Dake Industrial Strength Machines

Red Bull Creation

2011-07-14T07:00:00.001-05:00

Red Bull provided the metal and fuel for 10 teams during the 72 hour Red Bull Creation build-off in Brooklyn, New York. Dake provided the saws, drills, presses, and grinders. The metal fabricators were thrilled to get their hands on some Dake equipment. For most of the hackers, the build-off was the first time they did any serious metal fabrication. The hackers started out timidly. With some instruction and a few hours experience, the hackers were enthusiastically cutting, pressing, drilling, and grinding. Red Bull consumption kept them working through the nights until the final countdown. For more check out the video on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc2E8Tq-3Og

2011 Dake Manufacturing Scholarship Winner

2011-07-06T13:48:00.000-05:00

Austin J. Glerum is the recipient of the 2011 Dake Manufacturing Scholarship. He recently graduated from Coopersville High School and plans on attending Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan to pursue a degree in Manufacturing Engineering.

“Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals as you have helped me”, wrote Austin.

The Dake Grand Haven Community Foundation Manufacturing Scholarship was first endowed in 2007 in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Dake manufacturing in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Dake Couplings Booth Wins Award

2011-06-17T13:59:00.004-05:00

Dake Couplings wins a Best of Show award for a 10' x 10' booth at the American Water Works Association (AWWA) show in Washington, DC on June 12 - 16. How could the judges resist the incendiary combination of sizzling new banners and the smoking hot sales team of Matt Wisniewski and Scott Van Dyke? Our guys picked up an enormous plaque at the Best of Show Awards Banquet. Now all we have to do is find room for it in the Dake trophy case.

Ron Covell Using a Dake Power Hammer

2011-06-02T15:41:00.005-05:00

I used the Dake machine for the first serious job yesterday, and it performed like a champ! We are making the sides for the turtledeck on a 1927 Ford roadster body from aluminum. My pal Don Houseman, who has owned a Pullmax for many years, helped me make the dies, and we made a support table for the machine to hold large pieces level. We used the machine's center pivot for the bead, which enabled us to make a true-radius arc.

I must say, I am very impressed with the Dake machine - not only for how well it operates, but also for how well engineered it is. I appreciate the fact that all the bolts are the same size, and easy to reach, and the sheetmetal covers for the mechanism are tidy and effective. The allover fit and finish is superb, and I look forward to using it for many more details on this project!

Ron

For more information on Ron's metal forming atistry go to http://www.covell.biz/

Dake Ship's Wheel

2011-03-04T13:18:00.002-06:00

British Virgin Islands….Here is another posting by Dake’s Roving Ambassador of Goodwill, Bari Johnson. You may remember Bari’s last Dake field report from Guatemala. In this latest report Bari says, “Look what I found at the Bitter End, Virgin Gorda, BVI last week!”

What Bari found is a brass ship’s wheel manufactured by the Dake Engine Company in Grand Haven, Michigan. Although Dake made many of these wheels from 1887 until the end of World War II, this wheel is probably from one of the thousands of Liberty ships outfitted with Dake wheels to help with the war effort.

Jesse Visits with Dake at SEMA 2010

2010-11-18T09:51:00.002-06:00

Jesse Combs, of Xtreme 4 x 4 and MythBusters fame, visits with Dennis Rice at the SEMA 2010 Show in Las Vegas.

United Way Day of Caring

2010-09-17T09:14:00.004-05:00

The Dake Team (l to r) Sabine Johnson, Jason Riemersma, John Young, Elizabeth LeGrand, Patty McKinley

2010 Addition to the Coast Guard Walk of History

2010-08-17T10:14:00.002-05:00

Archie Moe, CNC programmer and machinist extraordinaire, with one of his latest creations. He designed and machined the two brass plaques for the 2010 Coast Guard Festival. The plaques are part of the Coast Guard Walk of History in Grand Haven, Michigan. Dake, a JSJ Business, has been contributing plaques since the Walk of History started in 2006.

For more information www.coastguardfest.org/coast-guard-events/walk-of-coast-guard-history/

Dake and Paul Junior

2010-08-12T15:43:00.001-05:00

Dake Wheels Get Around

2010-08-09T13:01:00.005-05:00

Recently, Dake Marketing Manager Frank Kennedy and his wife Diane wheeled their bicycles into the picturesque Lake Michigan port of Frankfort, Michigan. Frankfort is the western end of the Betsie Valley Bike Trail.

“The trail runs along the south side of Crystal Lake, which was a brilliant turquoise, then through some woods with tunnels of shade, and finally follows the Betsie Rive and Lake Betsie into Frankfort”, said Kennedy.

Biking the trail helps work up an appetite and the Kennedys headed for Dinghy’s Restaurant and Bar when they rode into town.

“There’s this great, old Dake Engine Company ship’s wheel mounted on the wall right at the front of Dinghy’s. It’s exciting to see some of Dake’s Great Lake shipping heritage in such a public place. Dake engines and steam equipment played an important role in Great Lakes commerce”, said Kennedy.

“The next time you’re in Frankfort, stop by Dinghy’s and tell them that Dake sent you”.

You Get What You Pay For

2010-08-03T10:25:00.004-05:00

Here is a recent message we received:

What we are in need of is a 3 ton arbor press, bench top. We build grounding straps and use this press to flatten copper tubing to solder on to braided ends. We had a three ton press but it cracked and then broke the whole top portion of the press off. I think this was made from pot- metal. So if you can please let me know on the price and avail. on a three ton arbor press. Thank you for you time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Tedd Larsen General Manager, AGS.

This reminds me of the time a buyer told me that he could buy import arbor presses for less than the value of the metal as scrap. The integrity of the metallurgy and machining processes do have value for repeated use and industrial arbor press applications. With a Dake arbor press you get what you pay for.

Vertical Band Sawing for Local Manufacturer

2010-07-30T09:14:00.002-05:00

turer

A Dake VH-40 vertical band saw cutting bumper mounts for a local manufacturer. The mounts are cut in half for quality testing. Once the cut is made, the interior powder coating can be observed to determine process integrity. Cutting lot runs are typically 20 – 50 bumper mounts.

Do you have a small or large run cutting, machining, or assembly operation that doesn’t make economic sense to do in-house? Dake may be the answer to your need. Contact us for more information about our saws, machine shop, and assembly departments.

Dake Grand Haven Community Foundation Manufacturing Scholarship

2010-07-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

Joshua Kooi is the recipient of the 2010 Dake Manufacturing Scholarship. He is a 2010 graduate of Grand Haven High School and is interested in pursuing a career in Computer Aided Design (CAD). His plans are to complete basic courses at Muskegon Community College (MCC) and then transfer to the CAD program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

An uncle that received his degree in CAD from Western Michigan University got Jason thinking about CAD as a career early in high school. He added design and engineering classes his sophomore year and fell in love with it.

“I really like how the design just evolves in front of my eyes as I work on it. It also seems to come naturally to me. It was fun and easy”, Jason said.

Jason played varsity hockey for Grand Haven and plans on doing volunteer coaching while attending MCC.

The Dake Grand Haven Community Foundation Manufacturing Scholarship was first endowed in 2007 in commemoration of the 120th anniversary of Dake manufacturing in Grand Haven, Michigan.

New Trifolds

2010-06-03T07:49:00.005-05:00

New Trifolds are in! This powerful packet puts the entire Dake product offering in a concentrated package.

Contact Dake if you need some to help spread the word about Dake quality metal working machinery.

Still Make Them Like They Used To

2010-05-24T10:25:00.004-05:00

My brother in-law is always bragging about how his products are top quality, best in the universe, etc, etc.. Well, I really hate to agree with him but this picture says it all !!!

20 yrs ago>when I was a Dist Rep, I sold loads of Dake products around West Mi… >> I Found this just off 172nd in GH at AIM Tool. I was in there Tuesday helping a sales Rep with a grinding application and I saw this old girl… I’m thinking the saw has to be over 50 years old, I should have got the serial #... Still cutting…

Later
Dan

The New Holohan's Hot Rod Shop

2010-04-20T09:20:00.004-05:00

Hey Guys,
Here's a few pics of me and the V24, don't be jealous, I've been fighting the curse of good looks all my life!
Later, Dan

Dan Holohan, formerly of Rad Rides and DSE, has opened his own new hot rod shop in Mooresville, NC. He’s specializing in custom sheet metal design and fabrication work (engine bays, spoilers, dashes, consoles, bumpers, etc.) for street machines and hot rods along with custom header and exhaust design and fabrication.

Fierce Dake Power Hammer Attacks Gearz Set

2010-04-09T07:32:00.009-05:00

Isn't this the coolest metal forming machine tool you've ever seen?

This design upgrade springs from the creative mind of Dake's good friend and the Power Hammer's inventor, Dennis Borgwarth, of Hot Metal Engineering.

Let's hope Stacey David isn't too distracted on the set with this beast lurking.

Hot Metal Designer Extraordinaire

2010-04-09T07:20:00.016-05:00

Dennis Borgwarth of Hot Metal Engineering with his custom design for Stacey David's Gearz studio.

Dake On the Road in Guatemala

2010-03-17T08:13:00.003-05:00

This picture was sent in by Dake's Very Special Representative, Bari Johnson, from Guatemala. Orders for Dake presses, saws, and metal fabricating equipment to follow.

Xtreme 4 x 4 Visits Dake at FABTECH Show

2009-11-23T13:01:00.002-06:00

Ian Johnson of Xtreme 4 x 4 and Dennis Rice from Dake look over a Dake cold saw like the one Ian uses on the set of Xtreme 4 x 4.

Ian checks out the Dake "Helmet of Doom" that was fabricated on the Dake Power Hammer.

SEMA 2009 in Las Vegas

2009-11-10T07:33:00.007-06:00

Ron Covell, master metal worker, forming with a Dake power hammer.

Two Dennis's? Our good friend Dennis Wolfgang Borgwarth and Dennis Rice.

One size fits all?

Management Changes at Dake Corporation, a JSJ Business

2009-09-23T15:07:00.003-05:00

Grand Haven, MI…On October 1, 2009 Jason Riemersma became General Manager of Dake Corporation, a JSJ business. He is replacing Lisa Van Schelven, current General Manager, who has been with JSJ for 15 years. She left to pursue another corporate management opportunity.

Riemersma started working for JSJ as an intern and member of the JSJ Continuous Improvement Team while attending Michigan State University. He then trained in the Toyota Production System (TPS), often referred to as Lean Manufacturing. Riemersma managed Lean implementation and operations initially for the Grand Haven Brass Foundry, and most recently at Dake. He received his Masters in Business Administration from Michigan State University.

“We wish Lisa well in her new pursuit. She’s leaving me a great team to work with at Dake. The people and the reputation that Dake has in the marketplace will make the transition seamless. Customers can expect the same high level of satisfaction that Dake has been providing for 122 years.”

Dake, a JSJ business manufactures and distributes metal working machine tools. The Dake Tianjin foundry in Tianjin, China manufactures and supplies brass waterworks fittings and gray iron castings for global customers. Dake Tianjin is a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise (WOFE).

2009-09-23T15:00:00.001-05:00

The Dake Team worked at the People Center in Spring Lake for the United Way Day of Caring on September 17, 2009.

Community Garage Sale

2009-06-29T07:18:00.009-05:00

On Saturday June 27th volunteers from Dake a JSJ Business and JSJ hosted a community garage sale at Dake to benefit the United Way.

"This is just the first of our Summer of Fun fund raising events", said Elizabeth LeGrand, Human Resources Manager.

"We thought we'd do a bunch of smaller events this summer so that everyone here at Dake can find an event that they can participate in. We want to encourage community service".

111-Year-Old Dake Engine Still Operational

2009-06-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

We have a 1898 Dake rotary engine attached to a Box Co. windless. Runs great! Recently did an ABS/USCG dead lift test with a 350# anchor and 150' of chain. Boat (CANGARDA) is now fully operational with all original machinery. I believe this setup is totally unique in the world. It's original equipment with the boat. All the machinery (Sullivan triple expansion main engine, Sullivan circulating pump, 2 Davidson feed pumps, Davidson vacuum pump, Fairbanks fire and bilge pump and Dake/Box anchor windless) was installed by the builder, Pusey & Jones, in Wilmington, DE in 1901. We put in a brand new oil fired water tube boiler.

Stephan Cobb

Great Atlantic Navigation Company

Camden, ME

P'Witz's: Dake Power Hammer

2009-06-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

P'Witz's: Dake Power Hammer

2009-05-29T06:52:00.002-05:00

The Dake Midwest Sales Team visits for some in-house feed programming training.

Dake Receives United Way Award

2009-05-15T14:26:00.001-05:00

One of the individuals applauded for her hard work and ingenuity during the campaign was Elizabeth LeGrand of JSJ’s Dake in Grand Haven. She received the Joe Martella Above and Beyond Award, given to a campaign coordinator who finds new ways to emphasize the importance of, and add excitement to, the United Way campaign within his or her company.

“When Elizabeth says that she just borrowed good ideas from other JSJ companies’ HR departments, she’s being too humble”, says Dake’s General Manager Lisa VanSchelven. “Dake had a 45% increase in giving for 2008 because there was such a broad mix of low-cost activities that encouraged participation from the entire Dake team. Contributing money was appreciated. However, contributing time and talent were just as important.”

From http://www.jsjcorp.com/

Stacey David Demos Dake Work-a-Matic Vertical Band Saw

2009-04-17T08:41:00.006-05:00

Dan Webb's Automotive Art Wins 'Best of Show' at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

2009-02-25T10:08:00.000-06:00

Las Vegas, Nevada...A Dan Webb/Thom Taylor tribute to the 1917 Golden Submarine has won 'Best of Show' at the 2008 SEMA (Society of Equipment Manufacturer's Association) Show Automotive Aftermarket in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dan considered Dake machines essential in creating this one-of-a-kind work of art and has been a long-time friend and fan of Dake equipment.

Wilson Auto Repair Restores Classic Truck

2009-02-20T11:26:00.000-06:00

Thank you for the great customer service. Dealing with you and your company has been a pleasure and I look forward to using my new saws. Wilson Auto Repair repairs and restores classic cars. Both services require fabrications to repair rust and structural damage and these new saws will make our task much easier. I look forward to receiving my new saw that you have promised to personally autograph. Thanks again for your help.
Barry Wilson (Wilson Auto Repair, The Motor Men Radio Show on 105.3 The Fan, Garland, Texas)

Why Crank When You Can Push a Button?

2009-02-19T11:49:00.004-06:00

A customer with big work pieces that needed to be loaded onto a moveable table from an overhead crane didn't want to hand crank the hydraulic workhead up and down. So Dake added a convenient electric hoist to raise and lower the head channels.

Stretching a Force 50 — Dake Force 50DA Hydraulic with 60" Daylight

2009-02-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

Not enough room. That’s what an aircraft maintenance company concluded after looking at the standard 48” opening for a Dake Force 50DA Dura Press. They couldn’t fit both the fixture and the part that needed repair into the vertical opening. Dake to the rescue. Dake designed a special frame with 12 more inches of opening and relocated the side control valve to a convenient working height---and delivered in 2 weeks! Need something a little different than the standard specifications? Give Dake a call and put their experience to work for you.

Dake Part of US Naval History

2009-01-23T09:09:00.003-06:00

A team of volunteers has restored a Dake 5-series hydraulic press on-board the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California. Now a permanent part of U.S. history, this press has been in use for more than 30 years. The USS Midway CVA41 was commissioned in 1945 and for 10 years was the largest, most modern ship in the world. This carrier served from 1945 through Desert Storm in 1991, where she served as the U.S. Fleet's flagship. No other aircraft carrier has served as long in the U.S. Navy. Pictured left to right are: Charles Gordon, Dan Barrett
(Midway volunteers) and Steve Brousse (D&D Tool Supply).

Arbor Press Still Going Strong After Five Decades

2009-01-22T18:20:00.009-06:00

Showing just how reliable a Dake Arbor press can be, check out this 50 year old #6 model built in 1955. Do you have a Dake machine in your shop? We would love to see a photo, and hear your story!

Doom Hammer Helmet Formed on Dake Power Hammer

2009-01-21T13:43:00.001-06:00

Grand Haven, MI…When Dennis Borgwarth, inventor of the Dake Power Hammer, saw the tremendous response that his formed metal cowboy hat received at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, he knew he was on to an imaginative way to demonstrate the creative capabilities of the Dake Power Hammer. During the SEMA show, he heard the Dake crew joking about nicknaming the Power Hammer as “The Doom Hammer”. The nickname and Dennis’ Minnesota heritage were all the inspiration he needed to envision metal Viking helmet. Dennis designed the helmet and then formed all the metal using a Dake Power Hammer. You can see Dennis’ artistic creation the next time you visit the Dake booth at a trade show. It will be on display in Dan Webb’s Automotive Art booth during the Detroit Autorama March 6 – 8, 2009. (www.autorama.com/casi/show/detroit.html)

Dake Basketball Team is ‘Most Improved’

2009-01-20T12:22:00.001-06:00

Grand Haven, MI…The Dake-sponsored boys basketball team, grades 5 and 6, finished the winter season at the Tri-Cities YMCA as the 'Most Improved'. “We really appreciate all of the support and encouragement we receive from folks at Dake”, said Coach Scott Rice, an Inside Sales Representative at Dake. Dake General Manager Lisa Van Schelven serves on the YMCA Board of Directors and many Dake members utilize the facilities to complete a number of Employee Wellness programs.