[gault8121]

Creating your own tools will only add more friction into the process. One thing to be careful of is that a developer may invest time into a project because the developer loves building that project. That doesn't necessarily mean that it is good for the company. You might need to get an outside opinion on this, as the CTO is going to be attached to the project.

[gcost]

you're correct that he loves building in general, and for that project in particular. Now getting an external person to give an opinion will be great but I have to make sure it's easy to swallow for the CTO.

[gault8121]

Yeah it's not going to be easy. It depends on how the project is being financed, but you'll need to make it clear that the goal is to invent as little as possible, and re-use as much as possible. The CTO could open source the library and work on its as a side project.

[gcost]

I agree with you. Thanks for helping.