The Polisher – Lynn McMurray
Lynn knows that opening up a box with a new tool in it is a special moment for any woodworker, so she wants to make sure that moment doesn't disappoint
Every July, Lie-Nielsen Toolworks holds an open house at its factory in Warren, Maine. Woodworkers from all over come to try out tons of tools both new and old while engaging in some top-notch woodworking fellowship. A fan favorite of the open house is the factory tour, and a chance to listen to Lynn McMurray in the polishing shop.
In 2017, when I first walked into the polishing shop I was immediately taken with Lynn. When my group entered the room she greeted us with a smile, and set forth explaining what they do. After explaining the “how,” she explained the “why.” Too often woodworkers concentrate on the how. For Lynn, it’s all about the why, and that’s what makes her special.
Why does Lynn want every tool to be perfect? Because you’re spending a pretty good chunk of change, and she knows you worked hard to earn that money, so she’s going to work hard for you. Lynn knows that opening up a box with a new tool in it is a special moment for any woodworker, so she wants to make sure that moment doesn’t disappoint.
When Lynn was done talking to the group, I asked if I could take a photo. She gave a smile that outshined every Lie-Nielsen 66 in the room, and I asked if I could come back to make a video telling our readers about her. Lynn’s passion affected me that day, and I think about her and what she strives for every time I pick up my Lie-Nielsen Boggs spokeshave. I hope this video captures a bit of what I felt that day. If it does, you too will think of Lynn next time you pick up a Lie-Nielsen tool.
Comments
Very, very cool! Thank you, Lynn; for caring about how I feel about the tool in my hand. One of the many reasons Lie-Nielsen is the best.
I always enjoy seeing Lynn and gang every July!
Lynn, thank you for all your hard work and passion for perfection. You are one of the reasons why I will continue to buy and invest in Lie-Nielsen Tools.
You go girl! So good to see the excitement for your work:)
What a great idea for a video.
It was really nice seeing the pride of craft that was so obvious in this woman's words and in her face.
Now I know why my Lie-Nielsen tools were so beautiful when I received them. In a way, it is touching.
Thanks.
Awesome video.
The was such a good video!
My wife and I were at Lie-Nielsen this past September. We bought some tools and we got a shop tour. It seemed like everyone we talked to was into like Lynn. Everyone. I thought it was great, but my wife was super impressed. On the ride home, she said, "That would be my dream job, working there."
"Doing what?" I asked.
She said, "Anything."
Don't think you'd find that kind of dedication in a sweat shop in another country. I so want Lie Nielsen tools after watching this video...
Loved this great video of Lynn! But please get her a respirator for that polishing work! If her face is getting covered, that can’t be safe to breathe in!! Thanks for a great video!!!
My very favorite part of the world, Lynn and Tom are a big reason for that.
Possibility best video you’ve ever done… Thank you!
The only thing that approached hearing Lynn’s devotion and love for her occupation and employer was to hear Tom’s heartfelt appreciation of Lynn
No THAT is a place you could look forward to going to work every day…! :-)
Hats off to Lynn for the pride she puts in her work.
But, wow, should I notify OSHA myself about the respiration conditions at Lie Nielsen Toolworks? Lynn was covered in metal dust. And no one was wearing a respirator in that polishing room. She may herself prefer to not wear a respirator, and I don't want to be a curmudgeon, but 15 years of exposure to fine iron and other metal dust is a recipe for pulmonary siderosis, if not horrible pulmonary fibrotic diseases depending on the alloys she's been exposed to.
Believe me, in the future class action lawsuit against Lie Nielsen Toolworks from former employees who develop chronic respiratory conditions, this will be Exhibit A shown to the jury. Please,Tom Lie-Nielsen, if you care about your employees' long term health and quality of life, mandate that they wear personal protective equipment and invest in better dust collection for these polishers.
Trust me, what people wear when a camera is being pointed at them in not indicative of what they normally wear. Keep in mind that a big ol' respirator isn't necessarily what people want to wear on video. From my time there, I can attest that Lie-Nielsen makes sure their employees are safe and have access to all of the PPE they need. Heck, I had to stop filming because of mandatory company-wide stretching sessions.
Hey everyone! Lynn would like to thank everyone for the praise and wonderful comments!
She also wanted to touch on the comment about the work conditions in her shop. Just as @BenStrano said, "Lie-Nielsen makes sure their employees are safe and have access to all of the PPE they need". She states, "Tom makes sure me and my crew are well taken care of and is looking into an even better dust collecting system than we currently have. I'm very passionate about what I do and care about this company a great deal. Even the idea that anyone thinks that we are not being well cared for makes me upset. I can attest to Tom's dedication to his employees and hope everyone knows it. He is the best boss I have ever had. He is not only a great person but has gone out of his way to help through some difficult times. I do really appreciate all of the praise and plan on continuing to send out my best work for all of you to enjoy!"
I was on vacation several years ago and while on a casual drive, I spotted the Lie Nielsen showroom and out buildings. As it happened, Tom was in the showroom and I purchased a low angle block plane. It is my most treasured block plane and I wish I could afford more of his hand tools. Lynn would be pleased to know that it is like new because from time to time, I break out the polish and bring it right back to the condition it was in on the day i bought it. Thank you Lynn!
This video makes me want to suck it up and spend the money for quality.
Just bought a no. 4 smoother and love it. Now I love it more.
Now that's HEART :D <3
Thank you Lynn
That spark and passion we enjoyed hearing from Lynn is infectious. I have a growing collection of Lie-Nielsen tools and really enjoy their attention to machining details and excellence. It creates or continues this ‘sense of community’ that some companies have and some still strive for and others have no clue. I attended a LN tool day at Cerritos Community College last month (Southern California) and enjoyed the conversation and sharing, from both staff and end-users, of skills needed to get the best of these tools. I enjoyed that experience. But in addition to the company’s esprit de corps, there is very clearly a personal passion with Lynn for excellence and pride in a job well done that is...well, infectious. (Enough has been said about the important metal dust issue.) All things considered, I will continue to invest in LN Tools. Thanks Ben for your good eye. Thanks Lynne for your dedication to your skills in making LN Toolworks a leader in many ways. Thank you Tom, you had a vision, worked hard and delivered. Living the American Dream.
I have not purchased many hand tools yet but I will certainly consider your company, because of your reputation as a maker of fine tools, they are made in America and because of dedicated employees such as Lynn and I am sure your other employees as well. Thanks for reminding us of why Made in America has always been great!
@mkneazles27 - Thanks for following up with Lynn and her team. I'm encouraged to hear that Tom will be improving the dust collection systems to better protect his workers.
First thank you Lynn for all you do for us the customer, you are a credit to your job and to Lie-Nielsen. While I have not had the pleasure of visiting the company, I have meet a few of the workers from Lie-Nielsen at different shows I have attended. After meeting and trying the tools, I told myself that I would spend the extra money and buy the best quality tools. My plan is to do it now while I can afford them so when I do retire I will have what I need to enjoy life. I have spent, I would say in the ballpark of 4-5K so far and every tool I have received has been worth every penny I spent. So Thank You to not only Lynn but to every employee who works for Lie-Nielsen for making me one happy customer and wanting to continue to come back and buy more tools. Thank You Tom for having the vision to create a wonderful company you are a Good Man sir.
I also would like to wish each and everyone of you a Safe and Happy Holiday Season.
It's delightful to see someone genuinely proud of the work they do. No fake marketing or PR, I love it.
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