Raymond E. DEWALT followed in his father's steps, and worked in plants and
construction after leaving school. In all fields of work he encountered the
issue of high labour costs. To help reduce these costs, whenever possible he
installed a machine to handle specific needs. One fine day, M. DEWALT was
hired to head a wood mill, manufacturing numerous products, from basic boxes
to complete houses. The amount of work exceeded the company's capacity by far,
but its owner could not afford to increase the headcount. The only solution
was to ensure his men produced more work. M. DEWALT built a yoke, which he
connected directly to a motor and a saw. He then fitted it onto a standard
arm. The saw could be raised, lowered, moved forward and backward, and adapted
to all types of angles. With this system, he could handle the same amount of
work as four men, reducing labor costs beyond his wildest imagination.