jalind

I've got a BS in Physics with Math minor, a MS in General Systems Engineering and Management (not the IT kind of systems) and have done various kinds of large scale systems engineering over the years, from communications to logistics to manufacturing. Some of my work in the service and much of it afterward has been spent investigating root causes of incidents and failures. While an undergrad I worked underground hard rock mineral mining in the summers. Paid huge money and was interesting, and UG hard rock miners are a different breed, but it's not something I'd want to do again. Not the miners, but the mine environment itself. Harsh place and physically very hard work. Spent 21 years in the US Army after my BS degree doing communications systems engineering among other things including electronic warfare. Worked for an Aerospace company for a while after active duty creating the logistics systems needed to support major weapons systems for 2-3 decades of intended service life. Went to work after that for a major automotive parts maker designing and implementing manufacturing systems. Been loathe to pay a plumber, electrician, appliance repairman or auto mechanic to do something I can do myself since about age 18.

It's something I got from my father who installed, maintained and repaired everything at home. I don't recall him ever calling a plumber or electrician or appliance repairman. The family car going into a shop for anything was extremely rare, usually for something like new tires or muffler replacement, tasks for which you need a pit or lift and tire mounting and balancing machines.

Over the years I've accumulated a lot of tools including a number of major woodworking power tools and a large bench mounted radial drill press. Hand tools go up through a fairly complete 1/2" drive socket set in SAE and metric plus torque wrenches now that can handle 3 inch-lb through 250 ft-lb. I've done engine rebuilds, standard transmission tear down for repair, rear differential replacement, wheel bearing replacement, carburetor overhauls, and complete brake system rebuilds and overhauls. Isn't much in terms of systems I haven't torn apart on one vehicle or another. I think steering gear is about it. As electronically controlled as they are today, certain aspects of vehicles are much more durable and reliable, but the downside is some things that were mechanical or electromechanical in the past cannot be repaired anymore; one must replace the entire electronic module if it does fail, and those are expensive. Some of the emissions control systems are also frustrating to diagnose properly in the home garage with an OBD II scanner, even an advanced one, and not one of the diagnostic computers that cost many hundreds.

In woodworking about the only thing I don't have is a lathe. I've done everything from framing through fine cabinetry and Mission style oak furniture. The latter is more like precision milling wood than cutting it.

John