Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[oldironfarmer]

I hope not to try that method...

Although that does remind me of a good friend many years ago that discovered (too late) that his brakes weren't working - just as he was coming in hot to park under his house.
There was no discernible damage to the car - all the "good stuff" was still there (just in a much more compact heap) and he had a heap more space.
Win, win.

Great work shaping that sheet metal Andy

You won't be disappointed if you fail to try my cleanup method.

Hmmm, just push the stuff out of the way, and it's all still there! Brilliant!

Thanks for the compliment! It is getting easier but my work is still pretty rough. I keep telling myself its only a floor. We'll see how I do on the door skins and other external body parts. I think I'll have a good excuse.

 

[tym]

All that being said, a well protected antique vehicle does not really need the protection it had when new. Lot's of guys seem to really stress over rust protection on vehicles which will seldom see rain or drive on wet roads when bare frames lasted for many years.

That's a good point. Didn't stop the mechanic who helped fix up the Camaro in my avatar from painting the whole front subframe in POR15.

I think a big part of it is that rust stinks so much to deal with, you start to become fanatical about banishing it from ever coming back.

All I need is a hermetically sealed garage I can backfill with argon or some other inert gas when the car isn't in use.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I think cars are better now than they were 40 years ago, from a corrosion standpoint.

Whatever it's other properties, plastic does seem rust proof!

It seem most of you patch panel seams are **** welded. Have you tried or given though to putting a step flange on the edges? Seems to me like it might be an easier weld, but the lap could create a place for rust to hide too.

 

[BBChevro]

...

It seem most of you patch panel seams are **** welded. Have you tried or given though to putting a step flange on the edges? Seems to me like it might be an easier weld, but the lap could create a place for rust to hide too.

I think you've answered your own question there Slewfoot - You are correct on all points.

I bought a really neat pneumatic flange tool, which I rarely use now since I found out that I was doing it wrong


.

 

[jbmatth]

Wow Andy, great progress this weekend. I was talking to a friend at work last week about getting a 3D printer, they seem to be reasonable now and could really come in handy.
JB

 

[oldironfarmer]

That's a good point. Didn't stop the mechanic who helped fix up the Camaro in my avatar from painting the whole front subframe in POR15.

I think a big part of it is that rust stinks so much to deal with, you start to become fanatical about banishing it from ever coming back.

All I need is a hermetically sealed garage I can backfill with argon or some other inert gas when the car isn't in use.

I'm not against protecting steel from rust

Thanks for the visit!

Whatever it's other properties, plastic does seem rust proof!

It seem most of you patch panel seams are **** welded. Have you tried or given though to putting a step flange on the edges? Seems to me like it might be an easier weld, but the lap could create a place for rust to hide too.

I put a step flange on the driver's side joint to match the original. It would have worked great if I were spot welding it, but the straight piece edge was close to the formed joint which caused me to put too much weld on it, and warped it pretty good.

It's easier for me to weld two **** welded pieces, preferably with a little gap prior to welding. It helps get a full penetration weld which shrinks from the welded side a little less.

I think you've answered your own question there Slewfoot - You are correct on all points.

I bought a really neat pneumatic flange tool, which I rarely use now since I found out that I was doing it wrong

I bought one of those flange tools too, and have only used it once.

It also has a punch which I bet yours does too. That has been handy a few times. But with the MIG I really have to turn it up to get penetration even through a hole.

Wow Andy, great progress this weekend. I was talking to a friend at work last week about getting a 3D printer, they seem to be reasonable now and could really come in handy.
JB

Thanks, not JB progress, but progress nonetheless. And I think I'm finally well, I have lots of energy. 3D printers seem to be like lots of other stuff. People that have them seem to have several. Hope I don't fall into the trap of buying stuff I don't need.

I downloaded DesignSpark CAD and think I'm going to like it. Printer has shipped but they're still saying 18 Feb for delivery, and it's coming from the US. Maybe Pony Express.

Thanks for stopping in guys!

 

[oldironfarmer]

After doctor visits today I had a few moments in the shop.

Cut two wafer board rings and clamped them to the welding table to make the round stamping in the floor board.

I just drove my round end fuller punch around and around the ring to stretch the metal and drive the disc down. It took a long time but came out fair.

I may try to realign the boards and go a little deeper. I think the metal is sound past the disc so the floor plate will probably get cut in zig zag fashion but I may add the last rib so I can cut out a rectangle.

Thanks for looking in! I've got company coming tomorrow, and antique dealer. We may play American Pickers.

 

[tym]

3D printers seem to be like lots of other stuff. People that have them seem to have several. Hope I don't fall into the trap of buying stuff I don't need.

I downloaded DesignSpark CAD and think I'm going to like it. Printer has shipped but they're still saying 18 Feb for delivery, and it's coming from the US. Maybe Pony Express.

There's also a dizzying number of videos on YouTube about 3D printers, their features, and their uses. Here's one featuring the lovely Kato.

 

[Farmall450]

Good deal on the printer. I'll probably pick one up in a few years, ideally more for less by then.

 

[jimreed2160]

Good deal on the printer. I'll probably pick one up in a few years, ideally more for less by then.

Ahh, I am longing for the day when I can go to HF, use a 20% off coupon, and pick one up for $39.88. That's my price point for one right now.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, an antique dealer, sounds interesting..

American Pickers, it would be interesting to see you on tv, haggle over the price of an item..

 

[Guster]

Nice 3D printer Andy.

Have you considered Autodesk Fusion360? Also free for home use and has great video tutorials online. You will still need a slicer to post process your output for the printer but at least it is a fully featured tool. BTW it will also likely be able to postprocess CAM output for your CNC routertable.

Cheers,

 

[drivesitfar]

ANDY: where did you go? i leave for a few days to GET ORGANIZED (yep still ongoing) and you are listing your rental homes with a Realtor, getting a 3D printer and painting your rusty stuff with Por15?

wow i've got questions, but too busy ORGANIZING so i'll wait until ANDY shows up with more of his fab work and forging and writing contracts and doing closings the same day.

cheers and hope all is well and let's enjoy our SATURDAY.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Nice job Andy. Why did you not heat the ring some to reduce the stress and fatigue on the stretched area? Was it because the die is wood? Perhaps a ring made of round bar would have been easier and given you some curve at the break?

 

[oldironfarmer]

There's also a dizzying number of videos on YouTube about 3D printers, their features, and their uses. Here's one featuring the lovely Kato.

It's a whole new universe I didn't realize existed. I've spent the last 48 hours watching Kato...

Good deal on the printer. I'll probably pick one up in a few years, ideally more for less by then.

I knew a guy who never bought a computer, kept waiting for development to slow down so he wouldn't buy one that was obsolete. Smart guy, but frugal. I didn't buy a computer for several years, had no use for one, used one a work. Now I can't be without it. There's not enough of me to go around, I need to be salvaging old cars from the place next door, and I should be in the woods clearing brush.

Ahh, I am longing for the day when I can go to HF, use a 20% off coupon, and pick one up for $39.88. That's my price point for one right now.

They're really not far off. You can get a decent one for $175.

Andy, an antique dealer, sounds interesting..

American Pickers, it would be interesting to see you on tv, haggle over the price of an item..

I'm not very good at haggling. Kind of like Eva Gabor, if you've seen Green Acres.

We had a nice time. They enjoyed looking around, especially liked the caboose. I offered to make the lady a broom and you'd have thought I'd given her a diamond ring

Nice 3D printer Andy.

Have you considered Autodesk Fusion360? Also free for home use and has great video tutorials online. You will still need a slicer to post process your output for the printer but at least it is a fully featured tool. BTW it will also likely be able to postprocess CAM output for your CNC routertable.

Cheers,

Actually it was Fusion 360 and not Kato that has kept me away.

Your recommendation, and the suggestion to use it with the router table (why can't I route steel?) gave me the impetus to make a selection. I had dismissed them earlier because it is so hard to find their "hobby" license. You have to get the 30 day free trial first.

They've got lots of nice introductory videos and I'm learning a lot but it sure is a long way to go. But I have succeeded in making an end wrench blank so I have something of mine to print when the printer gets here. It has full draft, radii and fillets all around, and two holes in the bottom for alignment dowels. Holes are only 1 mm deep because the depressed area is 1/16" thick to make a 1/8" web with cope and drag patterns.

Here's a screen shot (literally, I can't figure out how to produce a .pdf or .jpg so it's a cell phone photograph)

Thanks for the nudge. I'm just crawling. A long way from running, jumping, and standing one one leg But at least I'm crawling. Don't ask me to go up stairs or climb a ladder.

ANDY: where did you go? i leave for a few days to GET ORGANIZED (yep still ongoing) and you are listing your rental homes with a Realtor, getting a 3D printer and painting your rusty stuff with Por15?

wow i've got questions, but too busy ORGANIZING so i'll wait until ANDY shows up with more of his fab work and forging and writing contracts and doing closings the same day.

cheers and hope all is well and let's enjoy our SATURDAY.

Just been busy

And several doctor's appointments

No questions?

Nice job Andy. Why did you not heat the ring some to reduce the stress and fatigue on the stretched area? Was it because the die is wood? Perhaps a ring made of round bar would have been easier and given you some curve at the break?

Wood. It's so quick. And heating the sheet metal would likely produce a lot of warpage. If I had several I'd try to make a full die set and put them in my big press. But that may be a 50 ton extrusion. I don't know, but would like to try, it might not be bad. There's several hundred hammer strokes there. A curved tool might help make it smoother, or if I had a full die I could pound it into ti would be smoother. I think I can get better but only have the one to do. If it were exposed it would get some body filler

Thanks for the visits, guys. I'll be back!!

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: it's another day and i have to ask why all the doctor's appointments? is it for that NEVER ENDING COLD, your prostrate cancer or non cancer, for your lovely bride or something else if you don't mind sharing. if you'd like to keep that to yourself totally understood.

I know you could have probably used a good Realtor years ago, but i bet meeting the buyers, doing all the paperwork to close your own deals (were they all Real Estate Contracts or maybe Deeds of Trusts) was maybe a bit fun. now that you have blacksmithing, fab work on all your cool old rusty trucks and tractors, 3D printer, cleaning up (hee hee) and maybe making a few brooms and socks to make did you you decide it was time to find a Realtor to help you with the time issues? or maybe your helpers are more work to manage or they are needed around your place more?

The only things i've seen made on a 3D printer have been toys, but i'm sure they have their benefits especially when casting/forging or doing other odd shaped projects. good luck with that and i'll be trying to just GET ORGANIZED before i buy one, but sounds like they aren't that expensive. like everything i bet there are quality 3d printers and cheap knock offs so that should be a fun Rabbit Hole to explore.

here's to your GOOD HEALTH, fun in the shop and hope you enjoy your SATURDAY while i GET ORGANIZED (shipping department needs an open bench to ship off some packages so that is the goal this week).

cheers

 

[tym]

It's a whole new universe I didn't realize existed. I've spent the last 48 hours watching Kato...

Good thing it's another Saturday!

Actually, I was going to say I was sorry...but I'm not.

 

[Guster]

You’ve made a great choice to go with Fusion Andy. My best friend is a strong supporter of Rhino but actually switches to Fusion more often these days. I came from years of using Autocad and still find the new interface a bit of a challenge but the usability is the same so that is a good thing. Been a bit slack lately but should get more practice soon so I can get back into it. You will enjoy making larger patterns out of wood using the CNC router even more. 3D printer works well for having detail in your casting like lettering etc. especially in smaller parts but the CNC router is faster and will make larger parts easier.

There is a good reason most of the stuff being 3D printed looks like toys and why a lot of it looks the same. The biggest learning curve is not in plugging it in and setting it up etc. like you would when buying a new paper printer. It is more that you have to learn modelling and post processing and that is the largest hurdle to getting the most of your 3D printer. Many just got on the novelty band wagon printing doohickeys from easily downloaded designs. To make something of your own you need a purpose first and then the ambition to invest time in learning 3D modelling with a little technical aptitude to post process correctly for it to work on the printer. Putting aside the time to learn 3D modelling you’ll find many lack a good purpose for why they need to 3D print. Unless you are in the business of rapid prototyping, mold making, hobby model making, costumery or special effects etc. there is actually very little need for it in the consumer market. The fancy units are also well out of the normal consumer price range. If you cannot think of a reason to own one you probably don’t really need one. Furthermore they are slow, messy, smelly and not without idiosyncrasies and glitches. Though getting better every year.

Pattern making is a great purpose. Having vintage machinery and automobiles is another as they always have little plastic bits the need replacing. For me it is just another tool and will compliment my CNC router table. Especially when I think of the time to mill a plastic part or let it print while I carry on doing some other work. Also a nice way of adding some finishing touches to projects like covers, plugs and mouldings. At least when I get round to finish building mine. Need more Saturdays and less Thursdays like yesterday!

PS. hit the PrintScreen key on your keyboard to take a screen shot in Windows. You can past it into Paint or other editor to save it as a picture. Alt+Printscreen will take a pic of the app you are in at the time rather than the whole screen.

 

[tym]

How did I not know about Alt+Prntscrn until now?! I feel silly.

 

[Finallygotit]

There is a whole plethora of ALT+ functions ± a few.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy: it's another day and i have to ask why all the doctor's appointments? is it for that NEVER ENDING COLD, your prostrate cancer or non cancer, for your lovely bride or something else if you don't mind sharing. if you'd like to keep that to yourself totally understood.

I don't mind.I broke a tooth a few weeks ago and am to the point I only have one lower molar left, and it's hurting. So I had the broken roots extracted and am moving down the path to get some implants. I've also had a cancer removed from my arm and had to get stitches out, one more of those to go. And my wife has regular appointments. Keeps me out of the shop.

I know you could have probably used a good Realtor years ago, but i bet meeting the buyers, doing all the paperwork to close your own deals (were they all Real Estate Contracts or maybe Deeds of Trusts) was maybe a bit fun. now that you have blacksmithing, fab work on all your cool old rusty trucks and tractors, 3D printer, cleaning up (hee hee) and maybe making a few brooms and socks to make did you you decide it was time to find a Realtor to help you with the time issues? or maybe your helpers are more work to manage or they are needed around your place more?

Incredibly simple to do your own closing my way: prepare a mortgage and a deed. I sign the deed and they sign the mortgage. I like showing land and working out how they can buy it. But Sand Springs is 20 minutes away and I don't want to go show properties there. And when selling homes you have to have the current disclosures. I may finance these sales but don't mind if they get their own financing and we're better off having a realtor involved. He also worries about getting signs up and taking the calls, and I'm lazy.

The only things i've seen made on a 3D printer have been toys, but i'm sure they have their benefits especially when casting/forging or doing other odd shaped projects. good luck with that and i'll be trying to just GET ORGANIZED before i buy one, but sounds like they aren't that expensive. like everything i bet there are quality 3d printers and cheap knock offs so that should be a fun Rabbit Hole to explore.

Surprisingly it seems the affordable 3D printers are pretty much the same in performance, apparently. Then there's the several thousand dollar ones which may be better, then the ten's of thousand dollar ones which are better.

here's to your GOOD HEALTH, fun in the shop and hope you enjoy your SATURDAY while i GET ORGANIZED (shipping department needs an open bench to ship off some packages so that is the goal this week).

cheers

Thanks for stopping in, I didn't even get into the shop today. Had a ladies brunch that took the morning (my wife can't go alone) and then a meeting with a pharmaceutical buying group for the pharmacy this afternoon. Pharmacy is set to open on 1 March 2018. Lots of stuff to get done and I'm helping out where I can.

Good thing it's another Saturday!

Actually, I was going to say I was sorry...but I'm not.

You're a bad influence on me...

You’ve made a great choice to go with Fusion Andy. My best friend is a strong supporter of Rhino but actually switches to Fusion more often these days. I came from years of using Autocad and still find the new interface a bit of a challenge but the usability is the same so that is a good thing. Been a bit slack lately but should get more practice soon so I can get back into it. You will enjoy making larger patterns out of wood using the CNC router even more. 3D printer works well for having detail in your casting like lettering etc. especially in smaller parts but the CNC router is faster and will make larger parts easier.

There is a good reason most of the stuff being 3D printed looks like toys and why a lot of it looks the same. The biggest learning curve is not in plugging it in and setting it up etc. like you would when buying a new paper printer. It is more that you have to learn modelling and post processing and that is the largest hurdle to getting the most of your 3D printer. Many just got on the novelty band wagon printing doohickeys from easily downloaded designs. To make something of your own you need a purpose first and then the ambition to invest time in learning 3D modelling with a little technical aptitude to post process correctly for it to work on the printer. Putting aside the time to learn 3D modelling you’ll find many lack a good purpose for why they need to 3D print. Unless you are in the business of rapid prototyping, mold making, hobby model making, costumery or special effects etc. there is actually very little need for it in the consumer market. The fancy units are also well out of the normal consumer price range. If you cannot think of a reason to own one you probably don’t really need one. Furthermore they are slow, messy, smelly and not without idiosyncrasies and glitches. Though getting better every year.

Pattern making is a great purpose. Having vintage machinery and automobiles is another as they always have little plastic bits the need replacing. For me it is just another tool and will compliment my CNC router table. Especially when I think of the time to mill a plastic part or let it print while I carry on doing some other work. Also a nice way of adding some finishing touches to projects like covers, plugs and mouldings. At least when I get round to finish building mine. Need more Saturdays and less Thursdays like yesterday!

PS. hit the PrintScreen key on your keyboard to take a screen shot in Windows. You can past it into Paint or other editor to save it as a picture. Alt+Printscreen will take a pic of the app you are in at the time rather than the whole screen.

How do you know all this stuff? Especially the magic stuff.

Interesting reading. I have no desire to print Benchy, by the way.

PrintScreen has always seemed like a fine thing but I have tried it for many years on many computers and it has never worked. Or I don't know where it goes. It sure does not pop up a dialogue box asking what I want to do with the results. So, will you tell me the secret?

How did I not know about Alt+Prntscrn until now?! I feel silly.

Did you try it? I have never had it work, never, in 30 years.

There is a whole plethora of ALT+ functions ± a few.

Are you guys just trying to make fun of a goober?

 

[Guster]

When running Windows, pushing the Printscreen keyboard button just clips the screen image into your "clipboard" - an old Microsoft term for where things go when you cut and paste from. From there you can paste the image anywhere you like though to create an actual jpeg it would need to be pasted into a graphics editor and saved.

PrtSCrn to do a screen grab
Alt-Tab to your graphics editor if already open
Ctrl-N for new file
Ctrl-V to paste the screen grab
Ctrl-S to save it

Most keyboard shortcuts are now common between Windows apps and some will even work on Android apps. You practice a few each day and soon they become second nature like karate moves. Perhaps its from time spent on old mainframes and Unix servers but I get a lot of pleasure of being able to not have to reach for the mouse when a keyboard shortcut will do. Wait till you learn the keyboard shortcuts that work with your mouse buttons and scroll wheel!
https://support.microsoft.com/en-nz/help/12445/windows-keyboard-shortcuts

One of my favourite quotes: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke
I work in IT and have a hard time keeping up too. Even in my areas of interest, but I have a keen sense of interest, respect for knowledge/experience and a need to try new things. With equal fascination in art and science which I think are very complimentary interests.

In most cases that just means hours of reading, searching, cross referencing and getting lost on the internet. My wife thinks its a colossal waste of time which she calls learning to know things for the only purpose to know things. Partly my failure to communicate the greater purpose of knowledge that I'm in the process of turning into experience. No different than explaining the purpose of owning machinery etc.

Things like benchy is useful for troubleshooting and calibration. But so is printing a 1cm cube etc. Handy to have something to print to test it just works as it should... after that there is a world of things to get on with.

On that topic:
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/print-quality-troubleshooting/

Have a great Saturday and good luck with the dentistry. Don't forget to ask the dentist if you can have any of his old dental picks etc.

 

[oldironfarmer]

So I opened Excel and hit paste. My attempt at a Print Screen pops out.

Of course.

So for 30 years or more I never knew each attempt at Print Screen just went to the clipboard. I know what the clipboard is from an interface point of view. However I had no idea you could copy to the clipboard other than with a cut or copy command.

Thanks for the tutorial!!

Thanks for the link to the troubleshooting guide. I'm expecting totally trouble free printing.

Printer delivery is supposed to be 26 Feb 18. I hope they're wrong. I can't see how it could take that long, maybe they'll surprise me...

Thanks again for the help.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Yesterday I made some progress on the Studebaker.

Had to remove a hat section brace underneath, then decide where the cuts should be. Same inches of weld straight or zig zag.

Spent a fair amount of time prepping for welding, cleaning rust off, and have a pretty good fit. Still needs some more grinding.

I hope to get some shop time tomorrow!

 

[Bob Heine]

Oh my! I should have finished catching up on your thread before posting a reply to your post.

Here's a screen shot (literally, I can't figure out how to produce a .pdf or .jpg so it's a cell phone photograph)

Andy, you probably already know this and forgot but it is relatively easy to turn what's on your screen into a .jpg.

When there is something on your screen that you want to save as a JPEG:

1. Press Ctrl and Print Screen on your keyboard (the Print Screen key should be in the top row on your keyboard to the right of those Fn keys). If you can't find them, ask Sharon where the Fn keys are because I'm sure she'll tell you.
2. Open Paint 3D (assuming you have Windows 10) and click Paste on the Welcome screen.
3. Click Crop from the menu bar and move the round balls on the corners and sides of the image to frame the part of the screen you want to keep.
4. Click Select from the menu bar (ignore the Magic select for now) and you should have the image you want.
5. Now that you've finished playing with Magic select, start over from step 1 (3D Paint doesn't let you save the file as a jpeg once you use Magic select).
6. click on Menu from the upper menu bar and click on Save as in the drop-down menu. You'll see Save as file with three options -- the middle one is 2D - JPEG. Click on that and name your file.

It isn't exactly intuitive but it gets easier with practice.

I captured your cell phone picture and a bit of the surrounding text following those steps.

 

[dchance]

Andy repair is looking good. It will be interesting to see what you do with your printer.

Bob, It is easy to see from your reply that you have written a lot of manuals. I would not be surprised if I have read a few of them.

Dwight

 

[Guster]

When there is something on your screen that you want to save as a JPEG:

1. Press Ctrl and Print Screen on your keyboard (the Print Screen key should be in the top row on your keyboard to the right of those Fn keys). If you can't find them, ask Sharon where the Fn keys are because I'm sure she'll tell you.
2. Open Paint 3D (assuming you have Windows 10) and click Paste on the Welcome screen.
3. Click Crop from the menu bar and move the round balls on the corners and sides of the image to frame the part of the screen you want to keep.
4. Click Select from the menu bar (ignore the Magic select for now) and you should have the image you want.
5. Now that you've finished playing with Magic select, start over from step 1 (3D Paint doesn't let you save the file as a jpeg once you use Magic select).
6. click on Menu from the upper menu bar and click on Save as in the drop-down menu. You'll see Save as file with three options -- the middle one is 2D - JPEG. Click on that and name your file.

Can't beat that for a technical writer's version of the instructions.

Didn't even know W10 rolled out Paint3D yet. Now I have to go play with that this weekend.

 

[tym]

Did you try it? I have never had it work, never, in 30 years.

It did! Worked on my ThinkPad. Even used my USB-connected IBM Model M keyboard.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, great work as per usual..

Bob, nicely articulated, even a knuckle head like me can follow those instructions. ..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Oh my! I should have finished catching up on your thread before posting a reply to your post.

Andy, you probably already know this and forgot but it is relatively easy to turn what's on your screen into a .jpg.

When there is something on your screen that you want to save as a JPEG:

1. Press Ctrl and Print Screen on your keyboard (the Print Screen key should be in the top row on your keyboard to the right of those Fn keys). If you can't find them, ask Sharon where the Fn keys are because I'm sure she'll tell you.
2. Open Paint 3D (assuming you have Windows 10) and click Paste on the Welcome screen.
3. Click Crop from the menu bar and move the round balls on the corners and sides of the image to frame the part of the screen you want to keep.
4. Click Select from the menu bar (ignore the Magic select for now) and you should have the image you want.
5. Now that you've finished playing with Magic select, start over from step 1 (3D Paint doesn't let you save the file as a jpeg once you use Magic select).
6. click on Menu from the upper menu bar and click on Save as in the drop-down menu. You'll see Save as file with three options -- the middle one is 2D - JPEG. Click on that and name your file.

It isn't exactly intuitive but it gets easier with practice.

I captured your cell phone picture and a bit of the surrounding text following those steps.

I agree with everyone else, we think you are an excellent technical writer. Sheetrock hanging skills are still to be determined.

As you've figured out, the only PrintScreen problem I had was not knowing it was on the clipboard. Now if you guys had called it CopyScreen I would have been flying from day one. After you copy you know you have to paste. I have hit printscreen so many times over the years, then ran to the printer to see what printed. It was never mine

Thanks for the demonstration of your excellent skills, older but no wiser brother.

Andy repair is looking good. It will be interesting to see what you do with your printer.

Bob, It is easy to see from your reply that you have written a lot of manuals. I would not be surprised if I have read a few of them.

Dwight

I'm curious to see what I do too. I may even do something with my 3D router.

Can't beat that for a technical writer's version of the instructions.

Didn't even know W10 rolled out Paint3D yet. Now I have to go play with that this weekend.

So I'm considering a new laptop. This one is not all that old but the battery is getting weak and it's like playing the lottery to get it to turn on. Sometimes I push the button a hundred times to get it to come on. Repair shop said the switch is on the motherboard and not independently replaceable. Another shop said it is not the switch but static electricity.

Whatever.

I have left it plugged in and on for over two years now to avoid playing the lottery to see if I can get it to come on.

It's a Dell with Windows 7 from 2009. I hate to change because getting Excel and Word seem to be tougher each time.

Any ideas? Stupid question, everyone has their opinion and ideas.

It did! Worked on my ThinkPad. Even used my USB-connected IBM Model M keyboard.

But how did you know to paste after you hit printscreen?

Andy, great work as per usual..

Bob, nicely articulated, even a knuckle head like me can follow those instructions. ..

Knuckle Head? Who said Harley?

Thanks for the visit everyone!

 

[oldironfarmer]

I've got a young man I've been helping. Lost his job and was in dire straits (couldn't make his mortgage payment to me).

Anyway he may have found a job and life turning around for him. I met him in town today to cash a check for him. It was a check from the state and he had no way to cash it so he signed it to me and cashed it for him. Mentioned he needed a tire and I said let's look at it. He only needed a nail hole patched so he came out to the house and I patched his tire and remounted it. Then he hung around to see what I was doing so I showed him how to make hammer handles and filed down two heads. He was interested and wants to learn. I think he will do fine. Now I have to mail these out.

Weekend is shot. My son is bringing his tractor for me to put new tubes in the rear tires. I told him I would not do it unless he left it long enough for me to paint the tube side of the rims as I hate to put new tubes into rusty rims. He and my grandson also want me to make a winch mount and weld it onto the trailer so it will be just about all day. But they are supposed to bring back my 3D router.

Thanks for stopping in!!

 

[Guster]

It did! Worked on my ThinkPad. Even used my USB-connected IBM Model M keyboard.

Oh my... there is something for every taste out there.

So I'm considering a new laptop. This one is not all that old but the battery is getting weak and it's like playing the lottery to get it to turn on. Sometimes I push the button a hundred times to get it to come on. Repair shop said the switch is on the motherboard and not independently replaceable. Another shop said it is not the switch but static electricity.

Whatever.

I have left it plugged in and on for over two years now to avoid playing the lottery to see if I can get it to come on.

It's a Dell with Windows 7 from 2009. I hate to change because getting Excel and Word seem to be tougher each time.

Any ideas? Stupid question, everyone has their opinion and ideas.

Definitely get a new one. No point wasting time and anguish over dealing with old stuff. I know I am one to talk... both my mobile and home PC are giving me trouble too. Learn from my mistakes at least.

You do need a bit of processing grunt for 3D modeling and rendering so well worth getting something with a modern CPU, good amount of RAM and decent GPU.

Off to bed for me...

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, its great to see you lending a helping hand to the young chap, well done..

 

[bj383ss]

Andy the Stude is looking good. I really like those hammers. I had to chuckle at your print screen adventure. You are right about a new computer there is no longer any free Microsoft Office I am aware of. You can get one you can use to read-only. I am sure there are some knock off ones some one can point out.

Bret

 

[sgfarm]

Google docs is free and supposed to be compatible with Microsoft. I do not have direct experience as work supplies me with laptop with microsoft office, but the kids say google docs work ok, but i think you might have to save to the cloud.

Anyway, please keep it up. I keep up with this thread daily. Love the stories and lessons. So much to learn. Thanks

Mike

 

[bolensboneyard]

Great Andy. I believe it is all our hope to find someone younger who will show an interest in what we do. You are blessed. May he work by your side until you become feeble and have need to lean on him.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Oh my... there is something for every taste out there.

Definitely get a new one. No point wasting time and anguish over dealing with old stuff. I know I am one to talk... both my mobile and home PC are giving me trouble too. Learn from my mistakes at least.

You do need a bit of processing grunt for 3D modeling and rendering so well worth getting something with a modern CPU, good amount of RAM and decent GPU.

Off to bed for me...

Problem is this one works fine, except for the starting issue. And I'm not sure I want to screw with Windows 10, not that I know anything about it.

So far this machine is doing fine with the modeling. I know you're right, I just need to go ahead before I can't start this one some day. And the router needs a dedicated computer. I bought a cheap one when I got the router but after I gave the router away it became my accounting computer (no internet connection, perfectly secure) and it runs Excel and an old version of Quicken just fine. I feel like a desktop might be a better choice in the dusty environment of the router area but might try this laptop to drive the router.

I love change and embrace change except I don't want the things I like to be changed.

I was happy with Windows 3.0 and Excel 3.1, by the way.

Andy, its great to see you lending a helping hand to the young chap, well done..

Well, if he doesn't get on his feet he can't pay his mortgage. Sadly his dad recently went to prison and he has a younger brother living with him. His skills are very limited but he does want to try. When I gave him $100 recently he went straight to the electric company and paid it on a cash-as-you-go plan (they can shut off your power when the meter runs down but you can add any amount you want, just like a parking meter) instead of going and buying fast food for him and his brother. I was very pleased with that move. We'll see where it goes, he does have forklift experience and the job he is looking at is warehouse work. Plus they work four tens with two days of mandatory overtime so even though it is an entry level it does pay enough to survive on.

Andy the Stude is looking good. I really like those hammers. I had to chuckle at your print screen adventure. You are right about a new computer there is no longer any free Microsoft Office I am aware of. You can get one you can use to read-only. I am sure there are some knock off ones some one can point out.

Bret

Thanks! I have always assumed that the print screen was just a joke, kind of like turning numlock off or the windows button.

I've tried an open source spreadsheet and really didn't like it. I'm pretty comfortable with Excel so may have to bite the bullet and actually buy it for the first time in 35 years. I really paid $395 once, when that was real money.

Excel is very important to me, I use it all the time, especially as a calculator. I build a column calculating something in steps (like the refractory required for the shapes in a furnace so I know how much to mix) and as long as you label everything it's there later when you need it. When I look at options I make a second, third, etc. column so all previous versions are available. It's just part of how I breathe. If I'm going to paint a room I make a spreadsheet to calculate the paint required and then refer to it several times as I will forget how much paint I want and lose my notes before I actually get to the store.

Google docs is free and supposed to be compatible with Microsoft. I do not have direct experience as work supplies me with laptop with microsoft office, but the kids say google docs work ok, but i think you might have to save to the cloud.

Anyway, please keep it up. I keep up with this thread daily. Love the stories and lessons. So much to learn. Thanks

Mike

You've made a good point, I want to not be employed so bad that I need not whine about paying for a decent computer on my own. But I have this old 486 that might serve my needs...

I'm just not a cloud guy. Seems like a hacker's dream, just like the secure data dream. I would just hate it if someone stole my wrench pattern and made millions off it. However the real reason I don't want to cloud my thinking is regular internet interruption we have, especially during storms. (it's cool when there are tornadoes coming and the TV freezes then goes blank. We just go on to be and play the lottery.)

Glad you stop by to see my bad examples, always a source of learning

Thanks for all the visits and comments. Opening my thread when there's comments is like going to a motivational seminar, when I get done reading I'm fired up and ready to go to the shop and make stuff. Like sawdust, chips, scrap parts, oil spills, messes...

Reading others' threads is like going to a car show. Look at all the neat stuff I could never do, my girls never look like that, and you can't see your face in my paint jobs, just my finger prints and masking errors.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Great Andy. I believe it is all our hope to find someone younger who will show an interest in what we do. You are blessed. May he work by your side until you become feeble and have need to lean on him.

I appreciate your in depth response. I'm a bit at arm's length. Usually when young people gain their independence they go their own way. The guy I helped through college while I was retired, who then worked for me when I went back to work (ugh!), and later I worked for him, and named his son after me, is a real joy as a friend. But he has a family to raise and his dreams to pursue. It is as life should be. But he is an old Farmall fanatic, not common in young guys. So the little birds need someone to bring them worms and to push them out of the nest when they can fly. More baby birds will come along.

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: sorry to hear about your Dell laptop issues. i've got a half dead 2011 one sitting next to me currently that 2 years ago the IT (computer geek for expert) guy at a company where he keeps 300 or so Dell laptops running smoothly or as smooth as possible has always helped me if i asked and 3 years ago he said my 4 year old laptop at the time was not worth spending money on to fix.

so I bought a new Dell laptop and my bride talked me into getting the $300 3 year extended warranty where I could call/email Dell (in INDIA) about any issues. well getting Windows 10 to work right when it first came out was a huge issue, but finally resolved that after many many calls and learning who at Dell knew what they were doing and who tried to play the BLAME GAME.

then i'm like you cause i've bought several versions of Microsoft office since it came out so i have a box full of them (BTW I loved MS WORKS and haven't even tried to use EXCEL much). so the latest version was 2013 and getting it's OUTLOOK to work correctly with my emails took another bunch of calls to the smart guys at Dell in India.

I was going to buy a IMac, but like you i'm not a fan of change. i still might buy a IMAC the next computer cause i'm liking my new IPhone. if you do buy another Dell you might as well buy the warranty and get them to fix the bugs cause mine runs pretty well now (knock on wood) for my internet and emails which is about all i use it for.

one of these days i'll probably try to use Excel for spreadsheets on cool subjects maybe like old tools, but with all the touch screen and other cool computer upgrades in the last 20+ years Microsoft 10 is just another crappy version of Windows 95. Windows XP might have been the best one for me personally and when they went to Windows 7 and quit supporting XP was a sad day here in the PNW for some of us old guys and gals.

good to hear you are teaching a local young man cause you've been teaching us for a while now.

have a great SATURDAY getting ready for a real one!!

 

[jimreed2160]

Back when I worked for The Man, I often ran PC fleets and one of my areas of expertise was running them until the wheels fell off. Just like any other machinery, you need to carefully pick your battles.

My current PC is seven years old and due for a replacement. At some point, security and backups become an issue. With Office 19 coming out late this year, perhaps a holiday upgrade is in store for me. Costco, here I come.

I started using Excel with Windows 3.0 in 1987 and like Andy, have become quite fond of it.