In the last blog, The Beginning of an Unexpected Journey, I shared how this story began. From our very first conversations, one thing was clear: preserving the quality and craftsmanship of Chambord CSM was a priority for everyone involved. Dave and Kathy had spent years building a reputation for excellence, and if we were going to carry that legacy forward, we needed more than emails. We needed mentorship and hands-on training. So, off to Canada we went!
Since Mike and I were both still working full-time, the week between Christmas and New Year's made the most sense for our visit. We began planning the trip in mid-October. Dave and Kathy graciously offered to host us, which not only helped with travel expenses but also gave us more time to learn directly from them. Dave recommended at least six days: two travel days and four full days dedicated to working side by side in the shop.
As the trip approached, I found myself thinking about all the training materials, documentation, and resources we wanted to create. It quickly became obvious that having a Chambord CSM of my own would be the best case scenario for all the training and reference resources. I reached out to Dave and Kathy about purchasing one during our visit, and they agreed! Kathy sent me the Chambord Package document so I could choose my accessories, but really, the hardest decision of all was picking the color! (I am sorry to all the waitlist customers for skipping the line, but hopefully you understand why!)
Another challenge Mike and I discussed was how we would absorb and retain everything we were about to learn. We knew this was a unique opportunity to learn directly from the people who had built the business. Thanks to some well-timed Black Friday sales, we stocked up on cameras and AI recording devices so we could document every lesson, every process, and every detail. FYI: This would turn out to be one of the best decisions! We’ve rewatched these videos and read through the transcripts countless times.
I spent most of November and December focused on sourcing materials. I contacted nearly twenty iron suppliers and was thrilled to find one pretty close to us in Kingman, Arizona that was capable of producing what we needed. They sent a sample machined to the specifications of a Ribber Dial just a week before our trip. At nearly five pounds, holding that sample in my hands felt like one of our first real steps into manufacturing. Mike was given the task of carrying it all throughout the airport and security, and surprisingly, they never asked about it!
Day 1
On December 29th, we were finally on our way. To make our flight, we arrived at the local shuttle at 2:00 a.m. After an easy five-hour flight, Dave and Kathy picked us up at the airport and we drove another two hours to their home. We were pretty tired from travel, but excited knowing that the real learning would begin the next morning. Also, we got to meet Tiwiwi and Fergus!
Santa helped us bring a little Arizona spirit to Canada and Fergus got a new Catcus toy for Christmas
Day 2
We started bright and early at 6:30 a.m. With the time difference, that felt like 4:30 a.m. back home, but excitement, caffeine, and anticipation helped! Dave and Kathy cooked us breakfast every morning and it was delicious! I’m not usually a breakfast person, but getting started with a good meal turned out to be a great idea!
Breakfast: Eggs & Bacon
Our training began immediately as we gathered around the Ribber Dial, reviewing the material we had sourced and learning firsthand what quality standards Dave expected. Mike worked at the lathe while Dave coached him through the process, sharing the details and techniques that only come from years of experience.
My role today was documentation and curiosity. We wanted to capture as much knowledge as possible, so we had a handheld camera, two stationary GoPros, a DSLR, and AI recording devices running throughout the day.
This set the tone for the entire trip. Every task became a learning opportunity. Every process included explanations, demonstrations, and guidance. Rather than simply telling us how things were done, Dave worked alongside us, showing us the reasoning behind every decision.
Later, Dave and Kathy gave us a tour of their Historical CSM Museum. Seeing more than 50 machines spanning generations of craftsmanship gave us an even deeper appreciation for the legacy we were preparing to carry forward.
Day 3
Breakfast: Canadian Ham Egg Sandwiches
Our apprenticeship continued. While Mike spent more time machining the Ribber, Dave introduced me to the finishing side of production, including sandblasting and powder coating.
Throughout the day, we rotated through different aspects of the manufacturing process, learning not only how individual parts were made but how each component contributed to the quality of the finished machine.
Mike worked on turning a handle on the lathe while I learned more about accessories and finishing details.
Between lessons, there was also plenty of laughter. When I asked Dave if anyone had ever chosen a machine color he didn't particularly like, he placed a hand on my shoulder, looked me straight in the eyes, and said, "...well..." Apparently Blue Grey wasn't his favorite choice! We still laugh about that today.
Since this was my first Chambord CSM, you'll notice it appears in many of the photos throughout these blogs. I still like my color choice!
Day 4
Breakfast: Omelets
Also, Happy New Year!
By this point, we were no longer simply observing. We were actively participating in production under Dave's guidance.
Mike worked on milling cylinders while Dave taught me how to finish Cam Shells and Up-Cams. I also discovered the glamorous job of removing unwanted tape residue.
During lunch and the evenings, Kathy was mentoring me through the business and operational side of Chambord and Dave showed Mike where he sourced his supplies. We discussed website transitions, customer communications, and organizing the waitlist.
The trip wasn't just about learning how to build machines. It was also about understanding how Dave and Kathy had successfully run and served the Chambord community for so many years.
Day 5
One of the most rewarding moments of the trip arrived when we completed my very own Chambord!
Together, we polished, assembled, and inspected each component. Dave walked us through his quality assurance process, explaining what he looks for before any machine leaves the shop. It was another reminder that craftsmanship isn't just about making parts. It's about ensuring every customer receives a machine worthy of the Chambord name.
By this stage, both sides felt confident about the progress we had made. We had spent days working shoulder to shoulder, learning not only the technical skills but also the standards and values behind them. With that confidence, we officially signed the successor contract.
Exactly six months after my introductory email, we found ourselves sitting together with a signed agreement and a shared vision for the future of Chambord CSM. Cheers! (Yes, that is Chambord Liquor we are toasting to!)
Days 6-7
Breakfast: Crepes
Even after my machine was assembled, the learning continued. During testing, a few small adjustments became necessary. Dave explained that every machine has its own personality and that careful fine-tuning is an essential part of the final process. Seeing those final refinements reinforced the importance of patience and attention to detail.
Mike worked on safely preparing my machine for air travel while we wrapped up the final lessons from our week together.
Soon, it was time to head home. Dave and Kathy drove us back to the airport, and we began the journey back to Arizona.
As we left, we weren't just bringing home a machine, videos, and notes. We were bringing home knowledge gained through mentorship, hands-on experience, and countless hours spent learning directly from the people who built Chambord CSM. Those few days in Canada gave us far more than technical training. They gave us the foundation and confidence needed to carry the Chambord legacy forward.
