One year later 40'x80'
- Thread starter fnieto
- Start date
panchohughes
Well-known member
My god! Your shop, equipment, skills are impressive. How did you come to learn how to operate all that equipment? I read thru most of your thread, and I guess other than being fire-fighter you worked on aircraft at one point? I wish I had a fraction of your experience.
Thanks for all the pictures. Subscribed.
Thanks for all the pictures. Subscribed.
Pancho,
Thank you for the kind words. Its a long story, but I'll try to keep it short.
I was a less than ideal student most of my early life, never really satisfied with required curriculum until JHS when I took some electives in plastics, sheetmetal, wood shop, electronics and leather. I also took art class when offered and home economics. This proved to be the start of my craving to express thoughts into actual pieces. My weakness is putting my thoughts into drawings prior to building. This was always a problem with my instructors, however the finished products always turned out (most of the time) pretty good. I can read schematics, blueprints and shop drawing proficiently to provide services, but hate sitting down to perform this task. I still have an old school drafting table I restored back in 1998 and its fully equipped but seldom use the office these days. In HS, I took every shop class offered and stepped up my math as well as it translates to many shop projects. I also worked in a machine shop after school from the time I was 15. Seems my machine shop teacher took a shine to to me and arranged that gig. I graduated at 17 and joined the US Navy six days after receiving my diploma as college was not in my plans. After bootcamp I went to "A" school in Philly's ship yards where I learned all sorts of welding and firefighting/damage control.
After graduating top 10, they asked where I wanted to serve and I requested Pearl Harbor Submarine base as my first choice and was awarded this. Like the saying goes "be carful what you ask for", I ended up on shore duty for 18 months. On shift work 12hrs on 12 hours off. The up side was the massive facility and equipment. I certified in as much as I could and because I could read and follow blueprints (thanks to HS drafting class) they put me on night shift with limited supervision. There I built all sorts of projects from large S/S round tanks to dishwasher brackets as well as working on 14 subs through dry dock (a floating dry dock) Many of my young peers got in trouble because they hated the long hours that at times seemed like a prison sentence. I saw it like an opportunity to hone and learn.
I then served on a Fast Frigate (USS Brewton FF-1086) and was an E-5 by the time I reported abroad. The ship was in dry dock at the time of my arrival so my division officer too full advantage on my current certifications and had me performing large scale work normally reserved for civilian ship yard workers. That said, the long days seemed longer than at sub base but the work was interesting. I never really liked Shipboard life with limited showers and ****** food etc, so I separated after my hitch. I did one West Pac and became a shellback though.
I returned to Tucson and took a landscaping job. Employment was limited in 84. I could never collect unemployment and was never too proud for any work, but after six months I joined the USAF as my life seemed empty and was too broke to buy equipment and start my own business. I pretty much killed the ASVAB and had all sorts of vocational options, so I took a bust down to E-4 and went to Canute AF base to to learn Aircraft fuel systems. This also included pneumatics, and hydraulics known as pneudaulics and extensive schematics in both said systems as well as electrical/electronics. Life in the USAF was much like a civilian job compared to the Navy. Began working on Vought A-7 Crosiers, and ended up working on General Dynamic's F-16 Falcons as well as some prop cargo aircraft.
At 26 and E-6, I found myself tired of Benzine and seemed to visit the Weld and machine shops during my breaks. I separated in late 1989 after nearly a decade of military service.
Married in 87 with one child in 88 made it a risky move, but I never doubted the move. I should mention two years prior (1987) my new bride had gifted me a Millermatic 200, 4"Makita grinder and a Makita 14" chop saw for Christmas and I had been doing wright iron side work for extra income. By the time I separated, there was repeat customers that asked about other type of work other than wrought iron so after 8-10 months I rented a shop which was converted horse stalls and worked in less than ideal conditions for nine years. While working my shop, I also attended my first formal college courses in fire science for three years as well as possessing my first EMT cert. Took me three attempts to be hired with TFD as there was 2600 applicants for a class of 33. I joined in 1995 (class 95-1) and continued working in the horse stalls (now side work again) until I finished building our home in 1998. This was our dream home along with my dream shop of 1300 SF with cooling and heating and full bath. I sold off most all the beat up tools and welding machines that former employees had been tough on over the years. I then began to purchase equipment and tools as side jobs required and with my only son approaching middle school and no vocational classes offered in school, I felt he needed the same opportunities I had as a kid although he was a steller student and formal education was in his future, he still needed the ability to be self reliant in my eyes. He never had a job outside the house and opened his first buiness checking account as "PN Machining". He made at times $1K in two days doing production drilling that I would pass onto him as I was not interested in running several hundred pieces when I had more technical work to complete. He also left for the military right after graduating at 17, but he was awarded an appointment to the USCGA and became a commissioned officer. The reason I mentioned my son other than pride, is because of his college fund we had saved up over the years. He no longer needed it as he got his formal education on his own merits. The saved College funds now became my new shop without incurring debt. I have always had a thirst for learning and growing. Friends ask me why I don't watch TV sports, my reply is simple, "theres too much to learn". When I'm not doing house,vehiclal maintenance or spending time with my four GSD (they require walking,training,love and grooming), I'm spending time feeding my soul in the shop. Never be afraid to try something once, if you like it, Rinse and repeat.
I suppose the short answer to your question is simple.....Practice.
The ultimate credit goes to our creator for blessing me with a patient wife of 30 years.
Peace,
Paco
Thank you for the kind words. Its a long story, but I'll try to keep it short.
I was a less than ideal student most of my early life, never really satisfied with required curriculum until JHS when I took some electives in plastics, sheetmetal, wood shop, electronics and leather. I also took art class when offered and home economics. This proved to be the start of my craving to express thoughts into actual pieces. My weakness is putting my thoughts into drawings prior to building. This was always a problem with my instructors, however the finished products always turned out (most of the time) pretty good. I can read schematics, blueprints and shop drawing proficiently to provide services, but hate sitting down to perform this task. I still have an old school drafting table I restored back in 1998 and its fully equipped but seldom use the office these days. In HS, I took every shop class offered and stepped up my math as well as it translates to many shop projects. I also worked in a machine shop after school from the time I was 15. Seems my machine shop teacher took a shine to to me and arranged that gig. I graduated at 17 and joined the US Navy six days after receiving my diploma as college was not in my plans. After bootcamp I went to "A" school in Philly's ship yards where I learned all sorts of welding and firefighting/damage control.
After graduating top 10, they asked where I wanted to serve and I requested Pearl Harbor Submarine base as my first choice and was awarded this. Like the saying goes "be carful what you ask for", I ended up on shore duty for 18 months. On shift work 12hrs on 12 hours off. The up side was the massive facility and equipment. I certified in as much as I could and because I could read and follow blueprints (thanks to HS drafting class) they put me on night shift with limited supervision. There I built all sorts of projects from large S/S round tanks to dishwasher brackets as well as working on 14 subs through dry dock (a floating dry dock) Many of my young peers got in trouble because they hated the long hours that at times seemed like a prison sentence. I saw it like an opportunity to hone and learn.
I then served on a Fast Frigate (USS Brewton FF-1086) and was an E-5 by the time I reported abroad. The ship was in dry dock at the time of my arrival so my division officer too full advantage on my current certifications and had me performing large scale work normally reserved for civilian ship yard workers. That said, the long days seemed longer than at sub base but the work was interesting. I never really liked Shipboard life with limited showers and ****** food etc, so I separated after my hitch. I did one West Pac and became a shellback though.
I returned to Tucson and took a landscaping job. Employment was limited in 84. I could never collect unemployment and was never too proud for any work, but after six months I joined the USAF as my life seemed empty and was too broke to buy equipment and start my own business. I pretty much killed the ASVAB and had all sorts of vocational options, so I took a bust down to E-4 and went to Canute AF base to to learn Aircraft fuel systems. This also included pneumatics, and hydraulics known as pneudaulics and extensive schematics in both said systems as well as electrical/electronics. Life in the USAF was much like a civilian job compared to the Navy. Began working on Vought A-7 Crosiers, and ended up working on General Dynamic's F-16 Falcons as well as some prop cargo aircraft.
At 26 and E-6, I found myself tired of Benzine and seemed to visit the Weld and machine shops during my breaks. I separated in late 1989 after nearly a decade of military service.
Married in 87 with one child in 88 made it a risky move, but I never doubted the move. I should mention two years prior (1987) my new bride had gifted me a Millermatic 200, 4"Makita grinder and a Makita 14" chop saw for Christmas and I had been doing wright iron side work for extra income. By the time I separated, there was repeat customers that asked about other type of work other than wrought iron so after 8-10 months I rented a shop which was converted horse stalls and worked in less than ideal conditions for nine years. While working my shop, I also attended my first formal college courses in fire science for three years as well as possessing my first EMT cert. Took me three attempts to be hired with TFD as there was 2600 applicants for a class of 33. I joined in 1995 (class 95-1) and continued working in the horse stalls (now side work again) until I finished building our home in 1998. This was our dream home along with my dream shop of 1300 SF with cooling and heating and full bath. I sold off most all the beat up tools and welding machines that former employees had been tough on over the years. I then began to purchase equipment and tools as side jobs required and with my only son approaching middle school and no vocational classes offered in school, I felt he needed the same opportunities I had as a kid although he was a steller student and formal education was in his future, he still needed the ability to be self reliant in my eyes. He never had a job outside the house and opened his first buiness checking account as "PN Machining". He made at times $1K in two days doing production drilling that I would pass onto him as I was not interested in running several hundred pieces when I had more technical work to complete. He also left for the military right after graduating at 17, but he was awarded an appointment to the USCGA and became a commissioned officer. The reason I mentioned my son other than pride, is because of his college fund we had saved up over the years. He no longer needed it as he got his formal education on his own merits. The saved College funds now became my new shop without incurring debt. I have always had a thirst for learning and growing. Friends ask me why I don't watch TV sports, my reply is simple, "theres too much to learn". When I'm not doing house,vehiclal maintenance or spending time with my four GSD (they require walking,training,love and grooming), I'm spending time feeding my soul in the shop. Never be afraid to try something once, if you like it, Rinse and repeat.
I suppose the short answer to your question is simple.....Practice.
The ultimate credit goes to our creator for blessing me with a patient wife of 30 years.
Peace,
Paco
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Excellent story Paco. You are an inspiration and I wish you well as you continue to learn and wow us with your craftsmanship.
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
this!!
panchohughes
Well-known member
Wow. Thanks for the detailed reply. I admire your outlook and ambition. I too was in the Navy (8yrs). I served on an Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate (sub chaser) out of Newport RI. Before that the USNS Mercy hospital ship. Was also in Diego Garcia for a year, and shore duty in Oakland CA. I was 17 when i went in as an "ET", but I was fresh off the farm and spent my time at the EM club. (back then you could drink on base under 21) Anyway, I ended up not completing A school and they sent me to the fleet to chip paint. I had an opportunity to go into admin so I took it. Ended up as a PC2.
Sometimes I wish I could go back and do things over so I could learn a trade. I am very fortunate that I got into computers back in the time when they were 386 with 4Mb of RAM. I have done well for myself, and consider myself lucky/fortunate.
Like you, I almost never watch TV. I like to tinker and work on projects too much. I like the feeling of getting things done.
Thanks for taking the time to reply like that. I enjoyed reading it.
All the best-
Kevin (pancho is nick name my grandfather gave me when i was a kid)
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Had too many domestic chores to knock out today after work, but I did manage to turn the second dial in recored time (for me) since the setup and operations where fresh in my head. Turned out nicely with the same fit as the first. I also detailed the lathe and serviced al the ball oilers. Gonna miss that machine but then the new one should allow me to really get after it.
Second dial took about 45-50 min.
Second dial took about 45-50 min.
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Paco,
You're doing great work on getting the brake back in service. I found myself doing much of the same work on mine with new fingers and holding plates. Its time consuming stuff! I'm looking forward to seeing it back together.
-Bryan
You're doing great work on getting the brake back in service. I found myself doing much of the same work on mine with new fingers and holding plates. Its time consuming stuff! I'm looking forward to seeing it back together.
-Bryan
Fnieto- Paco and zmotorsports- Mike, I enjoy both of your threads immensely. Both of your attention to detail, love of tools, love of shop time, and passion for this job/hobby are an inspiration to me. I also spend most of my free time in my shop and believe that there is nothing better in life than creating, but more importantly learning.
As mentioned I would rather be in the shop than almost anywhere else. (I use my vacation time for an uninterrupted week in the shop).
As for your posts of projects and what you did today, I look forward to them daily, I look forward to when you post your new tools/machines almost as much as I look forward to my new arrivals.
I don't look to you as idols or "gods", but as regular guys who are doing something that they love and have a passion and aptitude for.
I applaud your work and appreciate your willingness to show what you do. Again, you are both an inspiration.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
As mentioned I would rather be in the shop than almost anywhere else. (I use my vacation time for an uninterrupted week in the shop).
As for your posts of projects and what you did today, I look forward to them daily, I look forward to when you post your new tools/machines almost as much as I look forward to my new arrivals.
I don't look to you as idols or "gods", but as regular guys who are doing something that they love and have a passion and aptitude for.
I applaud your work and appreciate your willingness to show what you do. Again, you are both an inspiration.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Paco, the dials for the brake turned out great.
I am always impressed with your work and I am going to miss seeing that Birmingham 14x40 lathe of yours making chips, but I am sure I will become accustomed to your new one eventually. Just wish you would have consulted me first.
Quick question, and sorry if I missed it if you already mentioned it, what material did you use to make your dials from? The finish is quite nice on them and appears to be more than merely 1018 or 1020 mild steel. Did you use something with a bit more carbon like a 1045 or 1060 steel?
Thanks again for sharing your work and shop with us Paco.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
WOW, I can't speak for Paco, and don't want to hi-jack his thread, but I am flattered beyond expression. Thank you for the comments and thanks for following along on our project threads.
Well, Thank you very much.
I don't believe I'm really any different than most fellas, just driven to learn and grow, like you. From the time my son could understand spoken words he'd always hear "do everything with a purpose" no matter what the task was. I'm not sure where I learned this as my father was laborer with limited skills. My dad (RIP) taught me to be honor my word and never tarnish his/our name.
I do everything with a purpose at work and in my personal life to the best of my ability. Thanks for checking in and keep up the good work my friend.
Remember,when you do muck something up, its not a failure unless you make the same mistake again. Keep practicing and listen to you gut. I've been practicing for north of thirty years and still have much to learn.
Turn and Burn!
Paco
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I read Mike's thread and now in Paco's.. I'm going through a rough transition and seeing the conversation about shops feeding the soul really hit me in the feels this morning. Thanks, guys!
I did eleven years in the Navy. Submarine nuke electrician, first out of Bangor, WA then a 688 out of Pearl Harbor.
I did eleven years in the Navy. Submarine nuke electrician, first out of Bangor, WA then a 688 out of Pearl Harbor.
Paco, the dials for the brake turned out great.
Quick question, and sorry if I missed it if you already mentioned it, what material did you use to make your dials from? The finish is quite nice on them and appears to be more than merely 1018 or 1020 mild steel. Did you use something with a bit more carbon like a 1045 or 1060 steel?
Thanks again for sharing your work and shop with us Paco.
Hey Mike, yeah those dials have a nice surface finish with no polishing required.
The material is 3" solid aluminum that will have two more operations before calling them done. They will get drill/tapped for a 3/8" setscrew and the circumference will be profiled using either 1/4" or 3/8" ball end mill on a rotary setup. The receiving shafts will be milled with a flat landing for the setscrews.
Funny you bring up the lathe. Yesterday as I was turning the second dial, my wife stopped in to find me taking a .080" DOC with beautiful long coils of swarf.
I was turning at 650RPM with a fairly decent federate. She says to me "So tell me what you needed a new lathe again"? Without missing a beat my reply was "So I can take .150" DOC "
She gave me that look of compassion I have loved for over thirty years. HahahThe new machine is very nice, hopefully ships this week after the check clears.
Did you check out the links I posted previously? One is the facility where they manufacture them (Sun Master) in Taiwan.
The second video that follows is of the actual machine being tested by Acra in Ranch Cucamonga. This shows the carriage/cross feed reversing knob. Really a neat feature with the machines running at 1800 RPM.
If you interested in the videos, check out post #311 Theres two links.
Take care amigo,
Paco
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hey Mike, yeah those dials have a nice surface finish with no polishing required.
The material is 3" solid aluminum that will have two more operations before calling them done. They will get drill/tapped for a 3/8" setscrew and the circumference will be profiled using either 1/4" or 3/8" ball end mill on a rotary setup. The receiving shafts will be milled with a flat landing for the setscrews.
Funny you bring up the lathe. Yesterday as I was turning the second dial, my wife stopped in to find me taking a .080" DOC with beautiful long coils of swarf.
I was turning at 650RPM with a fairly decent federate. She says to me "So tell me what you needed a new lathe again"? Without missing a beat my reply was "So I can take .150" DOC "
The new machine is very nice, hopefully ships this week after the check clears.
Did you check out the links I posted previously? One is the facility where they manufacture them (Sun Master) in Taiwan.
The second video that follows is of the actual machine being tested by Acra in Ranch Cucamonga. This shows the carriage/cross feed reversing knob. Really a neat feature with the machines running at 1800 RPM.
If you interested in the videos, check out post #311 Theres two links.
Take care amigo,
Paco
Thanks for the response Paco. I guess I didn't realize they were aluminum and just assumed they would be steel. For some reason I just imagined you were going to do an interference fit and weld the handles/dials on.
I did check out the videos that you posted earlier drooled and over that new 16x40 lathe. I'm happy for ya and hope you get it in your shop and setup in a timely manner so I can get accustomed to seeing it in your awesome shop. Sorry, I had to throw in how it was going to affect me.
Looking forward to more pictures of swarf and projects my friend.
Hey brother, Serving duty aboard a sub must have been difficult/stressful at times. Whatever rough patch your experiencing at the moment, remember all past experiences good or negative have conditioned you to deal with current issues in one way or another. You'll get past this, but its imperative you keep your mind and hands busy. Negatives in our lives are mere "blips" in our radar.
Feed your soul and find balance and all will work out.
Keep on keeping on!
meathooker
Well-known member
Today was a productive day. Delivered to the blasters and they where able get on my job immediately. The stars must be aligned as they are always deep in work. I was anticipating picking up next week, but this is much better for me as my last shift is tomorrow and start my six day brake on Saturday. Guess what I'm doing over the weekend...
I requested Coper Slag as the old iron had over 50 mills of coat after coat of brushed on paint. I also wanted a medium finish for the hammer tone paint to bite into. They protected all machined surfaces with rubberized tape and I used sacrificial hardware to protect the threads from the media. Getting close to paint has me excited
Thanks for looking.
Paco
I requested Coper Slag as the old iron had over 50 mills of coat after coat of brushed on paint. I also wanted a medium finish for the hammer tone paint to bite into. They protected all machined surfaces with rubberized tape and I used sacrificial hardware to protect the threads from the media. Getting close to paint has me excited
Thanks for looking.
Paco
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GLTHFJ60
Well-known member
Looks great!!
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Wow, that cleaned up very nice Paco.
Looking forward to seeing the paint go on.
Looking forward to seeing the paint go on.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Hell of a life story Paco - thank you for your service.
Farmall,
Thanks, but not really all that special other than the blessing of being healthy to pursue challenges. So many folks have been through remarkable circumstances including horrific combat to protect our country. I come from a long line of veterans and my duty was mostly learning skills that can be applied to many shop projects. I still serve in the public safety arena but getting close to retiring and looking forward to doing "my thing" as much or little as I want. I do plan on seeking volunteer work at a poly tech type HS, but don't like politics much so time will tell. It was my pleasure to serve our nation and I too benefited from serving. Thank a Vet young and old any chance you get.
Peace,
Paco
Thanks, but not really all that special other than the blessing of being healthy to pursue challenges. So many folks have been through remarkable circumstances including horrific combat to protect our country. I come from a long line of veterans and my duty was mostly learning skills that can be applied to many shop projects. I still serve in the public safety arena but getting close to retiring and looking forward to doing "my thing" as much or little as I want. I do plan on seeking volunteer work at a poly tech type HS, but don't like politics much so time will tell. It was my pleasure to serve our nation and I too benefited from serving. Thank a Vet young and old any chance you get.
Peace,
Paco
atfulldraw
Well-known member
that was a long and outstandingly interesting read! b
bzmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Handles turned out great Paco. Funny, looking at your pictures, I have the exact same ratcheting tap handle set. I bought them about 20 years ago and love them.
Keep up the amazing work my friend.
that was a long and outstandingly interesting read!
Thank you sir.
I just started typing to answer a not so simple question as decades of practice has lead me to where I am today. I have a long way to go and look forward to improving. I do take time to "smell the roses" as they say, although my wife thinks I could do better on that subject.
Paco
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I too purchased mine from my Snap-On dealer in early to mid 90's and have yet to see them anywhere else since because I have had several people ask me where I purchased them. I bought the two piece set, the one like you have in your picture and the smaller one.
Yesterday I pressed in the two larger bushing (4" ID) I had made from one. The Oilite bushing are an up grade from the original bronze that came on the machine back in 77.
Used the same tool I made to press out the worn out ones to press in the replacements.
Use a similar setup but no sleeve was required. I also used a tiny bit of engine assembly lube to help things along. Once the bushings where in, I drilled a oil journal allowing the use of 30W or lighter machine oil to flush out small wear particles via ball oiler. The Oilite bushings are self lubricating but I felt an occasional flush will prolong the life of the bushings. My calculations OD/ID where close and in the end they fit nice and snug over the cam handles.
Used the same tool I made to press out the worn out ones to press in the replacements.
Use a similar setup but no sleeve was required. I also used a tiny bit of engine assembly lube to help things along. Once the bushings where in, I drilled a oil journal allowing the use of 30W or lighter machine oil to flush out small wear particles via ball oiler. The Oilite bushings are self lubricating but I felt an occasional flush will prolong the life of the bushings. My calculations OD/ID where close and in the end they fit nice and snug over the cam handles.
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Also prepped the first of the components for paint. I decided to paint all moving parts gloss black to help keep things from looking grungy as these parts require lubrication and adjusting when in use. My hands tend to stay dirty during fabrication work and don't want to transfer paw prints.
A scalpel, small file and razor made short work of masking. I've used a small file to cut the masking on outside corners for years with very good results, so put that tick in you memory toolbox.
A scalpel, small file and razor made short work of masking. I've used a small file to cut the masking on outside corners for years with very good results, so put that tick in you memory toolbox.
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I was broke back then with a family to support and my S-O dealer was hard to work with, so only bought the one. I ended up shopping more with the Matco and Mac dealers since the snappy guy was downright greedy. I still want the little brother tho.
Have a great work week Mike and thanks for visiting.
Take care brother,
Paco
