd continue with even more in depth reviews. A full time job can sometimes make that difficult. Perhaps you might consider using carefully selected volunteers to help submit reviews to help this site continue without an undo strain on your personal life.
Bill K
Dr. Tool Guyd
Congratulations!
As an engineer, I’ve always enjoyed the perspective Tool Guyd presents, but thought it was out of the ordinary when things like election beam microscope photographs were published. NOW I understand and have greater appreciation of the website and your interest in sharing your passion and knowledge.
Thanks and I look forward to my daily read of Tool Guyd from a new perspective. Keep up the great work and good luck with the job hunting. I can’t imagine you’ll have any problem with your level of motivation, practicality and education.
Bill K.
Kevin
Big congrats to you Stu,
I’ve always have been impressed with the rate of constant updates and continuous quality content output on your site. Had no idea you were balancing so much, very impressive. Upward and onwards.
Fred
Congrats. I always preferred the thermo more than mat sci, but it’s where the money is nowadays.
Sean Ragan
Congratulations, Stuart!
Clayton
Congratulations Stuart!
heftylefty
Supercool.
Congrats from 2 longtime readers!–my partner, the scientist & knife maker, and me, the welder who is currently immersing herself in new materials like carbon nanotubes full of paraffin, in Manhattan/our respective batcaves. We appreciate and thank you for your blog of tool analysis (plus we *both* had SEM’s at one point when we met over Beowulf clusters so, of course, we are even bigger fans now). Best of luck to you, Doc.
JeffD
Congrats!
You’re now smarter than the average bear, Boo Boo!
Mahalo
Congratulations on attaining that elusive title of “Doctor”!
As for me, I volunteer to provide services as writer, editor, and/or product tester/evaluator. I’d like to think that my own B.S. meter is above average, and part of that is thanks to my own B.S. (in mechanical engineering, that is). One thing I learned in school was not to put too much faith in a certificate, and instead judge the certificate holder based on his/her merits. Needless to say, your posts are nearly always insightful, and filled with just enough skepticism to keep me coming back on a regular basis.
RKA
Congrats Doctor Stu! Well done! Looking forward to many more insightful reviews! I check in once or twice a month and love your reviews. The short and long term plans sound great! I would love that kind of perspective in the tool world.
Ethan@OPC
Congrats buddy!
Benjamen Johnson
Congratulations! Sorry I’m a little late, but this is the first time I’ve had a chance to check my feeds in weeks.
Stuart
Thanks! Better late than never. =)
vgs
Congratulations! So, how many of your readers have a doctorate degree?
Stuart
Thanks!
It’s hard to say, but there are a number of engineers and researchers that check in every now and then, judging by comments’ email addresses.
There’s no telling what kind of backgrounds DIYers, hobbyists, and homeowners have, which is why I try to write certain posts (such as reviews) for a broad audience and not just professionals and tradesmen.
Dave L
Hey Doc: Good on ya, mate! The injection of science into the use and making of tools is good for understanding how to get the best use of them, IMO. I’d love to finish my degree one day but I’ve always been interested in science in general and physics in particular.
jesse
Where did you earn it?
Abhijit Dey
Congratulation! Dr.Stuey.