Working on setting the project back up again for the truck operation!
One of the problems I was encountering before with the project was that of tool heights. I didn't have the complete program finished before starting to rough the part out, and so when there were harder to reach places, the tools weren't set up for that, so I had some close calls. Now that I've got the program finished, I need to run through everything and start speeding it up.
I am in love with the Kaizen method that Toyota uses for improving systems! The word literally means "change for the good" or "change good," which Toyota takes to heart and centers its production line around everyone being able to make small improvements at the moment and not having to put a proposal and wait for it to go up the chain.
In this truck project, I can use the Kaizen method by first getting a result that works, then making small adjustments to improve the time and efficiency. This wouldn't make sense on a few parts, but since I've got 50+ to make, improving the cycle time even by 4 minutes would make a huge difference. Apart from this, though, I have to set things up right the first time. Kaizen is also focused on avoiding making the same mistake twice and fixing it for good. I, unfortunately, have not done this too well, and I'm really learning how to take my time and not get so caught up in getting the parts out.