ZMotorsports Shop Projects 2.0

[PugetDude]

Their double thickness flap discs last a long time.

 

[zmotorsports]

I've noticed their flap discs do hold out well.

I also quit purchasing 2" Roloc discs several years ago about the time I started using Benchmark. I now only purchase 3" Roloc discs and once the outer diameter of the disc gets worn, I cut them down to 2" and they're good to go again for a while. Minimizes waste and frees up space in the drawer only stocking 3".

 

[Honch]

I've noticed their flap discs do hold out well.

I also quit purchasing 2" Roloc discs several years ago about the time I started using Benchmark. I now only purchase 3" Roloc discs and once the outer diameter of the disc gets worn, I cut them down to 2" and they're good to go again for a while. Minimizes waste and frees up space in the drawer only stocking 3".

I've done the same for years, put the 3" on a 2" spindle and either cut it with shears or spin it against the belt sander.

 

[PugetDude]

I bought a HF 1" mandrel and use it for 2" sanding discs when the edges wear out. Works great to extend the life of the discs I was previously tossing out.

My Milwaukee M12 Right angle grinder doesn't like 3" discs, or I would probably start with them.

 

[SilverJimmy]

What is different about those offset drivers is how they actually work. There’s not really a chain inside them, not like you’d typically recognize as a chain. The “chain” isn’t linked together, the turning motion from the drive sprocket isn’t transferred to the driven sprocket by a pulling motion like you have in a bicycle chain drive. These have non connected segments that are pushed towards the driven sprocket, not pulled. This eliminates any backlash in the drive and allows impact force to be transferred from one sprocket to the other. Pretty cool design and they do work when nothing else will.

 

[fouckhest]

Thanks for the feedback on Benchmark, I've seen them continue to get promoted more and more on IG and wondered if there was anything to them, or just another over sponsered product.

I will be keeping them in mind for my next restock of sanding/cutting consumables.

 

[zmotorsports]

So, in doing some research to see if I was on target with my assessment and overall review of Benchmark products and experience, I stumbled across this video that I thought was a good comparison of their Roloc style discs with the higher cost 3M Cubitron disc.

Interesting results and similar to my experience.

Again, I am not endorsed or sponsored by Benchmark. I just want to share my experience and the video does a better job than I.

 

[Bob Heine]

Mike, I bought a box of those 3M Cubitron Roloc disks before I found Benchmark Abrasives. It's not a 'waste' of money but I feel much better saving money and getting really good abrasive products. I started with their FREEMIX offer. Ten mixed grit flap disks for $24 was too good to pass up.

4-1/2" x 7/8" T29 Zirconia High Density Flap Disc - Mixed Grit 10 Pack (FREEMIX)

Benchmark Abrasives 4-1/2" X 7/8" T29 Zirconia High Density Flap Discs are manufactured using European zirconia cloth. Our mixed pack is a great opportunity for you to test our range of grits at an affordable price!

benchmarkabrasives.com

In addition to the 4.5" abrasive flap disks I picked up surface conditioning and cotton buff flap disks and a whole bunch of 2- and 3-inch Roloc disks (flap, abrasive, conditioning and cotton buffs). I need to stay away from their website...

I won't share the Roloc drawer -- one potential intervention at a time, thank you.

 

[casmurbax]

Hello, while looking at your pictures about the latest task you had on hand in regards to your OPE, I could not help but notice the wagon is still on the table.

I do not recall reading that there was still work that needed to be done, I could have missed the latest news on it and you are waiting to gift it.

 

[PugetDude]

I have been using Benchmark flap discs for years, but just got into some trimmable Walter discs. They're definitely a step up.

 

[zmotorsports]

Mike, I bought a box of those 3M Cubitron Roloc disks before I found Benchmark Abrasives. It's not a 'waste' of money but I feel much better saving money and getting really good abrasive products. I started with their FREEMIX offer. Ten mixed grit flap disks for $24 was too good to pass up.

4-1/2" x 7/8" T29 Zirconia High Density Flap Disc - Mixed Grit 10 Pack (FREEMIX)

Benchmark Abrasives 4-1/2" X 7/8" T29 Zirconia High Density Flap Discs are manufactured using European zirconia cloth. Our mixed pack is a great opportunity for you to test our range of grits at an affordable price!

benchmarkabrasives.com

In addition to the 4.5" abrasive flap disks I picked up surface conditioning and cotton buff flap disks and a whole bunch of 2- and 3-inch Roloc disks (flap, abrasive, conditioning and cotton buffs). I need to stay away from their website...

I won't share the Roloc drawer -- one potential intervention at a time, thank you.

Bob, I agree that the 3M Cubitrons are not a "waste of money" as the video title suggests. That may have been a bit harsh and over-stated but I grasped the point of it. However, if I'm going to pay 2-3 times the amount I expect them to last 2x or 3x longer and I just wasn't seeing that from the 3M Cubitron abrasive line. The Benchmarks are as close as I've personally seen at well below half the cost so that was the main reason I switched and continue to use as well as endorse their products.

I have been using Benchmark flap discs for years, but just got into some trimmable Walter discs. They're definitely a step up.

Scott, I just tried some Walter grinding discs about a year ago and have to admit, when it comes to removing mill scale I have yet to find anything that comes close to the Walter products. I try not to use a lot of materials with mill scale but unfortunately it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate it from the shop projects so when I need to knock back an edge of mill scale to prep for a weld I reach for the grinder with the Walter disc. I am impressed with how long those discs last as well. I have not used any other Walter products, just their 4-1/2" grinding discs for removing the mill scale.

 

[zmotorsports]

Hello, while looking at your pictures about the latest task you had on hand in regards to your OPE, I could not help but notice the wagon is still on the table.

I do not recall reading that there was still work that needed to be done, I could have missed the latest news on it and you are waiting to gift it.

Yes, the grandson's Radio Flyer wagon is complete but I'm keeping it at the shop until my grandson is old enough that my son and DIL feel comfortable with him sitting in it unassisted. Although my son has a nice 3-car garage, I hate to see him pack it with things that are unnecessary at the time so I just told him he could leave it at my shop until they're ready to use it. I think by spring when they start going for evening walks as a family he'll be ready to use it. Then maybe a few car shows next summer. Who knows, that may even convince me to attend a few car shows again.

 

[zmotorsports]

By the time I got home from work yesterday the sun was already starting to set so I had to hurry in order to complete the last step in my end of season OPE maintenance process, the washing of the equipment.

I had everything ready the night before so I just had to pull it outside, hook up the water and fire up the pressure washer.

I was also noticing just how green my lawn still is this year. I am dumbfounded as usually by this time of year the grass has gone brown to yellow as soon as the secondary water is shut off in early October. It's been 2-months now with no scheduled watering and we've had freezing temps yet the lawn is still looking pretty good overall. Although this week we've had temps in the mid to upper 40's that's not been the pattern for the past 6+ weeks we've had cold temperatures and a few snowstorms already. Not sure what to think of my nice green lawn as all my neighbor's lawns have all gone into full blown dormancy mode.


The equipment lined up and ready to be washed.


With the washing complete it was time to blow them off, move them inside, apply some lubricant to certain areas and put the deck back under the zero turn.


Both underside and topside of the deck was pressure washed before wheeling it back into the shop.


The 33-year old 21" Snapper still looks pretty decent and runs like a top.


I have to be careful as the stickers and decals are starting to show some signs of wanting to release from the deck. I don't concentrate pressure on them, but I guess after 33 years they're starting to show signs of wear.


The Stihl edger and Homelite line trimmer also got the full blown cleaning treatment.


The business ends cleaned up nicely.


After running each piece of equipment, blowing them off with compressed air, lubing some of the pivot points and giving them one last look over I parked everything in the attached garage and pulled the battery from the rider.



Everything seems to be put to bed for the winter and ready for the first mow come spring.

Thanks for looking.

 

[rattle_snake]

Damn Mike, making me feel inadequate again with all that clean machinery. Wish I could be as on top of my stuff. I get that you, like others, have to make time to do so. Decision to spend time on instead of something else.

Only excuse I have is that I use my OPE year round. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing.


Well, except for a snow blower.

 

[MadeByMiller]

+1 on Benchmark. Never had a bad experience with them. I did a lot of comparisons between Benchmark and the high end products (3M and Norton), and in my experience the Benchmark abrasives performed almost as well for a fraction of the price. The value can't be beat in my experience.

 

[PugetDude]

One of the biggest joys in my life was giving away my lawnmower when we moved to Arizona.

 

[SilverJimmy]

I don’t have a lawn mower, we call it a weed groomer. Up here in Flagstaff a lawn isn’t something you really want to fight nature over and all the native grasses need a trim a couple times a year.

 

[PugetDude]

My preferred gardening tool is cash.
It ensures a better outcome.

 

[zmotorsports]

Damn Mike, making me feel inadequate again with all that clean machinery. Wish I could be as on top of my stuff. I get that you, like others, have to make time to do so. Decision to spend time on instead of something else.

Only excuse I have is that I use my OPE year round. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing.


Well, except for a snow blower.

You're right Justin, it's definitely something that has to be fitted into the workload through the shop, but it's also something I enjoy so it's not too difficult of a decision to make. Like you, I like keeping my stuff nicely maintained and therefore I don't look at it as a choice between doing that or something else, it's just one of those tasks that must be completed. I'll admit years ago it was much harder to make time for them but as I get older I have come to the realization that my stuff comes before anyone elses and if they don't like that they can take their stuff elsewhere.

That being said, you didn't have to go and rub it in about being able to mow year round and not having a snowblower. That's just rude.

One of the biggest joys in my life was giving away my lawnmower when we moved to Arizona.

Sorry to hear that Scott. I actually love mowing my lawn and the feeling I get pulling into my driveway when everything is nicely groomed. I can't imagine living where I couldn't have a lawn to care for.

 

[zmotorsports]

+1 on Benchmark. Never had a bad experience with them. I did a lot of comparisons between Benchmark and the high end products (3M and Norton), and in my experience the Benchmark abrasives performed almost as well for a fraction of the price. The value can't be beat in my experience.

Thanks for chiming in Austin and giving your feedback. I have had similar experiences with the Benchmark products. They're well made, hold up well and at a fair price. I haven't done a lot of comparisons to speak like you did, just a casual observation between using the 3M products for many years then switching over to the Benchmark products several years ago.

 

[zmotorsports]

I don’t have a lawn mower, we call it a weed groomer. Up here in Flagstaff a lawn isn’t something you really want to fight nature over and all the native grasses need a trim a couple times a year.

I think that must have been what the original owners of our place had, a weed groomer, because the use of the work "lawn" would be inaccurate.

My preferred gardening tool is cash.
It ensures a better outcome.

I'm not much of a garden person, but if I could make my money grow in the back yard, I think I'd have one. The only way I have found to make my money work for me is in the shop.

 

[PugetDude]

Sorry to hear that Scott. I actually love mowing my lawn and the feeling I get pulling into my driveway when everything is nicely groomed. I can't imagine living where I couldn't have a lawn to care for.

I do like the look of a manicured yard, shrubs, etc. but I don't have the interest, patience, or skillset to maintain it. I'm already maintaining two homes, I am not interested in doing all the yardwork on two 3/4 acre lots too.
I did a lot of mowing, weeding, etc. as a kid and later in my adult life when I lived in a four- season climate. It never brought me a high level of satisfaction like it does for others. To each his own.
This is one of the few things I happily pay someone to do for me. The crew I have used for 4+ years is more qualified and consistent than I would ever be, very reasonable and are pro-active where I would be begrudgingly reactive.

Besides, if I had to do all my own yardwork I wouldn't have time to read your thread or post my own stuff. (Some might consider this addition by subtraction... )

 

[zmotorsports]

So I did a stupid thing today, or impulsive rather.

I really don't need any more tools and the wife and I have been trying to keep our expenses down this year to accommodate for the wonderful economy.

I went out onto the Snap-on truck today to get a calendar for myself and my son when I spotted a new tool.

I walked off the truck with not only a couple of calendars, but also a new pair of pliers for constant tension clamps.


I have an import pair that I've been using but they have a fixed pivot and flat blades with a groove parallel to the pliers on one side of the jaws and a groove perpendicular at the end of the jaws for grabbing the constant tension clamps from either straight on or from the side. While they work great and have been my "go-to" pliers that I reach for when removing small to mid-size constant tension clamps, I feel that these will be an improvement due to the radius on the jaws as well as adjustable pivot thus allowing to accept larger clamps sizes. Time will tell once I use them a few times but think I'll like these slightly better than my import set.



I also thought I'd show this small screwdriver that I had made several years ago. My son was eyeballing it last week as well as a co-worker had asked about it so I brought it into work to show my co-worker and he took it out to the Snap-on truck and asked the rep to order the parts to create it.

The handle is just the same stubby handle that comes in the 8-piece screwdriver set but the blade is a short version of a 1/4" blade that has the wrench bolster on it. I had ordered the handle and short blade several years ago from my Snap-on rep and he recognized it as soon as my co-worker showed him and asked about it.

My son's comment was "that is the size of stubby the sets SHOULD come with". I agree as I reach for this screwdriver much more frequently than the original stubby from my set. I was using mine adjust valves the other day when my son grabbed it and couldn't set it down.



Not sure if others may find that handy but I sure like the length better than the stubby stubby one.

 

[gorilla]

Is it possible that a lawnmower racing might be in your future? You do have a well groomed test track.

 

[zmotorsports]

Is it possible that a lawnmower racing might be in your future? You do have a well groomed test track.

Yeah, no. I don't see that working out well.

 

[zmotorsports]

I just hung up with my local GM dealership where I purchased the OEM bumper cap, chrome bar and lower deflector/valance for my 2006 Silverado last week.

As I've had the boxes opened in the shop awaiting a gap in work when I could pull my truck in and swap over all of the parts, I've been looking at them sitting there in the boxes and something just wasn't looking right, proportion wise. Last night after getting yard work done, I couldn't take my instincts nagging at me any longer, so I took a few measurements and then it hit me, they ordered me the parts for a 2001-2002 Silverado rather than a 2003-2007 Silverado.

I talked with a different counterman today and he looked up the correct part numbers and has them ordered for me. These shouldn't take as long however, as they show in stock in Denver so they should be here mid next week and I can then swap them out. Glad I trusted my gut before I ripped the entire front end of the truck apart and had to let it sit in pieces while I waited.

 

[OutlawDrifter]

Yuck! Nothing more frustrating than getting the wrong parts.

I had a similar thing happen when I was younger, on my Camaro. Heater core went out, and to change one on a 3rd gen F-body is half a nightmare. The whole dash has to come out, which is a chore. It was late fall and I had everything ready to do it at the JD dealership I worked at that evening. Get the dash out, go to swap the core, and its for a 70-81, not an 82-92...****. So now my car less dash, hanging steering column, blown apart interior, no coolant, etc, is sitting in the middle of the shop blocking 2 ways in...We were able to get it in neutral and roll it out of the shop to the staging line. Worst part is, I only had 1 more day to get it done before I had to take the car to Omaha for a wedding...part was 2 days out on stock order. Local NAPA came through and sent a runner 3 hours roundtrip to get another one for me. Put the car together and hit the road with ZERO sleep, haha, oh to be young again!

 

[zmotorsports]

Yuck! Nothing more frustrating than getting the wrong parts.

I had a similar thing happen when I was younger, on my Camaro. Heater core went out, and to change one on a 3rd gen F-body is half a nightmare. The whole dash has to come out, which is a chore. It was late fall and I had everything ready to do it at the JD dealership I worked at that evening. Get the dash out, go to swap the core, and its for a 70-81, not an 82-92...****. So now my car less dash, hanging steering column, blown apart interior, no coolant, etc, is sitting in the middle of the shop blocking 2 ways in...We were able to get it in neutral and roll it out of the shop to the staging line. Worst part is, I only had 1 more day to get it done before I had to take the car to Omaha for a wedding...part was 2 days out on stock order. Local NAPA came through and sent a runner 3 hours roundtrip to get another one for me. Put the car together and hit the road with ZERO sleep, haha, oh to be young again!

Marc, I feel fortunate to have discovered it BEFORE it tore the truck apart. After you're already neck deep into a project is not the best time to learn you have been given the wrong parts.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I'm not much of a garden person, but if I could make my money grow in the back yard, I think I'd have one. The only way I have found to make my money work for me is in the shop.

around these parts I think a large percentage makes money growing in their backyards….after the recent law changes tho I think they now pay a 25% tax on the weeds. Still sounds like a lot of work!

I’m pretty happy with my hardscaped yard with just flower beds to maintain. After I installed my drip system it only takes me 3-4 days total a year to maintain. Frees up a lot of time for other things.

 

[4 FN 27]

I went out onto the Snap-on truck today to get a calendar for myself and my son when I spotted a new tool.

Remember Mike, after the threshold, it is consensual.

Admitting you have problem is the first step.

 

[PhantomEB]

By the time I got home from work yesterday the sun was already starting to set so I had to hurry in order to complete the last step in my end of season OPE maintenance process, the washing of the equipment.

I had everything ready the night before so I just had to pull it outside, hook up the water and fire up the pressure washer.

I was also noticing just how green my lawn still is this year. I am dumbfounded as usually by this time of year the grass has gone brown to yellow as soon as the secondary water is shut off in early October. It's been 2-months now with no scheduled watering and we've had freezing temps yet the lawn is still looking pretty good overall. Although this week we've had temps in the mid to upper 40's that's not been the pattern for the past 6+ weeks we've had cold temperatures and a few snowstorms already. Not sure what to think of my nice green lawn as all my neighbor's lawns have all gone into full blown dormancy mode.


The equipment lined up and ready to be washed.


With the washing complete it was time to blow them off, move them inside, apply some lubricant to certain areas and put the deck back under the zero turn.


Both underside and topside of the deck was pressure washed before wheeling it back into the shop.


The 33-year old 21" Snapper still looks pretty decent and runs like a top.


I have to be careful as the stickers and decals are starting to show some signs of wanting to release from the deck. I don't concentrate pressure on them, but I guess after 33 years they're starting to show signs of wear.


The Stihl edger and Homelite line trimmer also got the full blown cleaning treatment.


The business ends cleaned up nicely.


After running each piece of equipment, blowing them off with compressed air, lubing some of the pivot points and giving them one last look over I parked everything in the attached garage and pulled the battery from the rider.



Everything seems to be put to bed for the winter and ready for the first mow come spring.

Thanks for looking.

I so need to get my big project done so I can focus on the little things like clean everything before putting away for the season. You are one of my inspirations here.

 

[SilverJimmy]

I just wish I could have gotten Mike onto my truck!

Resistance would have been futile!!!

 

[LXCam]

I just wish I could have gotten Mike onto my truck!

Resistance would have been futile!!!

I’m not sure if this is the purest form of instigation for a tool guy

Or

A mobile pleasure den

 

[bigdave_185]

Oh the sweet smell of smoked cc and indentured servitude

I just wish I could have gotten Mike onto my truck!

Resistance would have been futile!!!

Love walking into the SOT

 

[WoodsTruck]

As I sit here and take in the beauty of the SOT, I can't help notice the gaps in the occassional socket sequences.
I feel better knowing that even the holy SOT can't keep 10mm sockets on hand where you can find them.

 

[SilverJimmy]

I’m not sure if this is the purest form of instigation for a tool guy

Retired Tool Guy! No more slinging chrome for me!

 

[PugetDude]

Remember Mike, after the threshold, it is consensual.

Only the first six inches is consensual.

 

[SilverJimmy]

As I sit here and take in the beauty of the SOT, I can't help notice the gaps in the occassional socket sequences.
I feel better knowing that even the holy SOT can't keep 10mm sockets on hand where you can find them.

Those drawers under the socket rails were my overstock. I kept 5-6 minimum of 10, 12, 13, 15 and 17 mm of every socket version. I tried really hard to always have what my guys needed to do their job! Driver side of truck was Metric, Passenger was Imperial. I took those pictures after a typical 12 hour day, hadn’t reloaded yet!

 

[casmurbax]

I do not mean to derail Mike's thread but I have not been on a SOT truck in years and even then it was not stocked liked that.

 

[zmotorsports]

While I appreciate all of the fine support from you folks for my lack of willpower, I'm happy to say that I am closer to the end of my tool buying lifespan than the beginning. Nowadays a tool here or there doesn't seem to be quite as big a deal as all of the tools I bought 20-30 years ago. Now for the most part I just get to enjoy using them. However, during those occasions that I do step onto the truck and purchase a tool or two, I am glad it doesn't hurt as bad as it once did.

Like Pat said, after that first step it's consensual. So you have no one else to blame.

That being said, there's just something about the feel of a quality made tool in one's hand and I am a sucker for quality tools.