About Us

The Sommer Team

Over 30 Years in Business

Over 100 Years in the EDM Machining Trade

Carl Sommer
Carl Sommer, Owner and President, has extensive experience in machining and tool and die making. Sommer started working in a machine shop in 1949 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He became a tool and die maker, machinist, foreman of a tool and die shop, tool designer, and operations manager for one of the largest tool, die, and stamping shops in Houston. He wrote the book, Non-Traditional Machining Handbook. Carl is also owner and president of Advance Publishing. (More about Carl Sommer)

Steve Sommer, ME
Steve Sommer, Vice President, received his Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Houston. He has experience as a machinist, tool and die maker, and has a thorough knowledge of computer programming for the wire, Sinker, and small hole EDM processes. Carl and Steve Sommer together wrote Complete EDM Handbook. Steve is available to assist you in tool design and engineering. He has over 30 years' experience with all aspects of EDM.

Phil Sommer
Phil Sommer, Vice President of Operations, holds a degree in business administration and heads the EDM operations. Phil has over 30 years' experience with all aspects of EDM. The exceptional experience of this father and son's team is one of the major reasons for Reliable's remarkable growth and success.

Beginning of Reliable EDM
From One Wire EDM Machine to Largest EDM Job Shop in North America
Reliable EDM began in 1986, and was built following the biblical principle of Golden Rule Thinking: do to others as you want them to do to you. By providing quality, service, and value to its customers, they have become the largest EDM job shop in North America with over 75 EDM machines. Discover for yourself Reliable EDM's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Reliable EDM Brochure

What Others Say



EDM Today Top Shop

Wired: Gaze Upon the Black Magic: EDM

Realtrac: Electrifies Profits for North America's Largest EDM Shop

MC: Energy/Aerospace Manufacturer

SME: EDM Jobs Grow Shop's Business

We Wrote the Books
Complete EDM Handbook and Non-Traditional Machining Handbook

Technical Books

Complete EDM Handbook: Wire EDM, Sinker/Ram EDM, Small Hole EDM Complete EDM Handbook

Carl and Steve Sommer are the authors of Complete EDM Handbook. It is used as a textbook in colleges and trade schools.

Non-Traditional Machining Handbook: Wire, Ram, Small Hole EDM, Lasers, Waterjet, Plasma, 3D Printing Non-Traditional Machining Handbook

Carl Sommer examines the non-traditional machining methods. It is used as a textbook in colleges and trade schools.


Both books may be purchased from:
www.AdvancePublishing.com

Carl Sommer: Passion


Carl Sommer, President of Reliable EDM, has extensive experience in EDM. He began working in a machine shop in 1949 in Brooklyn, NY. He worked as an apprentice tool and die maker. Drafted into the Marine Corp during the Korean War.

Went back to work as a tool and die maker, then foreman of a tool and die shop. At the age of 40 became an Industrial Arts high school teacher in New York City. Moved to Houston, Texas in 1978. Wanted to teach, but the pay was insufficient for his family of five children. Went back to work as a machinist, tool designer, and operations manager for one of the largest tool, die, and stamping shops in Houston.

Started Reliable EDM in 1986 with one wire EDM machine. Believing and practicing the biblical principle of the golden rule, they are now the largest EDM job shop in North America.

His passion is to advance Reliable EDM to support his passion to write children’s books and literacy programs that promote character traits and social skills that lead to success.


Sommer-Time Stories Won Over 100 National Awards
Sold Over 1 Million Stories

For More Information About Carl Sommer
SommerLearning.com
CarlSommer.com (Bio and Video)