Case Study: How KCSP Machine Solved a Customer’s 40-Year Manufacturing Challenge

Here at KCSP Machine, our team spends a decent amount of time producing components for aerospace, automation, geotechnical, material handling, and other critical industries. But every so often, a project comes along that stands out in both its end use and its scope. 

One of those types of projects involved recreating an extremely rare brass knob used on antique Globe-Wernicke bookcases. In this success story, KCSP Machine used creative problem-solving and close collaboration with the customer to yield products they’d been seeking for decades. Let’s dive in:

A 40-Year Search Brought Our Customer to KCSP Machine 

Kip Wendler has spent more than 50 years collecting and restoring furniture originally manufactured by Globe-Wernicke, an iconic American furniture company best known for its patented “Elastic” bookcases. In 2010, Kip acquired the Globe-Wernicke trademark and continues to sell these historic pieces on an online marketplace.

However, one component proved nearly impossible to find. For nearly 40 years, Kip searched for replacement brass knobs featuring a distinctive pearl inlay found on a handful of original Globe-Wernicke cabinets. He needed to find a precision machine shop capable of producing an accurate reproduction that stayed true to the original design. That’s where KCSP Machine came in. 

Why This Project Was So Challenging 

Manufacturing this knob presented several unique obstacles for Kip and the KCSP Machine team.

Custom Tooling Needs 

For one, the original part featured a rounded, serrated edge that required an entirely custom cutting tool. Rather than relying on standard tooling, KCSP Machine had a special cutting head manufactured specifically for this project. 

Material Demands

Another challenge involved the pearl inlay positioned in the center of each knob. The required pearl insert was significantly larger and thicker than what is commonly available today. In fact, only one supplier in the world was capable of producing the correct pearl dots needed for this project. 

Precision Requirements 

Finally, precision was critical. Unlike the original cast components, Kip wanted these new knobs machined directly from solid brass stock for increased strength, all while remaining as faithful to the original dimensions as possible. 

Advanced Swiss Machining Made This Project Possible 

Funny enough, Kip originally approached our team years earlier about manufacturing the knobs. At the time, we relied on traditional screw machines, making it difficult to confidently quote or produce such a specialized component. 

This changed after KCSP Machine invested in Swiss machining technology. The Swiss machine’s precision and ability to perform multiple operations in a single setup made this project achievable and repeatable. Working from original sample parts that Kip provided, our team recreated every critical feature while holding tolerances as tight as 0.001 inches. Without this capability, the project may not have been feasible. 

Communication and Collaboration Made the Experience Especially Valuable 

Throughout the project, KCSP Machine maintained regular communication with Kip, providing real-time updates from beginning to end. 

Additionally, because Kip is also located in the Kansas City area, he was able to visit our facilities several times to check on progress firsthand. Watching the knobs being produced after searching for a reliable machining partner for decades was an unforgettable experience. “I felt like a kid on Christmas,” Kip said.

The Results: “Everything Was on the Mark”

The completed brass knobs captured the look of the original Globe-Wernicke hardware, but with the added strength and precision modern machining has to offer. 

Just as importantly, the experience exceeded Kip’s expectations. “This project went flawlessly,” he said. “[KCSP Machine] kept me informed the entire way. There were no surprises; everything was on the mark. They lived up to their end of the bargain perfectly.” 

Every shop has stories that stand out, and this is one KCSP Machine won’t soon forget. It was the type of project that showcased what’s possible when our experienced machinists demonstrate a willingness to solve our customers’ unique manufacturing challenges. 

Have you got a project you’ve been scratching your head trying to solve? KCSP Machine is happy to talk through it and see if we can come up with the right solutions.