Roger, thanks for sharing this sad news.
Tom Steyer was indeed a fine gentleman. In 2015, I sent him spindle measurements of the then-relatively new Grizzly G0766 so he could determine whether one of his Precision Vacuum Adapter designs would work with it (it did and does, beautifully). We had several long talks on the phone about everything from woodturning, small business challenges, and even some politics. I remember in particular him describing his disappointment when a large lathe manufacturer (that will go unnamed here) ripped off one of his designs. He had developed and sent them a prototype to fit their lathes, expecting collaboration if they liked it. They did, but then shamelessly copied it and began selling it as their own branded product. I remember asking Tom why he hadn't sought intellectual property protection for his designs. He said that with his small home business he wouldn't have been able to afford it, and certainly not a legal fight with a large company anyway. I was moved by his vulnerability, and willingness to accept what he felt he couldn't change. Tom then contrasted that bad experience with how honorably and fairly Brent English at Robust Lathes has always treated him, featuring his adapter setup when a Robust customer requests that a new lathe ship vacuum-system ready.
I don't know if Tom made any arrangements for JT Turning Tools, or his products, to continue in business after his passing. Perhaps another SMC member knows.
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