Mrs. B's Classroom & Sled Progress

 

I just finished reading this one - good book. It's the story of a lady who leaves her job with the newspaper and takes a job teaching school on Chicago's South Side. She doesn't have a teaching degree but because the City of Chicago can't find enough teachers, like a lot of other places, they have an internship program to get you in after jumping through a bunch of hoops. After she's in the classroom she has to start dealing with unreasonable expectations and help that was promised but doesn't show up along with all the problems the students bring with them. I found the book especially interesting since I too taught at an inner-city school when I first started my career. It was nothing like what she had to go through, fortunately, but I definitely could relate. There's one line in the book that really hit home with me while she was summarizing what she had learned after being in the classroom for a while. "I learned that staff meetings in education are like hostage situations." I got a chuckle out of that one.

I got a few more pieces cut for the sled at the new gym. I'm planning on going in a little early today and getting a few more cut out. The bottom skis need a bunch of holes drilled in them to fasten the UHMV on and I need the hardware as well. I did a search for the UHMV and found a place that would cut customs sizes. Two pieces came to $45.00 for the material, but when all the rest of the charges were totaled up, it was $220.00. No go on that. I found stuff on Amazon that will work but I'll have to run it through the table saw and rip it down a little. I've only got three more weeks of school and I want to be able to weld it there, so I need to stay on it. 

VW & Boxing Gym

 

Surly was here the other night and he gave me a ride to the end of the driveway so I could get the mail. He had Buck Owens cued up, so I heard a little bit of the song. The driveway is long, but not long enough to hear the whole song, even if it is only 2:29. On my bicycle trip on the Katy Trail years ago, my buddy and I spent the night in a bicycle hostel that was right next door to a little bar. We were urged by the management to do some karaoke, so I chose to do some Buck Owens on my one and only experience with karaoke. Nice thing about it was I'd never have to see any of those people again. A singer I'm not - maybe I'll go back for an encore performance when I learn to yodel. That'll impress 'em!

 I finally got the head for the VW engine stand bolted up to the engine. I'm still not sure why it didn't fit initially, but it's a done deal now. I cleaned off a spot for the stand close to the trailer, so we won't have to move the engine more than a few steps. I'm going to pull the tailgate off the trailer, after blocking the wheels on the dolly, so it'll be ready to move when my help shows up.

I delivered the speed bag platform mount yesterday. Coach Jen and I walked three miles first, checked out the progress of her gym and then did lunch. Lunch conversation was all about her plans for the gym. She plans on opening up right after the first of the year. I don't know how much help I'm going to be with the eye surgery and teaching, but I plan on helping with the boxing as soon as I'm able.

She's waiting on a couple of contractors to finish their part and then she can clean things up and move the rest of the equipment in. It's going to be a nice place when it's all done.

Sledding

 

 I did a bit of "fingering" yesterday and came up with the sled plan for Coach Jen. I'm making this thing from scrap material I came up with, so that dictated the design to a large extent. The good thing is, other than the pipe, I won't have to buy any material. 

I got the prybar out yesterday to lift up the VW motor to bolt it onto the stand only to find out the bolt pattern isn't correct. I had another VW motor once upon a time and I remember having it on the stand, but apparently, not all VW motors have the same bolt pattern on the bell housing. I checked the mount against the trans and it wouldn't bolt up there either. However, the trans and the motor appear to be the same. I don't know much about VWs as far as what fits with what, but right now all I want to do is get the motor on the stand and move on. I'm going to try and get that taken care of today, finally.

I'm going to the gym this morning to see about a job for Jimmy. He had talked to me a while back about cutting down a boxing ring. I want to see if that's still the case and get it in the pipeline if it is. Depending on the weather, stop at the park on the way home and do a little walking. Two weeks until the 5K.

The Edmund Fitzgerald - A Bit Late

 

I missed the anniversary of the wreck last Sunday. As much as I listen to the radio, you'd have thought I would have heard something, if not the song, someone mentioning it. As a side note, when my buddy Kevin and I did the Detroit half marathon, we ran by the Maritime Sailor's Cathedral. Of course, the song was stuck in my head from there to the finish line, which was the 50-yard line of Ford Field. 

I've seen a lot of that attitude over the years - still see a bit of it at the community college level. 

Speaking of which, I went to an advisory committee meeting last evening. I didn't feel like my presence helped much, but the food was good. I did talk to my boss about my assignment next spring. It appears I'll be teaching on the same nights Coach Jen wants to have boxing nights when she opens her gym/health club. I won't be teaching until the middle of March, but I'll be convalescing from eye surgery part of that time. I told the boss I'll honor the commitment, but if someone else is looking for more work it won't hurt my feelings if he gives my spot away.

Speedbag platform mount with the adjustable angles installed. I really like the look of the finished product, so I figured I should post it one more time.

I was going to bolt the VW engine on to the engine stand head I worked on a couple of weeks back, but the way the engine is sitting on the dolly, I need to lift up the engine a bit to have enough clearance to sneak the mount into position to bolt it on - maybe see if I can lift it up and throw a block under it today. I'd like to get that one checked off the list.

I cut some pieces for the sled for Coach Jen's gym. I think I've figured out how to make this thing using mostly scrap material I've come up with. I need to sit down and sketch out a plan to finalize the design and then get after it.

Lots to do, like always.

Senior Citizen

 

I usually listen to a CD in the truck during my commute, rather than the radio - no commercials and nothing but my favorites. I don't go too long without listening to some jazz, and Mose is often the first one I turn to. This cut is from the CD The Earth Wants You, which is a collection of tunes about life as an elder. Something I can relate to. I did get the results from my blood work last evening. Everything came back A-Okay. Cholesterol 148. Since the heart attack it's never been above 150 - something to be said for a decent diet and regular exercise.

I finished up the mount for the speedbag platform. The two angles with the slots will get painted today and that'll finish it. The square tube has a pretty thin wall thickness but the angle bracing should stiffen things up to cut vibration. If you want a fast rebound on the bag, you need to have a solid platform. This one will be a couple of thick particle boards glued together. Should give good action and it's adjustable in height - can't have a boxing gym without a speedbag.

I still need to make the chin-up bar and sled. I've started on the sled but just barely. Now that the speedbag job is done, I'll pick up the pace on that one.

I haven't forgotten about the vintage trials bike. I'll get a little bit more done on that this week as well.

This & That

 

Bobby Allison passed away on Saturday. He was one of my favorite racers back when I was a big fan. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a terrible racing accident that scrambled his brains. Racing also cost him the lives of his two sons, Clifford and Davey. RIP Mr. Allison.

The Marines celebrated their 249th birthday on Sunday and Veterans Day was yesterday. Thanks to all who served, regardless of the branch of service. Hopefully we'll see some improvements in the armed forces now that we've got some new people that will be in charge. 

I received my "spit tube" in the mail the other day for the medical study I volunteered for. They advertised for people with industrial experience and may have ingested, breathed in, or otherwise absorbed various chemicals. I filled out a questionnaire and was selected as a subject. I think the primary goal has to do with ALS but I'm sure whatever they find will be used for other research as well. I'm also listed as an organ donor on my driver's license. Anything I can do to help others with whatever's not used up after I die, they're welcome to it.  

In addition to mailing in my tube of spit, I put in a brisk mile of walking at the park, and I got my blood test taken care of. I also finished up the speed bag project with the exception of two clip angles that need to be welded on. I was all set to do that when the lens fell out of my glasses. I normally wear a pair of reading glasses when TIG welding rather than my prescription glasses. The readers are just cheap ones from the Dollar Store but I tried gluing the broken frame back together. I'll see if that worked today. I've got a couple of other pair around here for computer use if not. Either way, I'll finish the welding and then get some paint on the thing so I can deliver it.

Maybe finish weld the tabs on the Rickati gas tank as well. Need to keep working my way back.

Progress on Two Fronts

 

Since I decided to start at the front and work my way back, I installed the controls on the handlebar yesterday. The front brake cable is hooked up, but the throttle and clutch cables won't be hooked up until the engine installation is finalized. As you can see behind the bike, I've still got some more cleaning to do. 

Looking forward from the saddle - I'm real happy with how the tank turned out. It's kind of a shame I have so many different things that distract me from staying focused on developing my metal shaping skill. There's so much to learn but you can't master anything if you don't devote the time - 10,000 hours of your best effort according to Malcolm Gladwell. And, of course, you need the requisite tools and equipment as well. Tools I've got, time not so much. While I can't run with the big boys, I'm thinking this bike will be nothing to be ashamed of, though.

I got the machine work done on the speed bag hanger. Looking to get the rest of the parts made and welded together today. 

While it wasn't too cold yesterday, I started the shop heater while I was working out there. I wanted to get it ready for the inevitable cold weather that's coming, and it was a bit chilly and damp out. I should have enough propane to easily make it through the winter, but I want to make sure I keep at least two full tanks to run the generator in the event of a power outage. 

Compressor Trials & Trials Bike

 

I got the new regulator/water trap installed the other day. The only thing left is to make a little brace to support the regulator, or so I thought. When I fired up the compressor to test for leaks, everything appeared to be good. I figured it would be a good time to drain the tank and when I stuck my hand under the tank, I discovered a couple of small leaks. I brazed up the bottom of the tank once before as I recall. This time will probably require a patch over a fairly large area. Probably should have just bought a new compressor. Anyway, that explains why there was no moisture build up in the tank when I opened the drain valve.

I went out for breakfast yesterday with a group from the ham radio club. When I got home I headed to the shop and decided to put the projects for others on hold and get a little more done on the Rickati/vintage trials bike. I mounted up the front fender and then started cleaning the dust off of things. I'm going to start working my way from front to back finishing everything. The tabs holding the front of the gas tank need to be finish welded and the hold-down tab in the back needs to be altered due to interfering with the seat. I bought a rub strip to protect the swingarm from the chain that needs to be mounted and I need to finish the linkage for the shifter and brake pedal. Not much after that except to finish weld the frame and get it painted. It should look pretty good when it's all done. Actually, it looks pretty good now after I cleaned off the dust and spent some time polishing the shiny bits.

I'd like to find someone who could make me an enameled head badge like they put on bicycles for this thing and one for the jitney project. I would think with CNC milling, you could carve out the relief of the design on a piece of brass then bake the enamel in easy enough. I'm going to have to look into that.

The guy with the boat console I just welded up used to be a motorcycle mechanic and has a lot of experience working on Sportsters. When I finish up the Rickati he said he'll help me get mine dialed in. That'll be sweet

Feelin' The Love

 

"Let's get together and feel alright" Like that's gonna happen. At least things will now quiet down in my immediate circle. 

I made a knife for my dad years ago when I was experimenting with a little bit of knife making. He's been gone for 30 years and the knife has been in my machinist toolbox since his death. Surly's been doing some leather work and last time he was down I asked him about making a sheath for it. One week later, a beautiful sheath. He's always had a good eye for design, and as a machinist, a good eye for detail. Both of those skills came together quite nicely on this job. Now I'll be able to carry the knife with pride when I go hiking or camping. 

I bought all the necessary pieces to get the regulator plumbed up on the air compressor. The angle iron in the photo is for the speed bag job. The locking adjusting levers came Wednesday, so I can finish that job. Coach Jen is planning on opening up her gym the first full week of January, so I need to get the speed bag, chin-up bar and sled done by then. I went in to work early the other night and started on the sled. 

I mentioned the other day I went to the heart doc for my annual check-up, and later I read an article that mentioned the average life expectancy. I did an internet search and the latest figure I could find was 75.6 years for white males. If I'm average, I've only got a little over a year left - rather a sobering thought. However, with my diet and exercise routines, I think I'm good for a lot longer than that. I sure as hell hope so. 

Regulator & Speed Bag Platform

 

The regulator/water trap and the manifold came in. While looking to see what I needed from the hardware store, I discovered the fitting on the switch is not 1/4" NPT like all the others, but rather a 9/16-18 bolt thread. Fortunately, I've got a tap that size so I'm going to tap one of the holes in the manifold for it and then I should be able to assemble everything. I bought fittings, including a union, so I can assemble everything on the bench and then stick the whole unit on the compressor tank.

I did a little preliminary design work on the speed bag platform I'm building on the shop floor - not my preferred method - but I've been doing it my whole career as necessary starting way back when I was learning the trade with Uncle Pete. 

The rest of the details are sketched out on the cast iron platen along with some actual layout lines for when I weld it together. Now that I've got it figured out, I'll need one more drawing similar to the sketch above I can use to determine the angles and then lay the pieces directly on the layout to tack together. It's kind of a long process when you're the designer and the detailer, but drawing things out full size really helps me visualize the finished product and hopefully catch any design flaws.

Had my annual check-up at the cardiologist yesterday - good report. He told me to come back when I'm 75.

Went to the college after the doctor appointment and ran the track torch for a couple of hours. I cut the welds out of the certification plates they started on Monday. By cutting the welds out, they can use the same plates several times. Saves a lot of material that way. In a week or so I'll have them cutting their own plates. If you're going to be a fabricator, you need to know how to run a track torch.

I normally write these posts the night before they go up, so I hadn't heard anything concerning the election results. There should be plenty to absorb today, though.

The 3 P's

 Pogo, Pooh & Prepare

Tomorrow's Election Day when we find out who becomes the new President of the Former United States of America. Actually, based on past elections, we might not find out the winner for quite some time - hanging chads, Dominion, and all that. Regardless of who wins, about half the population are not going to be happy. Me, I'm not going to be happy until I see some of the swamp people in orange jumpsuits.

This one pretty much sums up where I'm at these days, especially after the extermination of Peanuts the pet squirrel. But as Brother Johnny used to say: "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you." Yep, we're boned.

 Batten the hatches, my friends, rough seas ahead.

Chicken Bell Completed

 

The chicken bell looks pretty good welded and stripped of paint. The welding was easy enough, but the bead blasting took a lot more time than it should have. When I finished blasting, I took the air compressor apart and ordered a water trap/filter/regulator, and a manifold to hook everything up.

Originally, the air manifold had a switch of some sort that hooked into the tank pressure, a pop-off valve, a tank pressure gauge, a regulator, and a working pressure gauge. I ordered a water trap/regulator and a manifold so I can install the feed line, the tank pressure gauge, the switch, and the pop-off valve. Plus, I need to be able to plumb the water trap/regulator off the end. The water trap/regulator has a gauge built in for the working pressure and the outlet. It shouldn't take too long to get it plumbed up. I'm going to put a union in the line as it comes out of the tank. It didn't originally, which meant I couldn't unthread the unit, or tighten it up since it had somehow worked loose. The Sawzall took it apart easy enough, though. 

I sanded down and painted the piece I made years ago for my boat motor on the engine stand. I no longer have the motor, but I do have a couple of boats that may need a motor someday. I did just repair a skeg on a motor the other day, so it's not unreasonable I might actually need it again. Plus, it's not really junk if it's got a fresh coat of paint, now is it?

I didn't get anything done on the vintage trials bike yesterday, but I did a couple of piddly jobs that needed my attention. So, a productive day.

Flap Discs & Chicken Bell

 

I bought some flap wheels from my usual online source. Price was good, less than a buck a piece. And if you look closely at the one in the left side of the photo, you can see they're made in PRC. I've never seen that before as the country of origin, but I'm pretty sure that stands for the People's Republic of China. Maybe the commies are trying to fool people as to where the product comes from - not sure why that would be, since we don't manufacture much in this country anymore. It has to come from somewhere.

I welded up the broken chicken bell yesterday. Since it's cast iron, I brazed it back together and burned quite a bit of the paint. I decided to bead blast the remaining paint off, but I was having trouble with the water trap on the blaster. What I need to do is install an industrial strength one right at the compressor. The compressor has a regulator and a couple of gauges mounted right to the tank but it has somehow loosened up and I hear air escaping when the pressure builds up. I don't know if it's because it's loose or maybe the diaphragm in the regulator has gone bad. One more thing that needs attention.

I finished up the boat console job and I got back on the vintage trials bike project only to get sidetracked with the bead blasting. I've about got it cleaned up, so I'll finish it today and then maybe look at the compressor to see what's what, then look into installing a water trap. Finish up the brake pedal on the bike after that. 

And it's November already, damn!

Oh Baby, You Know What I Like

 

Small planes and helicopters have claimed the lives of a lot of musicians and sports figures. The Big Bopper died in what was probably the most famous plane crash, along with Ritchie Valens and Buddy Holly. There're still getting airtime 65 years later, though. That's quite the legacy the three of them left behind.

 

I received an email from Hitchcock's that contained a new fuel management "brain" for the Royal Enfield Himalayans. The one in the photo allows a lot of tuneability and goes for $245.00 US dollars. They also have a non-tunable one for a few bucks cheaper. I'm thinking the pro version would help the rideability of the bike, especially when it's cold. As little as I ride the thing, might not be worth the investment. However, the teaching gig has given me some disposable income that isn't earmarked for anything. It would be nice to ride a bike with it installed for comparison purposes before ordering one, though. 

I welded up the pieces for the boat console yesterday. The welding machine and I signed a truce and things are working better now. Actually, I broke down and read the manual. That and the flowmeter doesn't seem to flow the amount of argon that the numbers on the glass tube would indicate. Anyway, things have improved dramatically, but I still need some more work with it before I'll feel really comfortable taking on anything too tricky.

I went to the hardware store yesterday to see if they had the metric bolts I needed to bolt the VW engine to the stand. At $11.00 they weren't cheap, but they had them. Sometimes it's worth it to pay for the convenience, though.

A little more work on the boat console today and maybe fix the chicken bell mount. The stack of mail keeps getting higher, so I'll have to address that soon. Always something.

Makin' & Wishin'

 

The grandson came down yesterday to make up his fab class assignment. Since he got into the class late, I asked his instructor for the blueprint, and I brought the print and some material home so he could do it in my shop. I neglected to take a photo of the finished project, but it looked pretty good. I gave him a bit of help, but no more than what his instructor would have done.

While he was working on his project, I finished making the parts for the boat console project. Pretty simple looking in the photo but the top of the two aluminum angles had to be cut to fit inside another aluminum angle that gets fastened to the console at an angle. The original plan was to weld the angle to the existing piece of the console, but I'm leaning towards riveting it on. I've got rivets I bought specifically for boat repair but I need to run it buy the owner first. I'll get the pieces in the photo welded together and welded to the other piece and then pow-wow with the owner and see what he says. I am going to practice a bit with the new welding machine first, however. We haven't established a good working relationship yet.

I'm not sure where this was taken or where I borrowed it from, but it appears to be a pair of Royal Enfield Himalayans in their natural environment. I'd love to take mine on some type of epic adventure. I've taken several bicycle adventures, don't know if I'd call them epic, but they were definitely adventures. The AMA has some rides that might be worth looking into. I'm sure I'm good for at least one more two-wheeled adventure. Especially, since I went to the funeral home yesterday afternoon to pay my respects to a friend one year younger than me who passed away. Too old to put things off. If I'm going to do it, need to get after it.

Saboteurs

 I went to the courthouse last week to pick up our mail-in ballots, not realizing we needed to fill out applications first. The nice young lady said they needed to be returned by 4:00 PM that day or filled out online by 11:59 that night. No way the Missus was going to be able to fill hers out and return it by 4:00 since she was out for the day, but the clerk got me lined up to do the online thing, so that's what we did. I'm still not sure I'm even going to mail mine in, however.

I've voted in every election since I became of age - and look where that's gotten me. The country is 35 trillion in debt and rising and the only way they'll stop printing money is if they burn the bearings out of the presses, which wouldn't surprise me what with them running them non-stop for the last few years. 

The Feds have allowed or expedited the influx of illegal aliens that for the most part have no job or English language skills. Like the recent influx of Haitians to Logansport, Indiana, they receive a debit card and housing, but because they have no skills, they can't get a job with a livable wage. So what do they do when the debit card runs out? Become a burden on the town and county, that's what. And don't forget your tax dollars are also supporting war in Ukraine and the Middle East while 20% of the young people in this country are food insecure. But the feds did buy some electric chainsaws for the unfortunate hurricane victims. Of course they didn't have electricity, which also made it tough to sign up for their $750.00 relief checks. "Doing a heckuva job there, Brownie."

I've just had enough of the saboteurs in Washington destroying the country. Those of us in the middle class seem to be the primary target. Once we all become dependent on the government teat, they'll have us all under their thumb and we'll be forced to do whatever they please or they'll cut us off from our welfare checks. The rich and powerful will become more rich and powerful and voting will be an exercise in futility - which it might be already. They did after all cheat big time in the last election, hurried up and verified the election in spite of the improprieties, and then threw all the "insurrectionists" in the big house for daring to visit Congress unannounced.   

You need to do what you think is best on November 5th. I'm still thinking of writing in Cyndi Lauper for president. Like her, I too just want to have fun. However, before casting your ballot keep in mind what George Carlin said: "It's a big club and you're not in it."

Early morning edit: Powerful message concerning the election here.

Persimmon Bread and Shop Projects

 

Made my persimmon bread yesterday. The recipe makes two loaves, but I've got enough puree for two more, so that's on the agenda for this morning. At least two of them will go in the freezer. If it wasn't for the fact that it makes a mess of the kitchen, I'd pick some more and make a couple more loaves. Just as well I don't, not all that good for the waistline.

 

While the bread was baking, I made a big pot of soup with the root veggies I got this week from the CSA. About a half-hour of peeling, slicing and sauteing, add the vegetable broth and seasonings, then let it simmer for a couple of hours - leftovers go in the freezer as well.

  I got another job to do for the guy whose boat I welded on a month ago. He's installing a console that came off another boat, so needs some modifications. I'll work on that today after I get my bread in the oven.

I finished up the VW engine stand yesterday, as well. Looks good with the fresh coat of paint - now we just need to get the engine out of the back of the trailer and onto the stand.

The wife's sister also brought me a welding job yesterday - cast iron chicken bell mount. Man, they're going to miss me when I'm gone.

Update

 

Surly sent me a couple of photos of the finished belt squat apparatus that was a collaboration of three generations of craftsmen. One of the nice things was his design allows it to be folded up out of the way when not in use.

I picked up a piece of plate for the sled Coach Jen needs for her new gym. It's large enough to make most of the pieces I'll need except for some pipe couplings. It's going to take a bit of labor to cut everything out, but it'll save a bunch of money on material cost. When I get all the pieces made, I'll have the grandson weld it up. I had lunch with Coach Jen yesterday and she updated me on her plans for the gym and where I'm to fit in. I just recertified both my boxing and Safe Sport credentials, so I'm good on that for another two years. I'll have to wait and see how much demand there is for another boxing gym in the county, but as she presented her plan to me, looks like it could work out well without cutting into Jimmy's business.

Planning on spending most of the day in the kitchen today. I got the persimmon puree processed the other day, so I'll bake some persimmon bread and make a big pot of soup with the root vegetables I picked up at the CSA this week. It's getting cold out there in the mornings now - soup season is here.

I did a little machining job for the high school yesterday and got the engine stand about ready for paint. I should be able to get it painted while the breads baking or the soup's simmering. Might be able to get the VW engine bolted on this weekend if some help shows up. Moving forward around here but I want to get back to motorcycle and car projects.  

 

Golly, Dolly!

 I stopped off at the library to return a couple of books and they have a cardboard Dolly Parton in the entry way. The last time I was there I noticed her eyes seemed to follow me when I was walking out. This time I brought the camera with me to see what it looked like on "film".

Here's Dolly as I was exiting the building - looking south - with Dolly looking right at me.

Here's Dolly when I'm looking west, and once again she's looking right at me. Pretty crazy, but nothing that lady does should surprise me by now. Certainly no surprise to find her in the library, considering she's given away over 200 million books. And she just donated one million dollars to help the hurricane victims in Tennessee and North Carolina. A credit to the human race and I'm sure there's a special place in heaven waiting for her.

And to close out the post, a little teacher humor:

From Here

When I got to the second frame I figured there was going to be a shot at the students but that was going to be too easy. The last frame tells it all, though. I've worked for some good ones over the length of my career. Probably the best one I ever worked for was the man in charge when I first started my career way back in '76. He also ended up being my boss during my last year at East Chicago. As for a few of the others, like the man in the cartoon said, no comment.

Persimmon Time

 

I picked persimmons yesterday. If I remember correctly, the persimmon bread recipe I use calls for two cups of pulp. There should be plenty in the bucket to make that happen. There are plenty more on the tree but they're up high and I'd rather not have to try to pick those. I do have some pulp in the freezer if I need a little more. I'll get these processed today or tomorrow and then make a couple of loaves of bread.

I got most of the engine stand sanded down yesterday as well. I used a 7" sanding disc but I'm going to switch over to a smaller disc to finish it up. I might use the torch to burn the paint off the pipe on top and then hit the whole works with a small wire cup wheel. It's an engine stand, not a Steinway, so the main objective was to just get rid of the rust and get some new paint on it. As soon as that gets done, we can get the VW motor out of the trailer and onto the stand. 

Once the VW motor is out of the trailer, need to get the jointer and welder out of it. I can then get the hydraulic cylinder and pump installed, get some hoses and it'll be operational.

Back to work this week. Another eight weeks of trying to stamp out ignorance. This class will mostly be made up of the students from the last eight weeks and they all did a pretty good job. If they do the same this time, most of them should have an AWS certification when they finish the class. I've had good results in the past with the majority of the students passing the cert test. Mostly it's just a matter of how much effort they put into it. We'll see.   

Great Day to be Alive

 

Beautiful day yesterday - good day for doing some outside things and combining sorghum. I don't know enough about sorghum to know when it's time to harvest. Do you need to worry about moisture content? Can you store it for a while to get the best price? Where do you take it once you've picked it? Our farmer works for the co-op, so I'm sure he had all the answers before planting.

I bounced around from one thing to another most of the day yesterday. Burned off the brush pile, moved a few things around, charged the battery on the old Allis and put some air in the tires. While I was at it, I aired up the tires on the mower and the Himalayan. Painted up the VW mount for the engine stand and started sanding the stand itself. Perfect day for doing things.

That's a New One on Me

 

The "chimney sweep" was here yesterday to clean out the fireplace chimney. After he left, I worked on recertifying my boxing coach's license. Nothing difficult, just a couple of hours on the computer. 

Afterwards, I grabbed the dog for a walk down to the mailbox to take advantage of the beautiful weather and clear the cobwebs after spending all that time working on my license recertification. As we approached the mailbox I heard something coming down the road, but I couldn't identify the sound. The reason I couldn't identify the sound was because I don't recall ever hearing a pickup truck driving down the road on the rims. There was another pickup following behind it with the flashers on. They both turned around in the parking lot of the tavern and headed back my way, so I was able to get the photo.

This is the soundtrack for a lot of what goes on in the county - been guilty of a little bit of it myself over the years.

The dog decided to walk the perimeter while we were out, and I spied this along the back fence line. It's a good 12"-14" across. I took the photo later when I went out to mow with the phone and I had an old camera with a couple of shots of B&W left on the roll, so I finished off the roll on the fungus. I might have to brew up another batch of developer but I'd like to get the roll developed before too much longer. I've got a few more negatives I'd like to print but I'd like to see what I've got on this roll first.

I'm planning on doing a bit of yard work today, as well as working on the engine stand from the previous post.

Taking Care of Business

 Busy day, yesterday. I got my grades posted in the morning and then went to the steel supplier.

One of several engine stands I've made over the years. This one was designed for motorcycle engines. There are several slots allowing to bolt most anything on there, and if the engine won't bolt up, make a couple more brackets. As it sits, it's set up for a Sprint. 

Since the stands were made with what I had on hand at the time, there's no standard design or sizing on the material. I've got a VW motor in the dump trailer that needs to get moved out of there. The yellow head in the above photo is for the VW but it fits in the stand that's holding the spare Slant-Six. I bought a short piece of schedule 40, 2-1/2" pipe yesterday and slipped it over the 2" pipe of the VW head and tacked it on so it would fit the bike engine stand. There's a stiffener on the back of the upright tube but I'm going to weld on a couple of braces down to the legs before I bolt up the VW engine to the stand. Probably give it a fresh coat of paint while I'm at it.

The piece of grating I use on top of the horses sags in the middle if it's not supported. Instead of laying it on top of a couple of pieces of flat stock like I've been doing, I welded on a couple of pieces of angle. Something I should have done quite a while ago.

I put up another shelf yesterday. I had some plywood that ended up here courtesy of the wife's sister. I ripped it down for a couple of the shelves to keep short pieces from falling through. I need to support the center of the empty shelf, but other than that, I'm hoping that's all I'm going to need.

I've got some errands to run and some chores to take care of today, but I'm pleased that Surly lit a fire under my ass to get going on this.